Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gemma Garcia, Founder of Brazen Muses Academy, located in Austin, TX, USA.

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

Brazen Muses Academy is a confidence-building, fitness, and mental health program for women between the ages of 27 and 45 who have experienced major life setbacks or find themselves otherwise in a slump & are in need of support to unleash the badass powerhouses they truly are.

Tell us about yourself

I was born in Monterrey, Mexico, and am currently in the US as a DACA recipient. Before beginning my undergrad education, I found myself highly interested in human psychology. Although it wasn't my career of choice to begin, the twists and turns life has put me through drove me to seek answers from books, workshops, therapy continuously, and just about every resource I could get my hands on. Through my own personal growth, I began an informal education in the mental health and self-improvement space. Following a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder, I decided to pursue a graduate degree in Clinical Social Work to become a licensed therapist. I am currently halfway through this program. Although formal psychotherapy is an incredible tool for mental and emotional stability, from my personal experience, I have come to strongly believe there is space for lifestyle coaching when pursuing personal growth. And so Brazen Muses Academy was born.

Once upon a time, I was a lost, broke 20-something, searching for answers on the internet, not knowing what was what or if I could even help myself much with the challenges I was facing in life in my early 20s. I remember what it was like to feel like, due to circumstances, there was little help or opportunity to be found. The last decade has taught me that nothing can be achieved or overcome alone. We, as human beings, women in particular, need the support of other women who have had to become strong to survive and get to where they are in life. I 100% believe that the universe created me, challenged me, and placed me where I am in life so that I can support other women to overcome their challenges and live the life they truly desire. Every time one of my girls reaches a milestone or shares a win with me or their cohort, I am reminded of why the work I do is absolutely necessary in this world, whether it be as a coach or as a psychotherapist. I am incredibly lucky to be able to wake up every morning knowing that my purpose in this life is to serve and support all these absolutely badass women.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

This is my second business in the last ten years. I successfully built and ran a media and content creation business for three years until the pandemic, when I lost almost 95% of my clients overnight, which was no short of traumatic. All my time, blood, sweat, and tears, my work has gone in literally 24 hours. I think my biggest accomplishment as a business owner so far is simply my ability to get up and try again. The entrepreneurial journey is difficult regardless of what you decide to do. It's not for the faint of heart for me; just arriving at the decision to try again was an accomplishment.

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

I think, at least at the beginning, it's staying motivated and disciplined. There are a lot of times in which it gets so hard that you ask yourself why you're even doing this, like, what's the point? Why are you putting yourself through this? I think getting past those moments and choosing to keep going against the odds is one of the hardest things.

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

  1. Be ready to work your ass off, all. the. time.
  2. Have a consistent sleep and fitness schedule. Getting a hold of your energy levels is crucial to a sustainable work schedule.
  3. TAKE BREAKS. The 24/7 "grind" lifestyle is an unsustainable, self-destructive badge of 'honor.' Don wear it. It's overrated. Taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health is where it's at!
  4. Make time for loved ones. You will need their love and support. If you damage those relationships, you risk losing parts of your life that will forever be more important than any business you will start. Take care of them too.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://linktr.ee/thegemmaisabell
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegemmaisabel
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegemmaisabell/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thegemmaisabell/

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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