Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Serena Argens, Founder of Rise & Shine Bright, located in Seattle, WA, USA.

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

Rise & Shine Bright is a growing community of individuals coming together to live more purposeful, joyful, and fulfilling lives.

There are a few main components to the business:

  • Community: Virtual and In-Person Events, Peer Accountability Groups, Retreats, Blog & Podcast.
  • Coaching: Burnout & Transition Coaching, Group Coaching, Energy Leadership™ Index (ELI) Assessment, & Personal Development Courses.
  • For Organizations: Individual & Team Coaching, Energy Leadership™ Index (ELI) 360 Assessment, & Leadership Training.

Tell us about yourself

After spending over 15 years leading and enabling teams in the corporate world, I stepped away in the wake of my own struggle with burnout and ultimately decided to turn my breakdown into a breakthrough. This set me on a path to become certified as a Professional Coach and start Rise & Shine Bright. I started this community, realizing that many are still reeling following the extended period of disconnection due to COVID. There are strong forces leading many to feel isolated, overwhelmed, and adrift. The Rise & Shine Bright Community exists to drive deeper connections and tackle this together. It was built with the intention to connect, share, and inspire one another so we can all lead more joyful and fulfilled lives.

I am motivated each day to continue this work because of the profound impact it has already had on my own health and well-being, as well as hearing about its impact on many others. Another huge motivator is my 6yo daughter, who has become my hype girl. She wears her Rise & Shine Bright shirt around and helps me brainstorm fun events. It is the biggest motivator to be able to lead by example and show her that it is possible to chase your dreams and make a living doing what you love.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Actually taking the first step to follow my dreams. It was a big risk to step away from the security of my corporate job, but I know when I look back on that decision years from now, it will be one of the best decisions of my life and a decision that enriched my life beyond belief.

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

As a solopreneur, being responsible for every aspect of the business is hard. For me, it's meant getting out of my comfort zone to better understand the basics of doing my own marketing, accounting, and social media that don't come as naturally to me. It's been a game changer to get advice from more seasoned entrepreneurs along the way.

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

  1. Lean into whatever helps you to maintain optimism in the face of obstacles, whether it's affirmations, a strong support network, a coach, etc. Obstacles will be inevitable, but allowing self-doubt to form can be crippling as a business owner.
  2. Find amazing people to partner with and mentors to learn from so it doesn't feel lonely and isolating.
  3. Ensure you make time for self-care, particularly rest and recharge, in order to prevent burnout. You cannot pour from an empty cup.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

When times get tough, it helps to remember why you started the journey in the first place. A deep and meaningful purpose will help carry you through the challenging times.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.riseshinebright.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riseshinebrightcommunity/

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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