Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in career and leadership development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Anna Hewitt, Founder of Steps into Strides, located in Oxon, United Kingdom.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Steps Into Strides is a Career and Leadership Coaching for the career curious. We help our clients take that first step (and as many as it takes after that) to find work that truly lights them up.
Tell us about yourself
I founded Steps Into Strides in January 2020 after a corporate career working in HR. It was a big change in my career for me, and at the time, I didn't have complete clarity on what I was going to do, but what I did know was that I wanted to help others be successful. Having had some real career highs and lows, I want to normalise that careers aren't a one-size-fits-all and that having some ups and downs is part of the journey. By normalising this for my clients, it empowers them to be bold and courageous in taking action and feeling more control over their own career developments.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I honestly think that my biggest accomplishment has been getting out of my own way! In the early days, there was quite a bit of procrastination and fear of failure, and I was able to push through and not let this hold me back. It can be lonely running your own business. I made sure to invest in relationships, cheerleaders, and supporters, so not only did I not feel so alone, but I was able to test, learn and get feedback.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The tension between working on the business and working in the business. No day is the same (which I love), but there is a lot to do between building the business, looking after clients, and having one eye on the future. I've had to let go of my perfectionist streak and focus instead on momentum and "done is better than perfect."
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Nobody has it all figured out (and if they say they do, they are lying!), it's ok to be uncertain; embrace that and take action to learn and grow.
- Understand what your hard lines are - what's really important outside of work (family, fitness, learning) and make sure you keep yourself topped up with this good stuff. You will need to pull on these resources when things feel rocky.
- Invest in your relationships or even build your own community and learn together. Don't do this alone! There is so much support out there to tap into
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.stepsintostrides.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stepsintostrides/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-hewitt-coach/
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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