Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michele Rae, Founder of The Center Within, located in Minneapolis, MN, USA.

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

My business, The Center Within, offers holistic, intuitive coaching, consulting, and teaching designed to accelerate and support personal, professional, and organizational transformation. My clients are proactively engaged in creating a more authentic, empowered life.

This transformative process occurs as I support clients in gaining clarity and power through exposing and unblocking limiting beliefs, stuck patterns, and fears. Clients become more confident as they enhance their gifts, talents, wisdom, and passions. Living aligned with their Center Within, clients make choices that have impactful positive outcomes for themselves and the collective. It is an honor to support clients through this magical progression!

Tell us about yourself

I began The Center Within in 2001 when people formally asked me to support their mind-body-spirit growth and development. Clients may have issues around health and wellness, relationships, career, purpose, meaning, or spiritual awakening. Many of my clients are visionaries who desire to fully access their creativity, innovation, passion, and power. It lights me up when people have ah-ha moments of clarity and inspiration during our coaching sessions.

Here is more on what motivates me and this process from my book, Living From the Center Within: Co-Creating Who You Are Becoming: "As people begin to shift and expand their perspectives through experience or new understanding, the support of a coach creates conditions that increase the likelihood that transformation will occur as these new levels of awareness and consciousness reveal themselves to a client. I guide clients through this process by creating sacred space and a protective container through such activities as deep listening, reframing, encouraging, witnessing, and maintaining confidentiality."

Together we practice skills to deepen the client's wisdom and compassion. I am so delighted as they step more fully into their power and release what no longer serves while creating a holistic life they love personally and professionally.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As a business owner, my biggest accomplishment is up-leveling my offerings as I learn and grow. My inner transformation is continuous, so being flexible and responsive to my client's needs and my inner wisdom takes courage, risk, and clarity. It is not a straight line. Some of my biggest breakthroughs and upgrades have come from trying something that does not land well, but the knowledge I gain leads to another shift that supports exponential growth in my business. Maintaining a humble beginner's mindset is required.

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

One hard lesson for me was dropping the need for approval from friends and family who would never find joy in being their own boss, not having the stability of a steady paycheck, and not being an employee. Yes, doing all the things as a solo entrepreneur can be challenging. I used to find myself explaining the value of my services and the satisfaction of offering work that aligns with my heart-song to those who question or dismiss my choices. Now I realize that being a solo entrepreneur is not for everyone. If someone projects their fears onto me, I simply smile and validate that my choice would not be a good one for them.

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

  1. Give yourself plenty of time for visioning, planning, and getting in touch with your deep inner knowing of your gifts, talents, and passions. Be true to yourself!
  2. Finding and nurturing a community of like-minded, like-hearted colleagues and tribes has been essential. It may not be your old friends and family that are your biggest supporters. This is not a solo journey!
  3. Keep learning and expanding your business to incorporate your new wisdom, compassion, and visions. Make time to sharpen yourself. Be patient; this is a marathon, not a sprint!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.centerwithin.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centerwithin/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/micheleraecw/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MicheleRaeCW
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-rae-2b223713/

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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