Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ambika Devi, Founder of Ambika's Wisdom and Mythologem Press, located in Stuart, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a multipreneur with several businesses. As a coach, I use astrology, my 21 years of teaching Holistic Health at the university level, and the skills I have gained through teaching meditation. Another is writing and publishing books under my label Mythologem Press. I have led bands, worked as a musician and voice artist, and am a public speaker.
Tell us about yourself
I began my first business when I was 14, teaching horseback riding. At age 18, I became certified as a Yoga and Meditation instructor and began to teach privately and in studios. I continue to teach people to quiet their minds and listen to intuition, and I am a lead developer of tools for educators and business professionals for a wellness company. In my 20s, I practiced massage and acupuncture while also playing music and making jewelry and art, which my mother sold to galleries. She was an antique dealer and taught me so much about following my passions and sales.
I then went to university for Astrology and began a private coaching practice. This was followed by teaching Holistic Health at the University level. I then decided to write books, having written for periodicals. After being with a publisher for six years and with his encouragement, I started my own publishing company and now have six books that have won international awards.
So much of what I do and have done is freelance. Though I have taught for schools k-12 and university as well as in online schools, most of my work has been creative in nature. I learned early on how to be the product and the promoter.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I am most proud of never listening to people who could not fathom how I could do the many things I am able to do with skill and expertise, telling me to "Pick a lane." To them, I say, "Deal with it!"
I realize most people are happy doing the same thing every day, but this is not for me. I am super creative and love keeping my own schedule. I have had many outlets for income over the decades and trust my intuition. This is how I ride the trends.
By staying true to myself, I have found great success and happiness, helped many people, and constantly remained creative.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being a solo multipreneur can be isolating. My team members are in other countries, and sometimes I wonder what it would be like to go to an office and have work colleagues that I socialize with. I have not had this since I taught at university in the 90s.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
The most important thing is to learn to listen and trust your intuition. Do what you love, not what you think you are supposed to do and for goodness sake, please yourself first. I always ask my coaching clients who are pivoting their businesses what they would do if they did not have to work. Inside the answer you give to this question—is the secret to what is going to make you successful!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Be brave. You do not have to settle for a cookie-cutter safe choice. Take risks and always love yourself so that you can love others even more. Be tolerant and kind to yourself and others. Remember, we are all connected through an invisible web of energy.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://ambikadevi.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmbikaDevi1008
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AmbikaDevi1008/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmbikaDeviMA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ambikadevi/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.