Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christine Stallard, Founder of Stallard Consulting LLC., located in Sequim, WA, USA.

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

As a Personal Empowerment Coach, I help women plan great escapes from unfulfilling careers so they can live by design in any chapter of life. Through coaching and guidance based on my experience and concepts in my Amazon best-selling book, I help them master their minds and emotions so they can design and confidently transition to a future based on their dreams and passion. I help them step into their Zone of Genius by uncovering their limiting beliefs, dreams, and strengths and then facilitate a process that defines their future vision, goals, strategies, and action plan and provides clarity and focus on their new path with a roadmap that helps them walk it with intention, grace, and confidence.

Tell us about yourself

For over 30 years, I was a government/public affairs professional for the electric utility and hydropower industries. I was quite well-known in the industry, and I was passionate about what I did. But I was also burned out and knew it was time to start a new chapter. So, a few years ago, I left corporate America (just after finishing my undergraduate degree through Penn State because you're never too old). We sold my dream home and lived out of boxes for ten months. Even though we were living with family, it was still very unsettling and even a bit (well, really more than a bit) traumatic for me. During that time, we also lost both our Bouvier des Flandres family members, one to cancer at the young age of seven and the other at the age of 13. I felt lost, without a purpose in my personal or professional life. I realized my identity was wrapped up in my corporate life, and now that had changed.

My transition was very difficult, but the lessons I learned during that "mess" became the basis of my book, "Your Next Chapter. Dream It. Design It. Live It." I learned that your identity is not who you are in your professional or corporate life. And, while we often focus on the financial planning part of changing careers or retiring, we, unfortunately, overlook the emotional roller coaster ride that accompanies that. In my case, it was nearly a disaster.

The Next Chapter Plan™ in my book is a roadmap to help other women uncover their true interests, talent, and Zone of Genius while giving them the tools they'll need to master their minds so they can design and step confidently into a new chapter of life. Through my book, companion workbook, and online course, my goal is to change the way women think about planning for retirement, so it is approached with a more holistic view that includes an emphasis on financial planning and overall mental, emotional, and physical health and wellbeing.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I think my biggest accomplishment is being able to master my mindset because that has allowed me to realize my true potential, find my true, authentic identity/self, write my book, and pursue other endeavors that will help change the way we plan for and step into new chapters of life.

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

I think one of the hardest things is not to get discouraged. I've had to learn how to be patient and thoughtful and also mindful of all I have to be grateful for.

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

First, I'd encourage them to know what they want, make sure it's aligned with their authentic self (and not just something someone else wants them to do), and understand why they want to do it (the driver). Then, I'd encourage them to come up with a plan for how they are going to accomplish that. The plan must include a vision, strategy, goals/objectives, and specific action items with timelines and a method for evaluating progress and celebrating. Finally, I'd encourage them to find a community that will support them and finds training and resources to help them in areas where they don't have the expertise.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://christinestallard.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christine.stallard.54/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinelstallard/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-stallard-stallardconsultingllc/

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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.