Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Esther Loopstra, Owner of Flow into Authenticity, located in Seattle, WA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a professional artist, speaker, and creative career coach. I help creatives and artists find their authentic expression, reach their goals, build their art business, or find a career that aligns with their soul. I offer one-on-one coaching sessions, packages, and workshops and am available for workshops or speaking engagements. My specialty is helping you connect to your own intuition in order to reach your goals.
Tell us about yourself
While creating a successful career as a commercial artist, I realized that my ‘inner rule follower’ was causing me to abandon myself and repeatedly burn out. After taking an intuitive painting class in 2011, I discovered that when I was able to tap into my intuition, it naturally led me to my most authentic self, and everything changed for me. I began researching the flow state, neuroscience, creativity, and intuition, and now I teach these concepts to others, helping them to tap into their own inner knowing through workshops, talks, and mentoring. I have a BFA from Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and I’ve taught at Kent State University and Cornish College of the Arts. I’ve also been featured on the Adobe blog and given talks at Creative Mornings, Seattle University, Bend Design Conference, and more.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is being able to pivot in my business when hard times come or when my intuition is asking me to grow to the next level. Being able to trust myself and know what timing and offerings are right for me is something that I feel proud of. I’ve pivoted many times in my career, such as going back to art school, moving from commercial artwork to fine art, and teaching artists in higher education to becoming a coach and a speaker.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Being able to trust yourself and know what the unique steps are for you and your business. Most of us look at what others are doing to grow their business and try to make it work for us. And while we might gain a few great tips and tricks, most of the time, we need to put the time and effort into discovering what feels authentic to us.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Get to know your intuition so that you are able to make decisions that feel authentic.
- Practice sharing your work in a way that feels fun and inspiring to you.
- Find role models to help you break out of limiting beliefs.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.flowintoauthenticity.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estherloopstraart
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estherloopstraart/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/estherloopstra
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/estherloopstra/
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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