Let Go to Pursue My Dreams

Here's my story.

A few years ago, I was a student affairs professional who dreamed of owning her own business and leaving the 9-5 grind for good. I even wrote a blog post about the transition. This all started when I left student affairs and transitioned to a higher ed technology company where I ran marketing and social media for almost 3 years.

I felt like I was working nonstop in my first 1-3 years in student affairs, and when I moved into a higher ed, it didn't get much better. Being expected to manage all social media for someone else's dream and company was fun at first (growing our audience + brand), but it was less motivating to do the work after a few years... I wanted to build a business for myself, but I had no idea what I wanted to do.

In October of 2016, I found an online coaching program called Coach Training EDU where I obtained my Wellness Coaching Certification (and you can, too—more details below). In July, I witnessed all of these amazing women in my network building their own businesses and by November of 2017, I knew I could pursue my own biz full-time. I already had my own clients, and I knew how to share my story on social media to attract more clients who were aligned with my work.

Fast forward to January of 2018.

Tears are rolling down my cheeks as I head back to work from a holiday "break". My boyfriend was driving me to work (we share a car) and I told him it was my last day, and to drive around the block until I called him. I couldn't take it anymore.

To my surprise, I already had a meeting on my schedule from my supervisor. She was letting me go.

I didn't have to put in my notice, because I had 1 hour left on the job!

I was procrastinating putting my notice in because of FEAR. I waited because I thought if I gave myself more time, I could figure it out.

Sometimes The Universe has a way of pushing you out of the nest. Has something like this ever happened to you?

What was I going to do if I didn't have this comfy job? (build my own business)
Where was I going to work? (for myself)
How was I going to support myself? (I was going to figure it out)

This was a message I heard loud and clear. IT WAS TIME.

I can't remember the last time I felt like a huge weight was lifted off of my shoulders.

So what happened next?

I knew I had to grow my online coaching business quickly, and I didn't know where to start. I didn't have a huge following on social media, but I did have experience. I had experience in sales, marketing, and in higher education. I taught myself how to start a website, talk to potential clients, get clear on my vision, and now I'm here actually doing it all. And it feels really good.

I took babysitting jobs to help pay the bills, and I started understanding how to magnetize money into my life, so I could get my business up and running ASAP. 

The first full month I generated $2,200, the same amount I was getting paid (minus taxes) at my full-time job. Shitty right!? Once I saw clients recognizing and honoring my value, I laughed at the fact that I ever worked with a company who didn't see my worth. And that I valued myself and my work at such a low amount. *Self-worth story for another time.

The second month I brought in about $3,000. The third month I pulled in around $7,000. I didn't have enough time in my full-time job to get creative in the different ways of making money so I felt stuck bringing home less than I wanted each year.

During these months, I ran my coaching business, partnered with companies for affiliate opportunities, babysat for local families I love, watched my neighbors cats, and took a few social media jobs to attract money I had never seen before in my working career. I seriously couldn't believe it.

And on top of that, I started having a life again, exploring my own interests. I was happy again! It was weird to finally start feeling content about where I'm at, a feeling I've never felt before. Fast forward 4-5 months later, and other higher ed entrepreneurs and side hustlers are starting to see my success and want to learn how I'm doing it. I decided to help other people build their businesses from the ground up!

If you're thinking about starting your own business or side hustle, realize that it is possible, it just takes time! I've had to teach myself the art of patience and consistently going after something I completely and wholeheartedly believe in.

The best advice I received? Be patient and ask for help.

Interested in obtaining your life coach certification? Head to main page for more info & a special discount if you sign-up!