Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Katya Davida, Founder of Clarity Coaching Online, located in San Francisco, CA, USA.

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

My business is a voice & speech coaching service called Clarity Coaching Online. I offer public speaking for professionals & students, accent reduction for ESLs, dialect coaching for actors, voiceover coaching for voiceover artists, simple singing for folks wanting to feel more comfortable singing at karaoke or alone in the shower, & trans voice discovery for folks who are transitioning gender identities.

Tell us about yourself

For any astrology nerds out there, I am a Capricorn sun and moon, which makes me a strong Cardinal Leader. Even as a kid, according to my folks, I would call myself "Katya, the Boss." So, the natural-born leader in me & my wild passion for voice & speech work created a ripe opportunity to create Clarity Coaching in 2018.

I was tired of working day jobs that no longer fulfilled my soul & risked my vocal health (i.e., tour guiding). Also, with such diverse experiences and expertise in professional acting, being bilingual in English & Spanish, working at a voiceover studio, being part of & passionate about supporting the lgbtqia+ community, over a decade of singing experience, & knowing how difficult it can be to rehabilitate a voice from first-hand experience, I really wanted to share what I've learned with others.

Healthy voices & hearts motivate me. Knowing that the curriculum I teach gives my clients the exercises & resources they need to speak with healthy, clear, & confident voices truly makes me want to cry. On top of this, to know that what I teach them gives them a healthier heart with the autonomy to feel empowered speaking at work, school, and in social settings is a great blessing.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is helping my clients speak with clarity and confidence when they speak or sing at home, in the office, or on the stage. Nothing compares to the reward of seeing a client smile from ear to ear and radiate joy when they overcome a vocal challenge or share a compliment they received at work or from a friend acknowledging the progress they have made. It's a true treasure to empowering voices.

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

Oy vey, great question. Remembering that I am a business owner, even on the days, weeks, or months when there are no clients or income, is hard. I have to remind myself that Clarity Coaching is still open & a valuable resource to the world, even when it's slow.

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

  1. Know your internal compass (your values, your boundaries, your goals) & stay true to it.
  2. Marketing: know your clientele -- who do you want to reach & how do they want to be reached?
  3. Make your goal sheet. Track all the little tasks you need to complete. And, when you inevitably get overwhelmed because starting a business is hard, ask yourself, "What is the most achievable next step?" (shout out to Pamela Aaralyn for this advice, www.pamelaaaralyn.com) Which might even be to have a snack or take a nap.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Even if you're afraid to, or you haven't in a long time, or you question if God is even real, I highly recommend you pray every day. Nourish your soul and relationship because it takes great strength to start a business and STAY in business. It doesn't hurt to have God on your team. Trust me. Thank you, Subkit. I really appreciate this opportunity.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.claritycoaching.online/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/claritycoaching.online
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claritycoaching.online/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClarityKatya
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katya-davida-001108201/

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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