Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sharon Scibek, Founder of Gracious Space, located in Glen Burnie, MD, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is life and leadership coaching. I founded Gracious Space, LLC to fulfill my passion for guiding others to reach their full potential. I believe we each have the potential to reach success. Through coaching, I work one-on-one with clients to help them gain a deeper awareness of how to use their potential, as well as discover new ones! I partner with them to address the issues and barriers that get in the way of them reaching their full potential.
As a coach, I provide a safe space for my client to share what is important to them at the moment. They provide the narrative, and I am there to support and help them by being fully present and listening without judgment. Through my observations and questions, I help them understand what is getting in the way of what it is they are searching to attain.
In addition to life and leadership coaching, I facilitate "Transformative Conversations" for women based on the seasons of the year. Each season has a message for us. Women have the opportunity to meet other women in a safe space to share reflective moments.
Tell us about yourself
The majority of my career was spent in senior HR leadership positions where I created and led HR departments. Then, in 2018, the company I was working for went through an acquisition. My position was eliminated. I decided at that time that I was not going to go through another job search. It was time to do what I always felt called to do, and that was to help people see their value and their full potential.
I already had my Master's in HR Development, a successful career in Human Resources, and I was certified in coaching through The Newfield Network. Since I started my business, I have become a Certified Practitioner in Narrative Coaching and an Associate Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation.
I love what I am doing creating reflective safe spaces for women to engage in conversation and helping individuals to overcome the barriers that get in the way of their dreams and success. This work is deeply satisfying for me. I'm where I belong.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I would say that my biggest accomplishment is the ability to be resilient. It takes time to start and grow a business. There is no such thing as instant success. I don't have a product to sell. I have a service that I believe in.
I was approached by a radio talk show to host a podcast. This is something that I never imagined myself doing. It's one of those opportunities that was not on my "bucket list." I love doing them. It's another opportunity for me to highlight the wonderful people that are making a difference in the world.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
It can be a lonely adventure. I've learned that I don't have all the answers, and I need to be vulnerable enough to reach out to others and learn from them. Colleagues in the coaching world have been very generous with sharing ideas, experiences, and resources.
Since I don't have a tangible product per se, I have a service. Coaching, I believe, is still a relatively new profession. It's a challenge to get clients and sell the value of coaching.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Share your vision with others and surround yourself with people who love you, affirm you, and support you on your journey.
- Be patient. It takes resilience, vulnerability, and openness to learn from mistakes. Never stop learning.
- Get yourself out there. Join professional associations, chambers, etc. Volunteer. It's always about giving back!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://gracious-space.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/graciousspacecoaching/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/slscibek
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/slscibek/
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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