Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Vesna Antwan, founder of Vesna Antwan Coaching, located in Montreal, QC, Canada.

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

I'm a certified personal and professional coach who works with burnt-out professionals who want to reconnect with their inner compass. I love working with curious, engaged, and open clients who are ready to make changes and are looking for direction.

Life in 2022 is uncertain and complex. Many of us are inevitably feeling overwhelmed. I am interested in working through these issues with my clients, and I want to support them in gaining the clarity they need in order to get unstuck and move forward in their lives in a way that feels authentic and purposeful. On top of my work in private practice, I also design programs and facilitate workshops on topics close to my heart, such as self-care, boundary setting, and burnout prevention.

Tell us about yourself

I've always had the heart of a coach, but my journey began in earnest in 2010 when I hired a coach to help guide me through a career transition. Working with a coach was such a positive experience that I decided to go back to university to get a coaching certificate. After finishing my program, I knew I wanted to start coaching right away, but life had other plans, and it took me another 7 years (and an epic burnout) to finally follow my dream and branch out on my own as a coach.

I know what it's like to navigate tough times and come out on the other side, and I believe that this makes me empathetic to the stories my clients are bringing to me. I don’t think I could call myself an effective coach if I weren’t committed to doing the daily work of improving my own life.

I feel as though I've gone from having a career to having a vocation. I'm continuously motivated and inspired by my clients who choose to listen to the whisper in their hearts telling them that a different way forward is possible.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As a racialized coach, I am proud of myself for taking up space and working towards making coaching more accessible. I created my business from scratch without having any experience as an entrepreneur, so it's been a steep learning curve, and I don't take my success for granted. I feel lucky to be doing work that I love, and that impacts the lives of others.

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

One of the hardest things about being a business owner is setting boundaries around my time and energy. When you work for yourself, it can feel like there's no off switch.

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

  1. Just start. It's better to take imperfect action and learn as you go.
  2. Get really clear on your values and your "why." Think about the kind of life that you want for yourself and create a business based on that vision rather than getting bogged down by all the details.
  3. There will be many ups and downs when running a business, so you have to have faith that things are unfolding the way they are meant to.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Now is the best time to hire a coach!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://coachvesna.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachVesnaAntwan/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachvesnaantwan/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vesnaantwancoaching/

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.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.