Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in professional development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marisa Santoro, Founder of In Our Shoes LLC., located in New York, NY, USA.

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

We are a professional development and leadership coaching and training practice based in the New York City tri-state region. We work with midcareer professionals, senior leaders, consultants, and emerging entrepreneurs.

Tell us about yourself

When I was a former Wall St. Executive, I was often asked if I had ever considered coaching people. The answer was no. This question was what had me consider starting a business. I started In Our Shoes first as a professional community for women's events to empower and inspire them in their careers. It later turned into a Gutsy Leader village where Gutsy Leadership was born. Creating pattern interrupts in life, challenging the status quo, and making a gutsy move on a daily basis is what motivates me.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Our professional community of gutsy leaders. These are people who have given themselves permission to be giants and step into the fullest potential in their careers to increase their impact and income. I am truly in awe of these women making gutsy moves. Our gutsy village is my greatest accomplishment.

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

Delegation!

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

Slow and steady, dip your toe into something you may like and test the waters. Don't quit the day job. Give yourself micro business goals that will stretch you but not freeze you. Fierce time management, protect your time and keep boundaries.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

It takes guts and grace to create what you want. Surrendering is not giving up; it's following your north star in small incremental steps, and it usually happens through people you barely know. If you're not waking up every day to be comfortable being uncomfortable, you are probably not going gutsy enough.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://inrshoes.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InRShoes/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/inrshoes/


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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