Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Victoria Fann, Founder of Victoria Fann Coaching, located in Williamsville, NY, USA.

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

I'm a writer, transformational coach, spiritual mentor, and Akashic Records reader. My passion is helping consciously evolving humans design a life that is in full alignment with their soul's Highest Purpose and most authentic creative expression. I've been working with clients, facilitating groups, and leading creative and transformational workshops throughout the U.S. for over three decades. My work is embodied and intuitive, inspired by my extended time at Esalen Institute as well as her training with many of the early founders and teachers of the human potential movement. Those who study with me receive the benefits of forty years of inner exploration, outer practices, and esoteric teachings. Author of the book, Creative Alchemy: Accessing the Extraordinary Power of the Muse to Transform Your Art & Your Life, I enjoy writing essays, stories, plays, and screenplays.

Tell us about yourself

When I was fifteen, my father, who was in the midst of some deep soul searching, gave me three books: The Lazy Man's Guide to Enlightenment by Thaddeus Goleus, Be Here Now by Ram Dass, and Handbook to Higher Consciousness by Ken Keyes, Jr. Five years later, disillusioned with college, living like a hippie and working on a farm in Boulder, Colorado, he suggested that I apply to the work-scholar program at Esalen Institute. The following year, I was at Esalen when I learned that he'd died suddenly in a car accident. His death, in the Hero's Journey template, was the instigating event in my life that sent me on a spiritual quest for answers.

That quest, along with a life-changing spiritual awakening experience in 1985, led me to India, Europe, South America, Canada, as well as all corners of the US. Over the years, I've been blessed with the opportunity to meet and study with some of the world's greatest innovators, mystics, and teachers, including Stan and Christina Grof, Joseph Campbell, Angeles Arrien, Jean Huston, Virginia Satir, John Lilly, Gregory Bateson, Michael Harner, Werner Erhard, Don Miguel Ruiz, Lynne McTaggart, Dr. Roger Jahnke and many more who have chosen to remain out of the limelight.

My time at Esalen helped create the foundation of all the work I do. I began working with clients in 1986 as a massage therapist. Then in 1989, I started my first group. Group facilitation became a great passion of mine, which led to the founding of numerous other groups. This quickly evolved into teaching classes, running workshops, coaching, and, most recently, Akashic Records readings. I'm also a certified medical Qigong practice leader.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Publishing my book, Creative Alchemy: Accessing the Extraordinary Power of the Muse to Transform Your Art & Your Life in 2018.

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

I used to teach business classes to people who wanted to start new businesses. I cautioned them not to become the worst boss (of themselves) they'd ever had. It's so easy to work seven days a week on your business because there are always things that need to be done. It's essential to find a healthy rhythm that has plenty of space for rest, creative pursuits, family and friends, fun, and learning new things. Otherwise, it's easy to burn out and lose the momentum needed to sustain your business.

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

  1. Don't compromise or settle. Make sure you're really inspired and passionate about your business idea. This will allow you to move through the obstacles that arise with more energy and a positive mindset.
  2. Get support. Find a mentor, coach, mastermind, training, or business group to utilize as a sounding board, to get advice and guidance, and to learn about potential resources that will help your business.
  3. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. That's how you learn and grow. The wisdom gained will make your business stronger and more resilient.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Business ownership is a wild adventure full of ups and downs, twists and turns. If you like a predictable, mapped-out, and calm existence, you would probably be happier in a regular 9 - 5 job. If you have a taste for the unknown and are unafraid of uncertainty and risks, then take the leap. It's a wonderful way to use your creative talents in an endless variety of ways.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.victoriafann.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100040741776198
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriafann/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/victoriafann
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriafann/

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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