Finding Clarity Within the Chaos

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Laurie Smith, Owner of Clouded Compass, located in Belleville, MI, USA.

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

I help women uncover their inner resources. I offer a trauma-focused journey through external chaos to uncover internal clarity and alignment. My practical tools are based on 20 years of professional experience as an LMSW and my personal journey from suicidal ideation and help that affected internal strength, clarity, and nervous system regulation.

Tell us about yourself

I have been a licensed professional for 20 years and have experienced mental health that harmed - leading to a suicide attempt in 2019. I was helpless, hopeless, and powerless, and I've felt that way my entire life. Learning about trauma, harm reduction, and the three principles helped me uncover my natural strengths, allowed me to pivot my career into a coaching realm to reach a wider audience, and gave me the strength I needed to move from mere survival to thriving as an entrepreneur, author, and podcast creator.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Starting and building two businesses is a lot like managing a mental health diagnosis. The road is bumpy, but building internal safety at every step is key to rewiring our nervous system. I have several tools that teach us how to access these skills. It's doable for anyone, but it MUST be done in a way that works for YOU. That's my area of expertise! Helping others uncover their own internal roadmap, compass, and capacity to thrive!

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

If I'm not careful, I'll fall back into a lack mentality (never enough, negative self-talk, low self-esteem, etc.). That's so natural when trying new things, and... it's not the end of the story. I love how much more effective I am now that I have these tools that my own profession never even pointed me to!

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

It's just an adventure.
Nothing is a failure because everything is a fine-tuning opportunity.
Knowing our own needs is the most important factor in ANY new endeavor. Honoring them is the part we often struggle with - but I've got tools for that too!
Trusting self is a muscle that can be built!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://linktr.ee/cloudedcompass
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067708003537
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cloudedcompass2021/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-smith-a598b247/

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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