Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marie Demres, Founder of Tapestry of Love, located in Rochester Hills, MI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a Whole Life Healing Coach, and my company is Tapestry of Love, LLC. My clients are people in trauma, with depression and anxiety, people who feel stuck and want to move forward, children in crisis, families wanting to discover the patterns of their life which are affecting their family interactions, and parents who feel guilt.
Tell us about yourself
I am a very spiritual person, centered on Christian beliefs. I've taught special education for 30 years, been a yoga instructor for seven years, and have been through an extremely sad divorce; I have three grown sons and am happily remarried. After retiring from teaching, I found a yoga practice and became an instructor in a studio, along with finding joy in spiritual teachings and beliefs that I had taken for granted for many years. As our society buttoned our doors and became extremely introverted during the pandemic, I observed a need in myself to move further toward others and to help people who were experiencing depression, anxiety, and other traumas. I started teaching yoga online and also became a nationally certified Whole Life Healing Coaching. I felt led by God to bring peace, love, and light to others, especially children. Once I started coaching, my resolve to help others to heal increased and I've become internationally certified in an amazing modality of healing called Brainspotting, which was started by David Grand, Ph.D. My interests continue to expand as I am now learning "Brainspotting in the Sand Tray." My clients have given me incentives to continue and add to my education in this field. I can use yoga and reiki as part of my coaching for those who will benefit from it. I also use the "gifts" I developed during my lifetime and solidified during coaching to help others to heal themselves.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Developing my own personal style and "gifts" while coaching has been my greatest joy and has helped me on my own journey of healing depression and anxiety in my own life, along with bringing me on a spiritual journey that is beyond anything I could have imagined. The "Gifts" I'm talking about are: Gratitude, Energy, Tapping the Power Within, Healing, Socialization, and Motivation. These each has subtitles and extensions which are used in coaching.
Another accomplishment is being able to speak online and in groups. This was a super challenge for me, yet by using my own "gifts" and exchanging coaching sessions with others, I've been able to conquer fear and increase my confidence in myself and others.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being a business owner is like being an octopus. There are so many areas involved in keeping the entire octopus vibrant and healthy, and many times, they are going in several different directions. Currently, my struggle is with time management. I know all the areas I want to work on, and getting them all moving in a positive direction is a challenge and a joy. To those who are just encountering this, I would say, " Make your work your happiness. Find joy in everything you do. Be prepared to leave things for tomorrow while doing something today. Let go and let God. I always remember that time is man-made and that each second is eternal, so really, there's nothing to worry or stress about. Always take the opportunity to have fun and help others.
Also, in Whole Life Coaching, there is a matter of Limbic Counter Transference. How do I listen and become attuned to others who are going through trauma and not let it affect me deeply? Well, of course, it does. But I have an Imaginary Waterfall that protects me. I think each coach, counselor, or psychologist has their own method. I just happen to love waterfalls!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
The top 3 tips I would give anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today would be: Be passionate and grateful about the business you are starting along with confidence in your own abilities, have goals (monetary and physical and make a plan to reach those goals that you work on "Now," and share your idea with others: network, communicate, join like-minded groups, accept help and advice and keep an open mind. (Contact me for Brainspotting to help if you notice any obstacles).
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.mariedemres.com/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/marie.demres/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariedemres/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-demres-04935b46/
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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