Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Arielle McCarthy, Founder of Igniting Sunbeams, located in Toronto, ON, Canada & Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Holistic Health & Life Coaching. I empower women of all ages to reclaim their lives by aligning their bodies, mind, and soul. My individualized programs enhance the zest for life and promote a healthier lifestyle, both mentally and physically.
Tell us about yourself
Aloha! I'm Arielle. Like many of you, I have experienced a tremendous amount of adversity in my life over the years. Those difficult experiences have shaped me into a resilient and optimistic soul with a deep passion for helping inspire others. Becoming a coach and having the ability to fulfill my life's purpose has truly been one of the most rewarding opportunities! I love it so much that I want to dive deeper, and I am currently pursuing a master's degree in Clinical Psychology with a Spirituality and Depth specialization out in Los Angeles. I'm truly excited to see where this next chapter brings me!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner was starting it! Two months after I earned my coaching certifications, I quit my full-time job in Mississauga, and I made the decision to follow my true calling. I packed my things into two suitcases and moved to Hawaii (4,000 miles away), and started taking virtual clients.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Staying focused and prioritizing. It is better to get one thing done than to start five things and get none of them done. For some, it can be hard to ground yourself when you have a million ideas in your head that you want to implement all at once!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Stop waiting for the "right" time because it will never come! There is an initial leap of faith that is required to be an entrepreneur. So, have that confidence in yourself that you are ready to take the plunge and pursue this beautiful journey that you have probably always dreamed of. The journey starts NOW!
- Be authentic. As a small business owner, YOU are your brand. Do not compromise yourself or your values based on what you think people will like. More often than not, you are starting a business because you are truly passionate about it. Once you start compromising your truth, your brand will lose its meaning and eventually lose its purpose to you. Your intended customers/clients/patients will feel your passion and be drawn to your authenticity.. this will make them mean even more to you.
- Have compassion for yourself throughout your journey, and do not let the inspiration of others turn into comparison. Growth in any capacity is not linear, and understanding that is the key to success. It is very easy to get discouraged and lose confidence when we feel that we should be doing "better" or we are failing. Instead, be proud of yourself for having the courage to choose this path and have the confidence that good things will happen if you stay true to yourself and put the work in.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
You never know who you're inspiring just by living your life in joy. Keep smiling and enjoying yourself during this beautiful human experience!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://ignitingsunbeams.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ignitingsunbeams
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ignitingsunbeams/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellemccarthy/
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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