Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rida Bakhsh, founder and owner of Rida Bakhsh Coaching Collective, located in Sanford, FL, USA.

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

I’m Rida Bakhsh, the owner and founder of The Rida Bakhsh Coaching Collective (RBCC). It's a business designed to support, empower and inspire women and teens through coaching and clothing. In addition to being a Certified Life Coach, I am also a motivational speaker whose passion in life has always been focused on personal development and personal growth.

My primary focus is helping ambitious women who feel stuck, overwhelmed, and desperately need to stop people-pleasing and start loving themselves more. I guide, empower, and educate women and teens on how to speak volumes by amplifying their “MIC” = mindset, (self) image, and confidence.

Tell us about yourself

I enjoyed a successful career in corporate America, where I was diligently climbing the corporate ladder in various roles. What I enjoyed most and what my heart was tethered to was mentoring and training. This allowed me to flex my coaching muscles to train, inspire and motivate my peers & team.

After I unexpectedly suffered the loss of my father, who died at age 59, I started to reassess what direction I wanted for my own life. This powered my decision to leave corporate America and create my own heart-centered business doing what I love most, helping others.

I believe we all have a story, and I have been through many hardships in my personal life. There was a time I was ashamed of my past, but through my personal growth and mindset shift, I realized this is my strength and not a weakness. My experience gives me a unique perspective and approach which flows through my business. I see traces of my younger self in so many women and girls. I see limiting beliefs, mean inner critics, low self-esteem, absence of self-love, and so much fear holding them back. This consistently drives my deep motivation to help others overcome these challenges and process their emotions so they can live life out loud. I know the roadmap because #iwasthatgirl.

I’ve worked with self-development professionals in different capacities throughout my journey for many years. I have combined what I learned with my experience and successfully created new strategies for positive results in my own life and the lives of my clients.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I’ve had the privilege of speaking on stages, teaching workshops, hosting events, being featured in publications, being hired to train/mentor other coaches, etc., but my greatest accomplishments are my clients. I am so honored to witness the growth of these remarkable, strong, magnificent women. Seeing them implement small changes that have huge impacts on their quality of life is by far the most rewarding.

In addition to my private practice, another highlight that fills my cup is my free empowerment group on Facebook for women called The Empowerment Coaching Collective. This community is filled with like-minded women who want support, inspiration, and motivation as they work toward their goals. I started this business because I was able to overcome my challenges, and it forever changed my life. I wanted to help others do the same, so they can live a life they love… that continues to be my mission and greatest accomplishment.

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

If being a business owner was easy, everyone would do it. There are a variety of challenges that come with owning your own business. For me, the biggest challenge is my desire to do it all! Realistically, we can’t do everything at the same time. Managing my goals appropriately so I can best serve others while living and exuding balance for myself can be a challenge. This is an area that many entrepreneurs struggle with, but the balance can definitely be achieved. By truly living by the lessons I teach others, this sets the foundation for living life with more intention and purpose.

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

Five things that can help anyone who wants to start a business:

  1. Identify your “Big Why,” as this will help sustain your motivation going forward.
  2. Anchor into your values what makes you who you are. Own that!
  3. Failing is not a bad word. Replace the concept of ‘failing’ with ‘growth spurts’ and learn from everything.
  4. Surround yourself with a good support team of mentors, coaches, peers, etc.
  5. Celebrate your wins along the way.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Whatever your big goals are, have faith in your ability to accomplish them. You may not have all the answers today, but anchor into your ‘big why,’ anchor into your value system, and silence the fear so you can keep moving forward. Ambition and education/training can get you to the next level but remember to pay attention to your personal development journey. Having a strong mindset and working through any limiting beliefs will help you to sustain unexpected turns and allow you to have balance while you’re building your dreams.

Remember, it's not just about getting to the destination; it’s also about enjoying the journey!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.ridabakhsh.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hello.ridab/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rida.bakhsh/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ridab/

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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