Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mischa Byruck, founder of Evolve.Men, located in Oakland, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a sexual integrity coach and teach and guide people of all genders to show up as their best selves around sex and relationships. I founded Evolve.Men, where I support men to take accountability following harm. I also run Beyond Consent, an educational course series that teaches people to cultivate intimate abundance, and am the Partnerships Director at Bonobo Network, the Bay Area's premiere sex-positive membership organization. Previously, I founded forLove, a virtual erotic events company, ran partnerships for DataKind and Code for America, worked in international development, and started a large-scale disaster relief organization. I am an ICF-certified coach with training in abuser counseling, facilitation, antiracism, trauma, gender, consent, men's work, and sexuality. I have a BA from Columbia and an MPA from NYU.
Tell us about yourself
I first got started doing this work following the #metoo movement when I saw that sexual assault was such a major issue, even in the communities and companies I respected. I love the joy and liberation that comes with accepting responsibility for our mistakes. It's a gift that I get to support my clients to take this kind of radical ownership of their own lives. My work transforms people, reduces harm, and creates role models. And since my clients are often major figures and leaders in their communities, my work ripples out to thousands of lives.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I've created a niche in coaching that didn't previously exist. While there's always been a huge need for a professionalized approach to an apology, accountability, and integrity practice for men in a relationship, it's only since #metoo that there's been actual demand. People thank me all the time for doing what I do. I'm proud to have been part of creating more space for this work in the world.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Self-discipline, time management, and self-motivation! I am not a naturally organized person and have severe ADD. Managing my time and getting the work done that I need to is a daily challenge. It's also really hard to do long-term financial planning without the dependability of a salary.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Figure out your niche, and then become known as the person who does it.
- Make friends with your spreadsheets - analyze your own growth!
- Use Squarespace or Wix to build your own website rather than pay someone for a WordPress site - you'll have to update it yourself soon anyway.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.evolve.men/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evolvedmen/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirmischab/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mbyruck
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbyruck/
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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