Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in coaching but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chantal Cox, Founder of Create a Life You Love Coaching, located in Wichita, KS, USA.

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

Create a Life You Love Coaching helps female purpose-driven coaches create an aligned business and life of impact based on their vision of success, not what they've been told they should view as success so that they can ditch the overwhelm of the hustle mentality and finally make the impact in this world they are destined for.

Tell us about yourself

My business started shortly after I decided to write a book to share my story of getting out of an abusive marriage and rebuilding myself and my life. Back then, my vision for my business was to help other women rebuild their lives after overcoming a major life challenge through books and speaking.

My vision quickly shifted to adding coaching as a way to help the women I was meeting. I had already been coaching special education teachers for two years and sought certification to expand my knowledge and skills to help women outside of the classroom as well.

I found a perfectly aligned certification and embarked on the journey to become a Master Certified NeuroCoach™ with Dr. Shannon Irvine. Her brain-based, science-backed approach gave me the tools and confidence to make lasting change for myself and my clients by literally rewiring the brain for success.

As I became more familiar with the coaching industry outside of the school system, there were things that I felt were keeping passionate people called to serve others through coaching stuck and playing small. I got trapped in the hustle mentality and kept paying for the next "expert" to teach me the latest strategy that they claimed would launch my business into their version of success, which typically included something along the lines of an X-figure salary.

That is when I decided to shut out the noise and lean into what felt aligned with me, my values, and my vision of success. I truly believe that coaching is a calling, and those of us called to serve in this way were put on this earth to impact certain people. Now I am passionate about helping other coaches do the same

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Businesses often fail in the first few years. My biggest accomplishment so far is that I take on challenges, find aligned solutions, and my passion keeps pulling me forward. There is work to be done and people to impact. Giving up is not an option.

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

It is challenging not to let your business take over your life and define you. When starting a business, it becomes your baby. You spend many sleepless nights getting everything figured out, which may be needed for some time. However, if you stay in that pattern too long, you train your brain to want to operate at that stress level all the time. Having a clear vision of what you want all areas of your life to look like is important.

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

  1. Take time, in the beginning, to reflect and decide what you want all areas of your life to look like. First, list all areas of your life such as health and fitness, business and career, finances, spirituality, romance, growth and contribution, friends and family, and fun and recreation. Then ask yourself The Create a Life You Love 4 Questions for each of your identified areas.
    - Who do I want to be?
    - What do I want to do?
    - What do I want to have?
    - How do I want to FEEL?
    As you create your business, continually go back to that and ensure the decisions you are making and the actions you are taking align with your vision. Without this foundational step, you will create a business following other people's vision of success rather than your own.
  2. Be open to new possibilities. While yes, it is important to have a laser focus on your vision and not go after every shiny object that comes your way, it is also important to remain open. Focus on the vision; the HOW will find a way for you. People will cross your path, doors will open, and opportunities that align with your vision will present themselves to you if you let them.
  3. Expect the evolution of yourself and your vision. As you learn and grow, so will your vision. You will be exposing your brain to new possibilities, people, and ideas. What once seemed so impossible that you could not even imagine it is now a reality to many people you regularly interact with. This exposure allows your brain to see it as familiar and safe. In contrast, before these thoughts and ideas were new, your brain deemed them "unsafe" and kicked into survival mode to keep you in your comfort zone. Allow your comfort zone to grow and watch the magic happen.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

You started your business for a reason. Surround yourself with the people needed to support and guide you. You cannot do it all, and you cannot do it alone. Plug into networking groups and masterminds. Access resources available to you that will have you interacting with people that support and inspire you. Being a business owner can feel lonely if you don't have a community and support system, so be sure to plug in somewhere.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://createalifeyoulovecoaching.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CALYLCoaching/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/createalifeyoulovecoaching/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CALYLCoaching
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/calylcoaching/

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.