Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cynthia Bischoff, founder, and CEO of Heartliving, located in Norfolk, VA, USA.

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

Through Heartliving seminars and individual coaching, and holistic healing sessions, I offer clients life solutions through an integrated view of body, mind, and spirit. My clients range from young adults to retirees, with a core group ages 35-65. Using virtual methods, I work with clients all over the U.S., Japan, and Europe.

Tell us about yourself

I began my career as a university administrator and highly successful business consultant, trainer, and life coach. After a life-changing experience, I knew intuitively that my destiny was to assist individuals in finding deeper meaning and balance in their everyday lives. I became certified in numerous healing modalities in the U.S., Japan, and South America, and after extensive training, I re-emerged with a unique curriculum grounded in business and intuitive principles. My passion is to hear people's stories and to help them in their transformation process to become the best version of themselves.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is to meet the needs of my clients and to be there for them at their darkest and brightest moments. Perhaps my greatest professional accomplishment has been to receive the Best of Norfolk Holistic Practitioner Award for the past 14 years, which has allowed me to be inducted into the Norfolk Virginia Hall of Fame.

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

I truly work tirelessly and passionately and have for years. As my client base grew, it became harder for me to allow for self-care and proper personal balance. More recently (past ten years), I have taken two weeks off each year to travel to Europe and explore many cultures without a business agenda. Also, I take time to visit my adult children who have moved out of state, and this is extremely important to me.

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

  1. Dive in, and don't let others project their fears onto you about what you can and cannot do.
  2. Believe in yourself, and rather than worry too much about having your feet on the ground, always remember that you can fly.
  3. Be sure to balance your own self-care (health, needs, family) by including it in your professional goals and aspirations.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Several years into my work, I had a magical moment when I became aware that I had initiated not just a business but that I was developing a heart community. While I was leading this venture, I also knew that I was being led, constantly surrendering to the sacred awareness of it all. I am so grateful for the daily learning, and I reflect on the truth of the words of Michelangelo at age 87: "Ancora Imparo - I am still learning."

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://heartliving.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Heartliving
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynthiaheartliving/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/onwingsofhope
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthialbischoff/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur 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.