Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Claudia Braun, founder of Claudia Braun Holistic Lifestyle Coaching, located in Evanston, IL, USA.

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

I get women (and some very special men) off the diet cycle. I teach them skills and tools to change their eating and their mind, so they can prioritize themselves free of guilt and do what they've been saying they want to do but have been unsuccessful in doing it.

Tell us about yourself

I struggled for years with dieting and a lack of self-love, which fueled my search to find the answers to why... I couldn't lose weight, why I was unhappy, why nothing stuck for very long... and through this struggle, I found answers and learned skills that helped me succeed and turn my story around. It fuels my passion for assisting others who struggled as I did, and they too are looking for 'the answer" and what I spent years figuring out; I teach, guide, mentor, and coach my clients to do in my 90 Day Mentoring Program "Live your healthiest, happiest life."

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Having a client tell me her marriage was saved, her parenting was changed, and she no longer feels the need to escape to an island alone to be happy. Because as a result of the work we did together, she's in love with who she is and happy with the life she has. She found out the outer world didn't need to change and found power and strength in discovering she could change, which created her happiness. I love what I do, and I love the difference it makes in others' lives and its ripple effect on the others in their lives, their partners, kids, and friends. They find themselves teaching friends what they too can do...generations are changed by the work we do together.

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

I've been a solopreneur for 20 plus years, and so much has changed since I began my practice. The key is staying flexible, consistent, and committed. It's way too easy to quit when things don't go as planned, and I'd say that's the hardest thing. You can have a great plan, but then the market changes or someone gets sick, or there's a pandemic... being able to pivot and do what's called, for now, is not always easy, especially when you worked really hard for something to be a certain way, but life happens... The hardest thing is being able to roll with whatever happens, and regardless staying optimistic, believing good will come from this too; you may not know now what that is, but know it will.

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

  1. Be flexible. Sometimes plans don't go as you thought, be willing to roll with it and see what's needed.
  2. Be willing to grow, and grow as a person. Being a solopreneur shows you your strengths and your weaknesses. As you know yourself better, you know more about how to navigate most effectively for yourself and your business.
  3. Let every situation be a teacher. Let it teach you something new so you can be fueled to expand your practice.
  4. Take care of yourself. So often, people burn themselves out, and then they resent their business or anything that gets in the way of it. But the key to being happy is balance. And if you're not taking care of yourself, you don't have anything to give to yourself, your family, or your business. And taking care of yourself means going within, resting, and listening to what you need to feel at peace and well.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

As a solopreneur being in practice for 20 plus years, I've allowed myself to grow and then let that fuel my business. As I learn, I teach, and this is good for me. I stay excited about my work, and it enhances what I can offer clients to succeed.

Where can people find you and your business?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LivingMindfullyHealthCoaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachclaudiabraun/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/coachclaudiab
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3z51oJS

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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