Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in life coach but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Josie Smith, Founder of Soul Leap, located in Barrie, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Holding space and creating learning that elevates self-awareness to the degree where your soul Leaps is my business. Soul Leaping starts with YOU waking up to your unconscious auto-pilot reactions so you can shift what's in the way of living in alignment with what matters most. From executives to creatives and trailblazers in between, my clients have one thing in common: they know their life and relationships will change when they do. Smart, engaging, and funny, my clients are reaching for the next rung on their self-development ladder and asking what will make the difference today, so at 80, they're looking back on life with shining eyes and a fulfilled heart.
Tell us about yourself
You could say I was unsettled being settled in someone else's dream job. That kick-started my pursuit of living in alignment with what matters most. I wanted control of my time, purpose in my days, and the freedom to pack a surfboard on my next work trip. What bloomed was Soul Leap and a vision to combine my love of travel, yoga, and personal development. I started running retreats and coaching clients to expand their definition of success, challenge the status quo, and ask the tough questions: Who am I? Why am I here? How well have I loved?
Over the years, my niche has evolved. I've been called upon to help highly successful people break generational cycles in relationships, family, and self-belief. I believe we are defined by the quality of relationships we keep and that every relationship is an opportunity to hold up the mirror and ask, how is this me? It is through right seeing that we truly transform. And seeing the transformation, being a part of healing, and seeing the growth and forgiveness that comes from this container inspires me every day to keep doing what I love.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I remember the year I started practicing manifesting a certain amount of income. I didn't know exactly how it would find me. I just kept visualizing it, the numbers going up in my bank account. Within three months of practicing this visualization, I secured a consulting role with Grant Thornton, a leading accounting firm in Toronto, for the exact sum I had intended on manifesting.
It was kind of spooky and really exciting to see how powerful you become when you focus on what matters most. On a day in day out accomplishment scale, I weigh in with how often I jump up and down with excitement when getting off a coaching call. It happens often, and I know I've made it when I feel this way. I get to do what I know I was born to, and I see the way this work sets people up for their life's greatest Soul Leaps. Pinch me.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being accountable. There's no one else pushing me (except for the coaches and mentors I've worked with, of course), but it's those quiet months, the recession, the fear of where the next client will come from, that can be paralyzing.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Get help. Early. Learn what you are good at and give the rest away to those who are better. I have accountants, coaches, advisors, family, and friends that keep me aligned with my vision and the business running.
- Have a vision - know where you are and where you are going - put it on paper, make a dream board, hang it over your desk and remind yourself every day WHY you are doing what you are doing - make it bigger than you.
- Have fun. If you aren't having fun, you'll burn right out.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Plan to fail. You will, and you'll learn and grow each time, becoming a better business owner. Good luck!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://coachjosie.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachjosiesoulleap
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulleap/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Soulleap/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachjosie/
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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