Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Candy Ashbee, Founder of Emerge and Evolve, located in Welland, ON, Canada.

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

I am a Personal Development Coach. I empower people to discover their direction, craft a sustainable action plan, and live a life that's fulfilling. My clients come from all walks of life, and all stages of life, from directors and senior managers to individual contributors looking to improve various areas of their life or work performance.

Tell us about yourself

After recovering from cancer in 2015, I had to rebuild my life. I had lost my identity. I wanted to be happy and was unsure what true happiness was for me. After reading several books and developing my own journey, I was able to design the life I wanted. "We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll. This quote is what motivates me each day.

I began coaching to help others feel lighter and reach their goals. I wish when I was struggling to figure out what my next steps were that I had someone to be my thinking partner, to ask me the deeper questions and support me on my journey.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is to be profitable while having autonomy over my schedule. It is important for me to maintain my life-work integration.

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

Being a solopreneur is difficult. The pandemic has done networking in person challenging. I have had to find different ways to keep a social connection.

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

  1. Remember, perfection is the enemy of the good. Do your due diligence, have a business plan, but start. Using a coach to check your blind spots is a good idea.
  2. Perseverance is key. It takes time to build a business, and many businesses that last do so because they kept going during difficult times. Keep your momentum forward and stay positive. Opportunities appear when you are preparing for things to come.
  3. Build a support network. Find people starting out too. Collaborate with other companies that align with your business, volunteer in your community, and learn to network.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Becoming an entrepreneur is the most difficult and rewarding adventure. If you are willing to do the work, grow from your errors, and live and breathe your business, you will find success. Success to you is how you define it.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://emergeandevolve.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmergeandEvolve
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergeandevolve/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CandyAUnlimited
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candy-ashbee/

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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