Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ellen Burgan, founder of Ellen Burgan Coaching, LLC., located in Rhinelander, WI, USA.

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

We all have fear because it's part of our biology. Yet fear can hold us back from our full potential. The good news is that once we understand how fear makes us behave, we can make choices that allow us to live in freedom and joy rather than fear. As a Confidence and Joy Coach, I help people break through fear and self-doubt so they can live a life filled with joy and endless possibilities.

Tell us about yourself

After 30+ years in my professional career, I knew it was time for something new when I dreaded going to work each day. My children were grown, and my husband was already retired, so it was a good time to start a new chapter. I wanted something that I was passionate about and something that allowed me to work as many or as few hours as I wanted.

Before leaving my job, I began the Life Coach Certification Program through the Fearless Living Institute. I began to gain confidence throughout the year-long program, and coaching really brought me joy! Everything fell into place, and I am so grateful for having a passion (not a job) that is completely fulfilling.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

This may sound corny, but it is so rewarding to help each and every client understand how fear makes them behave so they can make different choices to live in freedom and joy rather than being driven by fear.

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

As a business owner, I have full freedom in business decisions. That has its perks, yet sometimes I would love someone to tell me the best decision! For example, I first got caught up in comparing myself to other coaches and thought I "should" have a large coaching business. Once I realized that having a high impact on a small client base better suited my style, I stopped feeling overwhelmed and began to enjoy coaching thoroughly. Another example is that I started out serving women. A few opportunities came my way to coach male clients, and I found that I enjoyed working with men and women equally. I am in the process of changing my website to reflect that change because it feels right.

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

  1. Only open a type of business you have a true passion for. If you're not passionate about your mission, it won't be fulfilling.
  2. Have fun! Burnout can happen fast, especially when running a business solo, so passion and fun are good ingredients for success.
  3. Ask for help. Don't expect that you should be an expert at everything. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether it's from friends, owners of similar businesses, or paid consultants... ask for help when you need it!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

For anyone who dreads going to work each day, muster up the courage to make a change! Research, talk to people and do whatever you can to discover possibilities that will give your spark back. Life is meant to be enJOYed.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://ifitbringsyoujoy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IfItBringsYouJoy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenburgan_coach/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellenburgan/

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.