My Truth on Running a Small, Spiritual, Coaching Business

Lately I've been having more "business minded" conversations with people (friends, clients, mentors, family, etc.). To me, it's exciting that we're living in a time where people are awakening to the potential of creating their own meaningful employment, rather than blindly relying on corporate or service industry work that potentially doesn't fulfill them. This is not a blog intended to bash any kind of work. I believe work, or your career, is very personal, and none of it is shameful. None. How you make your money, is your business, and whether or not you enjoy how you make it is a decision where you decide what you're comfortable with. Not to mention, there is SO much more to a human being than what they do (or perhaps don't do) for employment.

Some people love working a 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (maybe 6 p.m.) corporate job: maybe because they make great money and have free weekends to spend how they want. Other people love working 4 p.m. - 12 a.m. (maybe 1 a.m.) bartending or other service industry jobs: maybe because they make great money and have their daytimes free to spend how they want. Other people love being business owners, and working 24/7: maybe because they don't want anyone else to tell them what, when, or how to do something. Lol, that last one is kind of a joke, but as the title implies - this is my truth. I don't actually work 24/7, but when you're in the second year of running your small business, and looking to scale, it can feel like your mind is working that much.

So when I talk to people honestly about what I do, particularly to people who are wanting to start their own business, I try to give them the highs and lows. Right now, our culture loves to boast "being your own boss," especially on social media. People love to talk about how much they made, "working from their phone," but I can assure you, there are some days, or months even, that I know it would be "easier" to go find a "regular job." There have been moments when I'm struggling financially, working around the clock trying to do all the things (content creating, marketing/advertising, sales, website building/updating, continuing education, and the actual services I provide), and wondering, "Why am I even doing this? I could go get a steady, regular paycheck, with benefits, and a set schedule." Well, I'm here to say: even though I have considered that at times, I'm not doing it. Giving up is not an option, and thankfully, right now it's not even something I feel drawn to. But I feel like it's important to point out that the idea may come up for you during this process. I should also disclose that I do have a part-time nannying job that I absolutely love, which is great supplemental income for me.

The main point here is: ultimately, the trials, tribulations, and personal growth that working through small business issues has presented, are worth it to me. I like being creative, I like developing new courses or offerings, I like "making my own hours," and I absolutely love deeply connecting with people in the name of healing or personal and spiritual growth. What I don't like are: financial bookkeeping, being "salesy," and the somewhat inconsistent nature of this kind of work. That last one however, is turning into a good thing, mostly because of how much of a lesson it is. "Inconsistency" is just another way to say, "ebbs and flows," and I've come to realize all of life is just that, therefore it is silly to dislike it. Nothing in life is eternally consistent.

So, if you're considering starting your own business, I first and foremost want to encourage you to listen to your heart. It might sound cliche, but if you have a deep, inner-feeling, and the vibrational drive, you NEED to follow that. If you "hear the call," then you HAVE to listen. For me, this call came, loudly, in January of 2020 (it had been whispering to me for years before that). I knew I could not, and would not be able to continue working in higher education (or really any "office job") for much longer. It effected my mental health, which effected my relationships, and even my physical health. So, I looked into getting a Reiki Certification, and in April launched my coaching business. Full disclosure: I did not make a lot of money right away. Fuller disclosure: I still do not make what many people would call, "a lot of money." Some months, I had deficits. Some months I had breakdowns. But throughout these 16 months, I have overcome many fears. I have worked through massive "worthiness" issues. I have shattered many of my limiting self-beliefs. I have obtained another certification (in breath work and meditation). And last but certainly not least, I have helped people. I have been a kind, honest, listening ear. I have held space for people in their low moments. I have celebrated people in their high moments. I have channeled messages from spirit, taught people tools to cope with their anxieties, and learned so, so much.

There is no "one size fits all" to anything, so I don't have a lot of specific "business advice." If you're looking for someone to help you with the nitty-gritty details of beginning or growing a business, there are plenty of coaches or mentors for that (I can even point you in the direction of some).

~Your growth and peace are within reach~