Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and career development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Vince Morales, Founder of Validus Coaching & Consulting, located in San Diego, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business provides mindset, self-image, and career coaching in addition to leadership consulting and development. As a mindpreneur and transformationeur, my customers are anyone with a self-sabotaging mindset or self-image who struggles with mental "barriers to entry" with new undertakings. My customers have been people from all backgrounds.
Tell us about yourself
I first began coaching and mentoring in 1995 by empowering high school and middle school students with a voice on youth violence/gang issues, bullying, and conflict resolution and being a part of the community's grassroots efforts. My initial coaching was through my role as a school resource officer (SRO) for my department. I was going downhill fast when I became homeless, which is another interesting story. About four months into my homelessness, I went full force into a coaching business. I essentially leaped and figured it out on the way down. I have a photo of my wife and me sleeping in our van in a Home Depot parking lot. Home Depot allowed us to park our van in the outer perimeter of the parking lot. But, in this photo, my wife can be seen in the back, wearing a hoodie with the hood over her head. We were cold, and we both were in physical pain. But hearing her struggle in the back, I felt compelled to take a photo of us in that moment of pain. Today, that photo motivates me that she will never, ever end up in that situation again. When we made our mindset shift during that homelessness, we began feeding homeless people while we were still homeless. And we figured that if we were going to have to journey through hell, we might as well act like we owned the place. That photo is the motivation for me that we will never lie down and quit. We may get beat from time to time, but we choose to be an inspiration worth witnessing because every time, we will rise.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is starting my coaching practice while I was a homeless veteran in San Diego in 2016. Several of my initial clients affectionately called me the Homeless Life Coach. Six years later, my business is still thriving, and I continue to grow and develop as a professional coach.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Keeping focus and adapting when necessary. People talk about pivoting, especially if it's your business. I say pivoting is the easier part. The hardest part is what follows the pivot: reestablishing your footing. If you ever watch someone have to pivot in dance or sports if you watch their feet, you will see they have to reestablish their footing, or they may be prone to slipping or being knocked down. Anyone can pivot. Reestablishing your footing is where the true artistry is.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make sure you have the right mindset and that you have the right mindset for your specific business.
- Have clarity on your idea or business concept.
- Be humble enough to ask for help. Isolation in business can contribute to the quick death of your business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.validuscoaching.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValidusCoaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/validusvince/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincemoralesceo/
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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