Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Karen Strunks, a thought leader, speaker, author, and coach based in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I consider myself honoured and privileged to be able to support incredible, purpose-driven women entrepreneurs to connect deeper to their calling, elevate their belief in themselves, and make money in a conscious way, and in doing so, my clients create a powerful life of freedom that is aligned with their soul's purpose and the work that they are here to do.
Tell us about yourself
When I was working a 9-5 corporate job that sucked the soul out of me, I was at my lowest, most frustrated, and scared point in life. I was so disconnected from my purpose that I became deeply depressed and didn't want to go on. I was never one to simply fit in and follow the rules. I've always been a rebel and a non-conformist, and despite my best efforts, I had no place in the corporate world.
My heart and soul yearned for freedom, independence, and liberation! To accomplish this, I had to change my fears and doubts into beliefs that the world was full of potential and opportunities and that if other people could do it, so could I. When I woke up one day, I realised I couldn't keep going the way I was. It was killing me. I HAD to take action. I knew I had to do something urgently. I quit that job that same day, and within hours, my depression lifted. I started taking huge leaps of faith. I pursued personal development and became a life coach so I could help other women.
When I began to notice significant changes in my life, I noticed that my old feelings of fear began to give way to feelings of excitement, happiness, and confidence. My long-desired freedom and independence had finally arrived.
The freedom and independence that I had long desired were finally mine as I began my journey as a creative entrepreneur living life on my terms and over the many years that have led me to connect with my deeper purpose in life. My motivation day to day is driven by my strong sense of purpose to help other purpose-led women create a life and business based on freedom and their soul's work.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Celebrating 16 years in business is my crowning achievement as an entrepreneur. Overcoming the challenges and obstacles that come with entrepreneurship, and persevering through the ups and downs, is a testament to my tenacity and unwavering belief in my purpose. I am proud to have defied the odds, as so many businesses falter in their first year, and I am grateful for the personal growth that this journey has given me. There is no other journey like it!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
You have to develop the ability to take a step forward every day, even though you may not know the how. Entrepreneurs are more likely to take risks, so there will be times we need to take a leap of faith even though we can't see the net.
You also have to have the ability to keep your focus on your vision and not be distracted by your own limiting beliefs or those of others. Self-belief is easy when times are good, but when challenging times come in, it is most needed.
Every challenge brings its own reward. Do not fear failure
embrace it as an opportunity to learn and grow. We mustn't forget to enjoy the journey in every season of entrepreneurship!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start today with what you have. Don't wait for the right time. It will never come.
- Be true to your vision and be brave. Not everyone will understand what you are doing, but that's ok. This is your life, your way.
- Do the work! Focus on the tasks that will bring you the biggest return on investment of your time, attention, energy, and money.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://karenstrunks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thekarenstrunks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenstrunks/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/karenstrunks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenstrunks/
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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