Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in inner work, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ann-Marie Ahye, the founder of Energetic Presence, a contemplative mind-body therapy in Canada.

Tell us all about your business...

I offer Contemplative Mind-Body Therapies including: Mindful Yoga, Inner Attunement, Contemplative Somatic Therapy & Energy Balancing. Those ready and willing to grow self-accountability and engage in a maturing relationship with their whole self, are better suited to this inner work. The felt-sensing and self-inquiry involved call for a conscious slowing down and offers embodied experiencing and enhanced Self-awakening, bringing clear heart-mind awareness to everyday living; less stress, more ease. A lack of self-knowing leads to unnecessary suffering and true self-understanding is a sobering antidote.

What's your background and motivation to grow as a business owner?

My primary pathway for over 30 years has been experiential learning through self-inquiry and committed practice, leading to my own freedom from anxious, insecure and depressed states. Taking the time to explore my actual feeling states instead of habitually masking, has been empowering and has brought somatic and psychological ease.

Finding my way ‘home’ to myself, enables me to guide others to explore their own compassionate intrapersonal relationship. This offers a way of being in an ever turbulent world, better equipped to navigate this human life.

For over 25 years, I continue to be inspired to guide others towards their well-being, because I know personally that these transformative practices are real and effective. And, the reward of having clients shift from self-loathing towards a genuine friendliness and from self-neglect to a body-consciousness that elicits less tension and more ease, feels so rewarding. My clients, their willingness to journey through the web of personal and social conditioning, reactive impulses and ongoing distress, motivates my interest to continue to offer this inner guidance.

As an entrepreneur, what does success ultimately mean to you?

Staying the course. Riding the waves of expansion and contraction throughout my 25 years of guiding others, is not a journey for the faint of heart. Learning to embrace ‘what is’ takes courage, builds resilience and offers beneficial role-modelling.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being an entrepreneur?

More recently, gaining access to a wider audience of prospective clients. Marketing is not my forte and yet providing my services online presents potential that feels untapped. I know that there are so very many who can benefit from my services. Gaining access to those who need and want Inner Guidance to grow their own Inner Attunement, is my desire.

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

Take the time to establish your own Self-growth, to ground yourself in the service that you offer. Understand that such a commitment will likely involve a continuous ebb and flow. Find a pace that feels self-respectful, rather than being influenced by the ‘rat race’ syndrome.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

“Ann-Marie offers a softness and ritual in her Yoga and Meditation.  I understood from her that a state of calm and peace can be cultivated through practice. Her teaching was one that led me to glimpse for the first time how working with and staying with emotions allows us to transcend and mature those emotions. Self-study is an essential part of Ann-Marie’s work.” Kim, Nanaimo


“Ann-Marie is authentic. Her Yoga Retreats are both relaxing and challenging. Her meditation work is not simplistic or “new age”, rather contemplative and intimate. I would highly recommend and endorse any of her current and future endeavours.” Victoria, Toronto


“There is something about the clear, gentle way that Ann-Marie teaches that encourages not just trust in her and what she is saying, but trust in yourself and your body to go along the path with her.” - Sarah, Brooklyn

“I like to joke that Ann-Marie keeps me upright! She is a very special teacher and healer who helps me nurture self-awareness and calm. She supports me in unlocking and feeling my emotions, understanding their roots, and ultimately, letting go of what no longer serves me. Her Inner Work is beyond talk therapy which I am familiar with. As a result, I have experienced growing self-love, trust and worth, less reactivity, and a deepening connection to my authentic self, in a way that I have never known.” Shannon, Toronto

Where can people find you online?

http://www.energeticpresence.com/
https://www.facebook.com/energeticpresence/
https://www.instagram.com/annmarieahye/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as an entrepreneur or business coach that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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