Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Clarissa Castillo-Ramsey, Multi-Passion: Leadership & Life Coach, based in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
There are different facets to my business. I'm an artist, author, leadership + life coach, and podcaster. I sell abstract art. I also published a book called Painting Your Path and a companion journal to my book. Coaching, facilitating classes, and launching collaborative events are my main sources of income.
My mission: coach 1000+ creatives (artists, makers, designers, etc.) who are unfulfilled at work to get back into their creative zone of genius so they can live fulfilled, abundant lives. What does that look like exactly? Typically that's through either exiting a mismatched job to start their own business or helping them build a life on purpose outside work.
Tell us about yourself
I knew from a very young age "what I wanted to be when I grew up" That was easy for me to identify: being an artist and being someone who helps others. However, as we get older, doubt, worry, and comparison creeps in. Society's "norms" take over, and I often felt like fitting in was more important than being me. It's been many, many years of letting go of old stories, old habits, and old identities and stepping into my creativity, coaching, and leading potential. I worked in the corporate space for almost 30 years and had many different jobs until I landed my dream job, which was being an internal professional and executive coach for a healthcare company. That was the most rewarding job - helping high-potential team members become managers and business owners. That said, I knew I eventually wanted to be my own boss, so I took the plunge and left the comfort of my day job to embark on the creative entrepreneurial journey! What motivates me is creating life on my terms, doing what I love, and helping others do similar.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
There are many accomplishments I'm proud of as a business owner, but the one that rises to the top is happy clients. Here are some of the results my clients have shared: leaving a miserable job to work for themselves, starting a part-time creative side business, networking more successfully and less painfully, communicating effectively, speaking clearly and confidently, being more productive, less stressed - and end up getting more done. I truly enjoy helping them see what's possible.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about being a business owner is that every decision is with you being a solopreneur. You cannot sit in indecision. There's no time to dwell on it - it is a "good" or "bad" decision. You've got to roll with what you know at that time.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start with why. There's a reason Simon Sinek wrote that book! Why do you want to start a business? What product or service do you want to put out there in the world? For whom? People get so caught up in "what tactic or strategy is the best one," and that's not the best question to ask first.
- Take time to dream. After you have an idea of what it is you want to put out in the world, see it in your mind's eye first. Use your senses. What do you see, hear, smell, feel, taste, and touch? The vision is what will pull you forward when things get tough.
- Get support. Don't go it alone. Hire a coach you resonate with and who's done the thing you want to do. You'll save time and money in the long run.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://clarissastudio.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/employeetocreativeentrepreneur/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccr_sunshine/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccastilloramsey
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ccastilloramsey/
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.
