Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ashlee Livingstone, Founder of Our Forte, located in Burlington, ON, Canada.

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

Our Forte helps people live and lead with intention and alignment. We focus on supporting clients in living the life they want right now. We move clients from:

  • Too busy / taking on too much to ease and time freedom
  • Not feeling productive in life and/or work (not spending time on the stuff that matters) to aligned and focused on their Priorities
  • Feeling stuck and not sure how to change their situation to having a clear Action Plan (next right steps)
    Our customers are super busy, high performers who are climbing the corporate ladder or who own a business themselves. They have great success but often feel overwhelmed, frazzled, and stuck.

Tell us about yourself

I started my business ten years ago when my son was born. I realized I wanted to design my life to fit my and my family's needs - not those of my boss - and I wanted to be a role model for my son, to show him how to go after your desires, live your truth and prioritize what matters most.

Each day I'm motivated by supporting my clients as they seek to grow and develop their self-leadership skills and become the leaders, parents, partners, and community members they truly desire to be.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Not only surviving the global pandemic but thriving through it - really showed me I have the mindset and willingness to evolve that I need in order to continue supporting my clients and creating the business that serves me too.

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

Shutting down - I know how important rest is, I practice it and teach it, and it still is one of those parts of being a business owner that catches me sometimes. A new great idea will pop into my head, or a worry, or a great pic for social media. It can be a challenge to turn off.

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

  1. Set goals for yourself with action steps that are bite-sized, so you can ensure consistency - You need a plan for how you will get from A to B.
  2. Work on your mindset and be prepared to face your blocks and stories - once you can release what has typically held you back, the old stories that don't serve you, and practice self-compassion, you will be in a great position.
  3. Join a group or get a coach - having support from others who are entrepreneurs or a coach to help you navigate challenges will make you feel less alone and will be a great source for knowledge sharing.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.ourforte.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourforte/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourforte/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ourforte/

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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