Navigate the Now and the Next

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sophia Winter, Integrative Wellness Coach, located in Charleston, SC, USA.

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

I like to call myself a connection coach. I help people create connections easily and effortlessly with themselves and others by building their confidence and providing tools that help them to think and feel better.

Tell us about yourself

I've always strived to be able to have a conversation with anyone about anything. Even if I'm unfamiliar with the topic, I love creating a strong connection with others by asking interesting questions that make them feel good and comfortable.

This desire has led me to various jobs before launching my coaching career. My first job out of college was being an executive assistant to the CEO of a fashion and modeling agency in NYC. Ultimately, I departed my position in pursuit of a job that would allow me to connect deeply to others and make a meaningful impact in a way that I was unable to do as an executive assistant.

After departing, I enrolled in the Institute of Integrative Nutrition to pursue my Holistic Health Coaching certification. From there, I realized that I could forge a profession where I help others to feel better and thus create a ripple effect in many lives. I furthered my education by studying Yoga, Ayurveda, and other Eastern healing modalities. I found more programs where I consumed as much information as I could about psychology, physiology, and the subconscious. I became obsessed with understanding the inner workings of our brains and bodies and how we can use them to enhance and elevate our lives.

My first time watching someone's eyes widen and face light up after having a breakthrough realization during a coaching session, I was hooked. For me, there is no better feeling than watching someone self-sourced their power and access a life they truly desire. While working in NYC, I realized how interconnected all lives are. I watched as one stressed employee would project onto their assistant, who would then lash out at home with their partner. Then their partner would then underperform at work, and so on and so forth. It became glaringly apparent to me that the overall well-being of one person can have a tremendous impact on the people around them. I wanted to change this ripple effect and make it a positive one instead of a negative one. This is what motivates me to do what I do.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My greatest accomplishment as a business owner was the day I decided to go for it. I'm so proud of myself that through the fear and vulnerability, I dove in and trusted that I had the resources to pursue my purpose. My desire to help others outweighed the fear of failure.

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

The hardest thing with being a business owner is accepting that when you're first starting out (and even if you're well-established), business ownership can be a rollercoaster. There are days where you feel untouchable and confident and then others where you learn uncomfortable lessons or business stagnates, and you have to self-sourced the confidence and conviction to keep going.

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

Surround yourself with a team of mentors, guides, or coaches who you trust wholeheartedly. These people will be able to see you more clearly than you can see yourself at times, and it's invaluable to have the support of those who have gone before you.
Make it playful. I've found that when I maintain my sense of play and curiosity, my business feels more effortless and fun. I think it's important to view your work as a playground of sorts where you try new things and make peace with leaving the things you've outgrown. There's a certain gentleness to this mentality that feels really nourishing and supportive to me.
Outsource where you can. There are many components of running a business that I am not an expert in. I believe in delegating to those who are better than me at what they do so that I can focus on honing my expertise. Whether it's an attorney, an accountant, or a social media manager, these investments will set you up for success. When you're starting out and don't have very much capital, then invest in the one that is most fundamentally important to you or find free/inexpensive resources online where professionals have given their expert opinion or advice on the component you're struggling with.

I am a big believer in democratizing tools and resources that help us to feel and live better. You shouldn't have to spend thousands of dollars just to access simple tips that can have a big impact. Because of this, I make it a priority to share value-driven content for free. If you're interested in content relating to wellness, psychology, confidence, and conversation tips, then I invite you to join me on Instagram!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.sophiapwinter.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiapwinter/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiawinter/

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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