Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in coaching but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jamelia Gay, Owner of Jamelia Gay Coaching Inc., located in Brampton, ON, CA.

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

I am an ADHD Professional Coach and Registered Early Childhood Educator. I provide ADHD, Executive Function Coaching, and educational consultancy services in Trinidad & Tobago, Canada, and the USA. Through my coaching program, I empower my clients to transform their lives through On Purpose Thinking and coach them to master their focus, working memory, impulsivity, emotional regulation, task completion, and self-confidence. My individualized sessions are for individuals who have been facing challenges and experiencing feelings of overwhelm and anxiety.

As a woman who realized I matched an ADHD profile in my adulthood, and through my work, research, and professional experience, I have observed that many adults were either misdiagnosed or undiagnosed as children, resulting in continued challenges that, in some cases, have been exacerbated with age. I was inspired to motivate, empower and support other adults seeking clarity and strategies for their daily experiences. I also work to steer positive conversations regarding mental wellness and reframing your mindset. I provide services to individuals, couples, and families experiencing an influx of ADHD matching traits since the abrupt onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic.

My clients face some or all of the following challenges:

  • Struggling to focus in school and complete assignments
  • Unable to complete (or begin) projects and tasks
  • Missing deadlines at work
  • Struggling with time management
  • Experiencing minimal motivation
  • Having difficulty paying attention in conversations
  • Frequently interrupting others when they are speaking
  • Facing challenges in building relationships
  • Displaying impulsive behaviors and low frustration tolerance
  • Having difficulty controlling emotions
  • Making impulsive decisions

As a black professional, it is important to me to work to decrease the stigmatization of mental health and accessibility disparities in the BIPOC community. For more information, visit my website www.jameliagaycoaching.com.

Tell us about yourself

I am a multifaceted, authentic black woman and serial student. I am continuously on a quest for knowledge and continually seek ways to contribute to the community. I believe that when you get, you give, and when you learn, you teach. I firmly believe in walking unapologetically in my purpose and am motivated by my goal of helping others master their impulses, self-awareness, self-development, and self-confidence. I am here to guide you through the process of self-exploration and the co-creation of proactive strategies.

Representation is very important to me and is, in my belief, crucial for developing equity and respect for diversity in the community. The need for representation and for the younger generation to see themselves reflected in the variety of workers and entrepreneurs throughout the community has been my driving force in starting my own business. My last job was as a supervisor for a large childcare center registered for 124 children. I led a team of approximately 30 staff members, was excellent at my role, and was very comfortable in my position… but I knew that I was destined for more. I felt driven to place my energy, efforts, and diligence into my own business, gain an entrepreneur's flexibility, and serve the underserved. I am also motivated by the concept that my comfort zone is the opposite of my growth. My mission is to provide inclusive and equitable mentorship, advocacy, empowerment, and edification opportunities for adults, children, families, and educators, particularly in marginalized and vulnerable communities.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Launching your own business is not an easy feat. As fulfilling as an entrepreneurial journey can be, it can also be challenging and present a rollercoaster of emotions. My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is becoming a business owner. Self-doubt and Imposter Syndrome occasionally show up as uninvited guests, but I chose to use the fear as fuel as I walked into my purpose. It was especially rewarding to manage various aspects of the business on my own, including branding, marketing, social media management, and client work. Persevering in the face of challenges and naysayers was, and still is, very fulfilling.

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

One of the hardest aspects of being a business owner is the toll that tasks and projects can take on your emotional and mental health if a balance is not maintained. When I started my business, it became my "baby." Not only did I need it to thrive because of the cost of living and daily expenses, but I was very protective of it and wanted my services to be well-received. This resulted in sleepless nights, indecision, skipped meals, and burnout. It was very important for me to prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance. The use of checklists, to-do lists, alarms, and calendars was found to be effective as success strategies and tools to mitigate overwhelm, stress, and anxiety.

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

  1. Define your "I AM" and be your authentic self unapologetically. "If I didn't define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people's fantasies for me and eaten alive," - Audre Lorde
  2. Ensure you have a theoretical and financial plan before leaving your 9-5. It is important to have some savings set aside to continue paying your bills and invest in your business in the case of a rainy day. The goal is for your business to be successful, but the reality is that profits may not be recognized right away.
  3. Seek a mentor in your field and/or a business consultant or coach. So many business owners are in a further chapter of their business journey. They are willing to share their experiences and entrepreneurial dos and don'ts. Having a mentor helps decrease feelings of isolation and provides you with abundant learning opportunities and professional development.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Some people will not understand your journey and your mission. They will be unable to relate to your choices, sacrifices, and development. They will not recognize you when you evolve and will only observe the tip of the iceberg, not the weeks, months, and years of grueling work. This is absolutely alright. Your passion and purpose are meant to be shared with the world, but they do not need to be understood by anyone but you. Hold onto your "Why" and believe in yourself anyway.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.jameliagaycoaching.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jameliagaycoaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameliagaycoaching/
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3njCOOt

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.