Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mary Struzinsky, CEO and Founder of STAR City Life Coaching, LLC., located in Roanoke, VA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I provide public speaking, 1:1 and group coaching, as well as online courses for high-achieving women who are done with being stressed and overwhelmed at the expense of their health, relationships, and happiness. Throughout my Leader of YOUR Life Program, we use my Radical Shifts Blueprint to help shine a light on and eliminate barriers to being in the driver's seat of your life. I want women to know they are worthy and deserving of knowing how to say "no" to all the things that don't support their big dream or goal.
Tell us about yourself
I have been a licensed therapist for 30+ years, specializing in trauma recovery, both in private practice and management, as an Executive Director for a national human service agency. When I worked in corporate, I was burnt out, leading to a variety of health issues. At one point, I had blocked vision in one eye, and the doctors thought I had MS. It ended up being an inflamed nerve in the brain. I had mono, shingles, and a frozen shoulder, and they all ended up being inflammatory issues from stress.
Moving back to private practice was a way of taking care of myself. While working with women on childhood trauma, it quickly became clear that as an adult, these issues were playing out as perfectionism, people pleasing, overachieving, and overworking, to name a few. I wanted to be able to serve more women and help them to know they are not alone and they don't have to remain in stress and overwhelm.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Without a doubt, it's all the dreams that have come true for my clients, and helping them go from feeling hopeless to being filled with joy, energy, and confidence. I started my company so I could help more people and be in charge of providing them with a high-quality service. Seeing that I'm really making an impact and developing the most amazing relationships has truly been rewarding.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
There was a steep learning curve in moving to an "online" business, but I'm proud of myself for doing it even when I was still working in my therapy practice. It makes me a good role model for other women, showing them they can find time and freedom. I would love to meet with clients all day, but it's important I build in time for learning, especially new software and technology, or increasing my clinical skills.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Remember, whatever business you have, it's still about building relationships. The best marketing is still getting out in front of people, so they know what you are all about and the importance of your message.
- Know the value of you and your time and delegate items that don't have to be done by you. Still, maintain oversight, i.e., trust but verify.
- Get yourself a coach. Of course, I'm biased and think everyone can benefit from a coach, but the mindset is key to success in your own business.
- Don't give up when you make a mistake or fail. Learn from it and then go on. Many people who achieve success do so because they keep on going after failure and rejection and don't give up!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.starcitycoaching.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/starcitycoaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starcitycoaching/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/STARCityCoach
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-struzinsky-lcsw/
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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