Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and career development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lisa Avila, Founder of Poppy Grove LLC, located in Templeton, CA, USA.

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

I'm an Intuitive Strategist, Certified Life Coach, & Founder of Poppy Grove. I guide professional women who are overwhelmed & burnt out to put themselves back on their to-do list and courageously grow a more soulful life + career.

Tell us about yourself

I have always had an outsized passion for the potential of others. I love helping people be their best— personally & professionally. ​Poppy Grove is the culmination of this passion, building upon my 25+ years of experience in marketing, strategy, community building, and intuitive coaching. I also bring to my business the understanding that our journey can be challenging. I have struggled as a single mom, worked two jobs while writing my graduate thesis, and grieved my loved ones' unexpected passings. I openly share my pain and vulnerabilities to make speaking our truths and receiving support more acceptable.

Poppy Grove is named after my 'bonus' dad, who came into my life when I was four years old. He quickly became my rock & my unconditional support. He paid his love forward tenfold to his grandchildren, who nicknamed him "Poppy." As I raise three amazing teenage boys who stretch my love and intelligence every day, I dedicate my work to "Poppy" and motivate myself to 'get back to what matters'-family, friends, self-love, and community.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is seeing my clients finally prioritizing their needs & going after their dreams. Moving through the fear of disappointing people and all the "shoulds" we put on ourselves is tough work. When I hear "thank you for seeing me," it lights me up. It's such an honor to walk alongside women on their soulful journey. Together, we map out a soulful journey so they can grow a life + business they love. I do this through 1:1 coaching and monthly women's groups.

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

One of the hardest things about being a business owner is having to say 'no' to people and 'not yet' to all the ideas in my head. However, I am a much better business owner, mother, and friend when I do what feels most aligned with my values, intuition, and mental health. I don't think we can hear enough that NO is a complete sentence.

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

  1. Decide on the Core Values for your business. Post them prominently in your workspace & revisit them often. When you are being pulled in a thousand directions, reading your core values helps to remember your WHY.
  2. Build Community. Growing a business can get lonely and frustrating without the proper support. A peer networking group (in person or online), a mentor, or a coach (I recommend all three!) are great for trying new ideas, accountability, and camaraderie.
  3. Go on Retreats. I take myself on a quarterly business retreat to work 'on' my business instead of 'in' my business. A change of scenery, long walks, and quiet time give me a fresh perspective and a reset.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.poppygrovellc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/poppygrovellc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poppygrovellc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamavila/

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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