Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Clarisse Saint-Hilaire, founder of Nouveau Souffle, located in Montreal, QC, Canada.

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

My business is about guiding you on your journey, where ever you are in your life, that is not exactly where you would like to be. It's about finding out what you are all about. It's giving oxygen when you're breathless. It's finding goals, setting priorities, and optimizing your lifestyle. It's transforming your weaknesses into assets. It's about taking a leap of faith, achieving goals, fulfilling dreams, and finding peace. It's about becoming one again with yourself.

Tell us about yourself

For many years, I have been searching for my true purpose (as many of us have). Though I did well in 'traditional jobs' in communication and management for over 15 years, I woke up one morning with a stress-related auto-immune illness. After almost a year of treatment, I healed. But I still felt broken inside. As I came back to work from my leave, I felt I was not being true to myself. Eventually, I ended in a dreadful burnout, with short-term memory loss and other painful side effects.

At that point, I realized there was no turning back to what I thought was a 'secured' professional position; I had to make a move. I had to figure out who I wanted to be and how I wanted to live the rest of my life. That's when I met Jody, who became my coach while battling cancer. She deployed the wings I had kept folded in my back all my life for many reasons. I quit my "traditional job" and slowly allowed myself to express my true self in every facet of my life. I am blessed to have met this beautiful angel at this time of my life, and I aspire to help you as she did when I needed it the most.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I don't see myself as a business owner. I am a multidisciplinary human being with so many different passions I choose to live from every day. My biggest accomplishment is when my kids ask: "so mom, what's your job today?" Ahhhh, well, it depends. Can you define "job"? ;)

Here is a glimpse of my professional activities, all of which make me thrive: Painting, Jardins Baobab, and coaching.

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

Taking a leap of faith, leaving steady grounds (even when they are toxic).

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

Being a multidisciplinary human with three kids is not relaxing. I guess anyone who is looking to start one or more activities (not only professionally, but on a personal scale too) needs to:

  1. Learn the basics of organization, and optimization (Ex. lean, six sigma);
  2. Focus on one day at a time (there are just 24h in a day, and there is nothing you can do about it);
  3. Choose something you are truly passionate about, something that brings you into a state of 'flow.'

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I am on maternity leave at the moment, and I will fully return to my professional activities in September. Hope to see you then!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.nouveausouffle.ca/

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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.