Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lauren Canafranca, Founder of Elbie Coaching, located in Edmonton, AB, Canada.

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

Elbie Coaching is a financial coaching and counseling company focused on serving millennials with variable or un-fixed incomes.

Tell us about yourself

I am Lauren Cañafranca, and I am an accredited Financial Counsellor® in Canada. I began my journey into financial counseling in 2018 through my studies as a transition from a full-time massage therapy practice. I spent years in clinical practice holding space for my clients who would share their worries and shame around money. I knew that if I could apply my personal experience (both triumph and tragedy) with money, along with my professional training that the impact I could have on people could be longer lasting than I was able to achieve with a message.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I think starting this business, to begin with, is my biggest accomplishment. I had to overcome my own shame around money and ensure that I had appropriate knowledge and skills in order to even begin, so I feel very proud of that. Recently one of my biggest accomplishments has been receiving an invitation to speak as a guest expert inside a group coaching program for a colleague that I have admired since before I began my business.

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

I have ADHD, and developing and sticking to routine and structure is a consistent obstacle.

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

  1. Find business friends. I hired coaches, and on one's recommendation to seek out friends, I found a group of other service-based providers. We have a group that speaks almost daily through chat, and the benefit of being able to ask for advice or get other people's thoughts is hard to describe. Plus, you will get to ascend together.
  2. Hire a coach. A well-vetted and individualized coach. I am so glad that I hired a coach early on. I had to do the work; however, having someone help me map out a vision for my business put me on track to advance my business so much faster than if I had tried to go it alone. You deserve support.
  3. Give yourself permission to go slow. Keep working your day job, and make the transition into your business when you feel safe.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

To anyone looking to start a business, do it. Be compassionate with yourself along the way and keep showing up. The world needs your gifts.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.elbiecoaching.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elbie.coaching/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-canafranca-a8353319b/

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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