Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Emily McKissick Diaz, Founder and CEO of Enlightened Warrior Book Club, located in Denver, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I started a personal development company in 2018 called Enlightened Warrior Book Club. EWBC is one of the most inspiring platforms that you will receive every month, perfectly curated in a box. The idea is to inspire people from all walks of life to have the desire to become the best expression of themselves, one book at a time. The box contains an enlightening book, fiction or non-fiction, along with several items to help create a calm, peaceful, growing environment. There are always bonus items included in the box each month that align with the theme of the current month's book. It is a great gift for someone exploring their journey in life as well as giving that gift to yourself.
Tell us about yourself
Formerly, I was pursuing a career in professional women's soccer. Unfortunately, my journey came to a halt due to a painful knee injury while playing Division 1 for the University of Denver. I continued with my studies and received a Bachelor's and Master's in Business Law and Education. I began my business journey in 2005 when I partnered with a company in the legal industry, where I spent 16 years of my life becoming a student of personal development and building a healthy book of business. Shortly after, I launched Enlightened Warrior Book Club in 2018.
Since my launch, I have become a published author and released my first co-authored book in 2022, The Badass Within. I am currently writing my memoir and will hope to publish it within the year. While I've become consistent in crafting positive patterns that will help me grow, I'll be forever grateful to my life partner for keeping me accountable as well. My husband and I have been together for over 19 years and are currently building a life together based on health, wealth, and mastery of self.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
One of my mentors said this statement once on stage at a big event, and it always stuck with me throughout my journey. She said, "If I had to write the story of my life, I probably would not have written it this way. But if I had to rewrite it, I would not have changed a thing." With that being said, my biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been being 100% honest with myself. To maintain my integrity, especially through the pain and discomfort that can arise while building a business. I know at the end of the day if I can lay my head on the pillow knowing I did the absolute best that I could with the resources I've been given with integrity, then I am living out my life's purpose.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest aspects of the business has been letting go of all the control and seeking leverage. I have found myself having a hard time allowing other, larger companies to take over the everyday practices of my business. And doing the curation. My goal is to allow my business to work with or without me operating, but the "control" aspect of it has been a scary journey to face.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Choose your hard. The anguish, irritation, and frustration that you feel today will be your strength to leap walls tomorrow, to leap hurdles tomorrow, to champion the day tomorrow. Turn your pain into progress and power.
- Abraham Lincoln once said, "Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend four of those hours sharpening the axe." What this means to me is to grow more than I ever have before. When you own a business, the majority of the time, you are dealing with people. And it can be tough. Work on better communication, empathy, and grace.
- Always remember we receive abundance in direct proportion to the value that we bring to the world.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://linktr.ee/emspiration
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100061317703905
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enlightenedwarriorbookclub/
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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