Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Anita Adams, Founder and CEO of Joyful Inspired Living, located in Bowen Island, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is Joyful Inspired Living. I'm an "Inner Wisdom Business Coach" who teaches clients how to find clarity of purpose, how to act on that purpose, and how to tap into their true potential and be a force for good in the world by leveraging their unique skills and talents. I host the Joyful Journey Podcast, lead retreats and offer one-on-one coaching programs - all designed to guide people to their best self and the greatest version of their life.
My clients are typically entrepreneurs and/or individuals in one of life’s many transitions (changing careers, moving into retirement, becoming an empty nester, starting a new business).
Tell us about yourself
I came from the corporate world, having founded and ran a national film agency that promoted Canadian film and talent for 18 years. Then the pandemic hit, shaking up everything in my world, and with that came a bit of a wake-up call. I realized I no longer wanted to be the CEO of a film agency. I wanted something much different, but I didn’t know what. This sent me on a quest to quiet the mind and tune in to the soul to listen to that inner voice of wisdom that I had unwittingly silenced with the busyness of my life.
During this quest and as I tapped into “inner wisdom,” I was reminded of the power of being in nature and how that can help quiet the “monkey mind” and tune in to one’s soul voice. And my soul voice was guiding me to reconnect others with nature. From that, Joyful Inspired Living was created with two initiatives - the Joyful Journey Retreat and the Joyful Journey Podcast. With the retreats selling out and the podcast hitting the top of the charts (currently in the top 2.5% of all podcasts globally), it became clear that I needed to offer my clients other ways to work with me in order to deepen their understanding of how to tap into inner wisdom and leverage their unique skills and talents to be a force for good in the world. With that awareness, The Wisdom Way coaching program was created.
I am someone who is leaning into my purpose, who has learned to trust the Divine within, and who has ultimately created the most beautiful, rich, fulfilling life. I understand what has to happen to be able to create that kind of life, and I’m deeply passionate about teaching these easy-to-learn skills to others. Everyone has access to inner wisdom, everyone can be guided by their soul voice, and I’m here to help you remember how. When you tap into that inner wisdom, you will be guided to the best version of you and the most beautiful version of your life. And with that comes immense joy.
Imagine, if you will, a world where just 10% more of the population is operating from their best and highest selves. It would be a different world. And I want to play a role in helping more people get to that place.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I received many accolades while running my film business that I’m proud of, including the Woman of the Year of Award from Women in Film and Television in 2018, and I grew that business from a hobby into a national, highly respected agency. I partnered with some of the biggest film institutions in Canada, developed and launched the first VOD platform exclusively for Canadian films, and promoted over 700 feature films in movie theatres across the country.
What I’m most proud of with Joyful Inspired Living, which I launched in November 2021, is the fact that I launched Joyful Inspired Living even though the idea of teaching others how to tap into inner wisdom felt way out of my comfort zone. It took me almost a year to find the courage to lean in and listen to my soul voice guiding me down this path. And there is more, much more for me to do on this journey. The big vision includes opening a Wellness Centre where I can teach, host retreats and bring other thought leaders together to share their wisdom.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner is trusting that you are on the right path and that it is going to work out. This can be particularly challenging when you are first starting out, as you can be filled with many self-doubts, and it takes time to build a business before the money starts to flow. That can be really challenging for even the hardiest of entrepreneurs. You need to keep the faith and keep showing up every day, even when you don’t feel like it, and there will definitely be times you don’t feel like it, regardless of how passionate you are about your business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My top three tips for anyone in business (or really anyone who wants to make the most of their life) is to get clear about who you really are, what you really want, and why it matters. This kind of clarity will help you make decisions that are best for you, your family, your business, and the community you serve. It’s surprising how many people don’t have this kind of clarity and consequently more easily make business or life decisions that are out of alignment with who they really are and what matters most to them. Clarity is key not only to your business success but, ultimately, your happiness.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://joyfulinspiredliving.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anita.adams.904/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anitaadams604/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnitaFWC
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitaadamsyvr/
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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