Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christine McLean, founder of Creative Minds Retreat, located in Marmora, ON, Canada.

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

Creative Minds Retreat is a creative incubator. We are no longer living in the industrial age where 1+1=2. Navigating the current conceptual era, it's never been more important to be nimble and come up with solutions to abstract problems on a daily basis. That's where we come in. We help young professionals think outside of the box and accelerate their careers. Through one-on-one creative coaching, we work together to identify and dismantle invisible barriers and craft tangible, action-oriented goals to get you into your dream role. We also believe in making coaching accessible through self-guided coaching products and free tips on social media. For a more in-depth creative incubation experience, we are opening our home in 2022 as a rental to get away from the everyday grind and clear your mind to make space for new ideas.

Tell us about yourself

I have always been a creator in some form or another. Most of my career was spent in the visual arts world, working within small businesses. Over time, I felt an increasing urge to have a more of a say in company development and to create more opportunities for professional growth, so starting my own business felt like a natural next step for me in 2020. I revisited earlier training I had in psychology and counseling and decided to become certified as a coach. I believe creativity is threaded throughout everything we do, and my coaching is centered around that philosophy. My motivation comes from connecting with clients and hearing the excitement in their voices when they gain new insight into themselves that leads them one step close to where they want to be.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Many will answer this with stats or awards, but for me, the most fulfilling accomplishments are in small moments with clients. Every situation is unique, and every step is a different size. It's a privilege for me to be alongside for an individual's growth, especially during difficult periods.

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

Finding balance. It's easy to get pulled in (or pull yourself in) a million directions, so staying focused and clear on your long-term goals has to be a priority.

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

  1. Get really clear on WHY you want to start a business and what it takes to fully commit to it.
  2. Embrace failure as your greatest teacher. If you're not failing at all, you're not growing.
  3. You will be the only thing that holds you back in the end. There's always a way, even if it's messy.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

It's never too late to pursue a new path that leads to fulfillment.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.creativemindsretreat.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativemindsretreat/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/creative-minds-retreat/


If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.