Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lee Atherton, founder of CoachRev, located in Marlborough, MA, USA.

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

I am the founder of CoachRev @the CrossRoads, where I journey with people who are living life's final chapter and their loved ones who are grieving. I also support professionals who frequently encounter trauma, dying, and death in their work with a goal to rekindle the passion that originally brought them to their careers. It is truly an honor to serve people at a vulnerable and challenging time in life.

Tell us about yourself

For many years I was a hospice chaplain who had a small side business as a life coach. I always kept the two worlds separate - after all, one was about dying and the other about living (at least that's where my mind was!). As much as I loved hospice work, I did not like the corporate "$ is the bottom line" and the limits on my time directly serving our clients. About seven years ago, I found a certification program for end-of-life coaches. Whooot!! There IS a way to bring the best of both areas of work together! My inspiration comes from watching the changes that transpire as my clients become more at peace. I am in awe of our first responders, emergency and trauma medical teams, funeral professionals - those people who give so very much of themselves. Anything I can do to support them, I will do. My mission is to make a positive impact on the lives of 100,000 people.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Becoming a published author and international speaker.

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

Having to do all the stuff that's not my passion and that I'm not trained for. Things like Quicken and taxes, marketing, documentation...

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

  1. Be sure you are following a true passion! There are times when that passion is the only thing that will carry you through those times when you just want to throw in the towel.
  2. Surround yourself with those things and people that inspire you, nurture you, feel your heart and soul. A positive atmosphere makes a huge difference in how you show up for yourself and your business.
  3. Don't let yourself be isolated! It's so easy when we're first starting out and are the only one in the game to find yourself spending hours alone in your (likely) own home office. Find ways to engage with others. Join an accountability group. Engage in live (in-person if you can) continuing education. Have at least five collaboration calls each week where you can talk 1:1 and get to know another person and the work they do.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

My favorite inspirational quote by philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche
"It is only when there is chaos within that you can give birth to your shining star." What will your star look like?

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://coachrev.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachRevGrief
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Lee-Atherton-CoachRev/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.