Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Liana Chaouli, CEO and founder of Image Therapists International Inc., located in Beverly Hills, CA, USA.

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

I am Liana Chaouli; as an Image Therapist, I have had the privilege of coaching some of the most powerful women in the world over the past four decades.

My mission is to create a path for women to regain their confidence, access their awareness, and find acceptance of their bodies so they can be empowered with S.T.Y.L.E. knowledge. As an Image Therapist, I provide guidance through the transformation of the L.A.W. of S.T.Y.L.E. The acronym for L.A.W. stands for "Language, Action & Wardrobe," and the acronym for S.T.Y.L.E. stands for "Seek To Transform Your Life Everyday."

Tell us about yourself

I saw a great need for women to have access to finding the beauty of who they are. I was constantly interacting with powerful women who mastered the domain of their business yet had no mastery when it came to the domain of their own self-esteem, the personal reflection of their emotional and visual image. They lacked access to their own inner knowing regarding their inner and outer beauty, their physical beauty as it appears in their body structure, their ability to show up powerfully feminine, and all the other aspects that make us amazing mothers, sisters, wives, daughters, and friends. At an early age, I set out to create processes, transformational technology, language, and methodology for women to seek and understand the acceptance for who they are exactly the way they are. The fashion and cosmetics industry has not been geared to elevate the diversity of looks, and body types women all over the world represent. I believe that it is our diversity and acceptance of such that make us a stronger world community.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As a business owner, one of my biggest accomplishments is knowing that after forty years of sending this message out into the world, it is now being picked up by the second generation of my clients. The parents are now embodying the teachings of Image Therapy, and the children, now young adults, are curiously asking for more coaching. I'm so proud to see the impact this work is having not just on people's self-esteem, but as a whole positive uplifting for our communities. My mission, vision, commitment, and integrity is now impacting a second generation and more to come. Being witness to my client's continuous learning, growth, and their willingness to courageously step up to their own bigger lives, after all these years, is a great source of honor for my dedicated team and me.

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

If there's something I can share with people, as an entrepreneur, my biggest challenge has been to co-create, facilitate the communication and growth of a well-established team environment. The balance of implementing and holding standards, while leading from the heart with understanding, has every member of my team being heard, guided, and given the opportunity to do their best...this dance has been the most challenging. Every team member is a gift who brings their own special ingredient to my business. As a leader, being able to recognize the gift of each team member while giving them the opportunity to thrive in that domain is a delicate and empowering task.

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

One tip is for entrepreneurs to be coachable. And I do not mean getting mentorship … coaching, there is a distinction. I also wish entrepreneurs would seek more insight into leading and managing people. If it's not something you're good at, find someone who can support you. Growing your business takes courage. If there's any support I can give to a new entrepreneur, it is to step out of your comfort zone, take risks in areas that you know you need to grow in, and most of all, ask the right people for help.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I started my business because I believe in world peace. Peace does not start on the borders of our country; it starts inside each human being. When I or you or anyone can be at peace with who we are exactly the way we are and exactly the way we are not, we have a path to emotional freedom. When I'm at peace with myself, I can bring that peace to any situation and be a beacon of hope and support to others.

My wish for everyone is to be a source of freedom, hope, encouragement, and inspiration to others.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.imagetherapists.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImageTherapy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lianachaouli/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ImageTherapists
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liana-chaouli/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur 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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