Creating Transformative Experiences

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in leadership development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sydney Jackson-Clockston, Owner and Founder of Citrine Unlimited LLC., located in Littleton, CO, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Citrine Unlimited is a consulting firm that offers leadership and entrepreneurial coaching to small business owners and young professionals. I also offer leadership, DEIJA, well-being training/workshops, and keynote addresses to organizations and associations.

Tell us about yourself

I am an impact-driven entrepreneur who uses my business as a tool to empower my clients. What gets me out of bed every day is that at the core of it all, I love what I do. I have created a business that embodies my core values of Transformation, Honesty, Joy, Community, Equity & Accessibility, and Sustainability & Restoration.

I am a 3rd generation Coloradan and attended Colorado State University for my undergrad and graduate degrees. I received a Master's in Sustainable Tourism Management in 2015. My soon-to-be husband and I became instant parents to our 12-year-old niece last year, and we have two furbabies, Bonnie and Clyde.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

There are a few things that I am proud of accomplishing in business. I have officially worked with over 100 coaching clients! I recently had the opportunity to Moderate/Host The Posner Center of International Development's two-week-long global symposium on decolonizing development. I have to say my biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been overcoming my own importer syndrome. For a long time, I let the negative comments I received from previous employers and my own negative thoughts hold me back. I have dyslexia and have actually had employers and coworkers in the past tease and mock me behind my back and judge me as unprofessional to my face.

I'm proud that I made a choice to work on my personal/professional development. This has allowed me to have the mental fortitude to not only make the leap to start my business but also withstand all the challenges that pop up while running a business. Working on my mindset gave me the courage to write a book and become a published author. So many doors to opportunity have opened.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

One of the most challenging things I have faced as a business owner is being a solopreneur. It's both a blessing and a curse to be the sole person in the business. If I run into a roadblock, it's up to me to figure out a way through. Not only do I have to work in the business, but I have to have a system in place to also work on the business. If I'm sick, it's up to me to figure out what to do. There are a lot of moving parts to being a business owner on top of managing personal life. And I'm always honest with folks that it's not for the faint of heart.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Find your business community even if you have the support of family and friends. If your family and friends aren't business owners themselves, they may have a hard time fully understanding the actions you have to take and the decisions you decide to make. It's also great to have a strong community to ask questions, troubleshoot, and uplift each other.
Create a system that allows you to work both in and on your business effectually. This will help prevent the feast or famine cycle.
It's ok to say no. Every time you say no, you are opening the door for a yes.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.citrineunlimited.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CitrineUnlimited
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CitrineUnlimited/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydneyjc/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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