Life coaching advice on being a business owner
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey as a coach, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Pascale, the founder of Change Your Latitude. Pascale is a nomadic coach, helping creatives and entrepreneurs alike manifest their dreams and ideas.
Tell us all about your business...
I coach creative entrepreneurs and artists.
What's your background and motivation to get into the solopreneur life?
Creativity is one of my biggest values. It has the power to help us connect to ourselves, connect to one another, process emotions, find new solutions and open our minds. I believe the more creative minds are focusing their energy in their creative practice (and not diluting their energy everywhere or leading a life that doesn't make sense for who they are), the better we all are. That's why I guide my clients find what works for them in their business, focus on what matters and manage their energy in a way that supports them.
As a business owner, what does success ultimately mean to you?
I love this question! I believe too often we don't create space to really ask ourselves this question and we end up working towards someone else's definition of success. For me, success is about presence. Being fully present and mindful in my creative practice, in my life, in my business, in my relationships. Success is being able to be here, now, and enjoy the little miracles that surround us.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
It's one of the hardest things but also one of the most rewarding things: embarking on a self growth journey. Entrepreneurship is not so much about business, than it is about building self-trust, self-love and self-acceptance. We constantly have to deal with our fear, stories and limiting beliefs in order to be able to own what we actually want to do, stop playing small and make consistent progress.
What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run or grow a business today?
1. Create space to reflect on who you are. Get curious about your identity, your values, your personality, how you function, how you move through a day, a week or a month.
2. Understand what you truly want. Get clear on your vision and purpose, so that you can anchor yourself in a solid direction.
3. Based on who you are and what you want, get curious about what you need to support yourself: boundaries, habits, practices. Protect this sacred space you're creating for yourself.
If there was one thing you could do repeatedly to help grow your business, what would it be?
For me, it's all about getting better at your craft, whatever that might be. When you are passionate about what you do and you care about the service you provide, your clients end up becoming your sales rep, and it's the best way to attract your ideal clients in a way that protects your energy, time and money.
What are some of the things you put in place to maintain a healthy work/life balance and to keep it all together?
It might sound silly, but what helps me personally is creating different environments and 'characters' to divide my business space, my creative space and living space. It helps me create clear boundaries. For example, I might dress up in a specific way to create or choose to work only at a certain desk. I create moods. It helps me get in the role of the entrepreneur, the artist or the woman/friend/wife. Also, it's fun ;)
Who are some of your favorite entrepreneurs and best business resources/books?
Some entrepreneurs that inspire me: Adriene Mishler, Morgan Harper Nichols, Meera Lee Patel, Brené Brown... They're expanders for me: creative and sensitive minds that were able to grow a business that makes an impact and stays true to who they are.
The advice I would love to offer around business resources, is to not get lost in them. I've learned way more about managing my business from practicing yoga and art. Trust yourself.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
You got this. I know the ups and downs of running a business can often feel exhausting, but you can absolutely find a way that works for you. If you're feeling drained and you're forcing yourself to run your business a certain way, get curious about other ways it could work for you.
Where can people find you online?
My website is www.changeyourlatitude.co and you can find me on Instagram @pascalecote and on the Change Your Latitude Podcast.
If you like what you've read here and have your own solopreneur story 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.