Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Taylor Irby, founder of Taylor Irby Coaching, located in Decatur, GA, USA.

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

I am a parent and family coach serving discouraged parents in positive discipline, helping them to build wisdom in their kids, and fostering a deep connection. Parents come to coaching to gain insight into what may be going on under the surface in their children's behavior and how to truly reach their hearts and see lasting change.

Tell us about yourself

I began training for coaching in 2017, coaching other adults and college students to help them meet their goals. In 2020, I found myself (like the rest of the world) in lockdown with my five children. Big emotions turned into emotional meltdowns for everyone, and I sought out parent coaching through Connected Families. (www.connectedfamilies.org) It was so powerful for us that I decided to become a parent coach too. Through the training and coaching of those first families, I realized this is something not only our family needed but the world needed. I officially opened my business in late Fall 2021. It's not easy starting and maintaining a business, but I'm inspired by my own parenting journey and how my parent coach still helps me, as well as the hope I see in the parents I coach.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I would say my biggest accomplishment has to be seeing the hope and transformation that happens in my clients. Whenever we open a session, I like to ask what changes they have seen and what is going better since our last session. To hear these brave parents put the framework into action and to see the positive changes in the parent-child relationships never gets old to me. I'm moved to tears realizing the work they put in will impact families for generations.

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

The roller coaster. Some days I feel like the business is going well and that it will be sustainable. But other days, I feel like no one is interested, and maybe what I have to offer is not valuable. It's a daily mindset change to look at the truth: the service I offer is of extreme value, and I need to just keep moving forward.

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

  1. Don't be afraid to really niche in. At first, I wanted to serve everyone. General life coaching, life purpose and calling coaching, parent coaching, marriage coaching...everything. I was afraid if I didn't show everything I had to offer at once, then I would narrow who would come through the door. When I really narrowed it down, clients started reaching out. And I'm still able to do the other types of coaching!
  2. Invest in your business. In the beginning, you will have no money. Make a plan to invest in your business on a regular basis. Maybe it's a business-class online or a coach. Maybe it's money into a website. Don't be afraid to spend money that makes sense for your business.
  3. Be prepared for a roller coaster of emotions. Some weeks you are going to feel like, "I've made it! This is it!" Others you feel like quitting. Stay the course and ride the waves. Many people online make it look like it's easy to do a six-figure business. The truth is, it takes years and practice, and trial and error. Keep learning.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Keep learning! Working in a business, there will always be things to learn and ways to grow. Either in your profession (for me, there are always more books to read, more podcasts to listen to, more classes to take) or for your business (I love Uncaged Your Business. It's so helpful, and there are a lot of freebies!) Also, getting a coach is GOLD. You can read all you want and can in books, but having someone to guide you through the process is unlike anything you can do on your own.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.taylorirbycoaching.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaylorIrbyCoaching/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorirbycoaching/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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