Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shakti Sutriasa, Founder of Decide Differently, located in Bainbridge Island, WA, USA.

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

I founded Decide Differently, a life coaching and psychotherapy practice focused on personal development and spiritual/self-transformation, in 2013. My clients are mostly women who are ready to release trauma and outdated beliefs to live a vibrant life of success, happiness, and greater fulfillment.

Tell us about yourself

My first "real" job was teaching high school English at an international school when I lived overseas. That experience inspired me to get a Master's degree in education. I then went on to teach in the States, eventually co-founding and directing a private K-8 school for nearly ten years before transitioning to the work I do now. After getting licensed as a clinical social worker, I opened Decide Differently, a private coaching and therapy practice. I love having deep transformational conversations and supporting people to affect positive changes in their lives. It is incredibly motivating and satisfying.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I've run two businesses. Regarding the school, my biggest accomplishment was staying solvent during the economic meltdown in 2008 and soon thereafter, attracting more students and becoming an accredited institution. With Decide Differently, it's continuing to support people in their personal journeys to awaken to the truth of who they are.

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

Wearing lots of hats! In other words, doing a little bit of everything all the time! As a solopreneur, I am constantly juggling lots of tasks, from working one-on-one with clients to marketing, bookkeeping, and maintaining a website, podcast, etc.

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

  1. Be patient - Everything takes longer than you think it will.
  2. Ask for help - Recognize what you do well and get support doing everything else.
  3. Don't be shy to shine - It can be hard to market or promote yourself, but the world needs your unique vision and brand, so be loud and proud!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Go for what you love, what your passion is, and don't look back. Yes, you will likely work hard, but it is so rewarding to actualize your dreams. As the Spanish proverb reminds us, "a life lived in fear is a life half lived."

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.decidedifferently.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shakti.sutriasa
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaktisutriasa/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shaktisutriasa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shakti-sutriasa-69344216/

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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