Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in coaching but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jess Feldt, Owner of Jess Feldt Coaching, located in Chicago, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a Life and Leadership Coach specifically focusing on helping working moms throw off all the "shoulds" and create a version of life they love. When you have competing titles of "Mom" and "Professional," it's really easy to lose your unique identity because you're constantly sacrificing yourself for the benefit of everyone else. I'm here to help women find enjoyment and empowerment in the decisions they make every day to live intentionally and find balance.
Tell us about yourself
My background is a mixture of business and psychology. I've always been interested in the way people behave at work. When I had my first child, I realized how hard it became to care about this amazing career I had nurtured because my priorities shifted so dramatically toward my family. I made a career pivot to be a stay-at-home mom while my son was young... and guess what? I realized I completely lost myself when I dedicated all my time to "momming." I knew there had to be a way to find a balance that allowed me to value both my career and my family. I also knew I wasn't the only one experiencing this - moms all over are feeling this competing pull and the guilt and pressure that comes with it. My business has allowed me to balance these two values and inspired me to want to help other moms do the same. Every time I hear a mom give herself self-compassion or lean into a decision that is truly going to make her feel fulfilled, I know I'm making a difference. That is everything right there.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is continued growth year over year - both financially and personally. It's really amazing to look back at where I've come from, trying to fit in my business in between my son's nap schedule to where I am today with clients, testimonials, and real impact. It's incredibly empowering to say, "Hey, I did that!"
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest part of this business can be the will to keep going through the ups and downs. It can be hard to be a solopreneur; there's no one to bounce ideas off of or to celebrate milestones. You have to be really intentional about self-motivating to keep going. This was especially hard during COVID when we had no childcare, and I had to shut down my business for a year essentially. It felt like starting from scratch when I was able to dive back in, but I persevered, and I'm so glad that I did.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find your community. Being a business owner can be very lonely. Find a group of people that know what you're going through and can be your cheerleaders. I was lucky to connect with a group of female business owners at my coworking space, which made all the difference. We lift each other up when it gets hard and celebrate each other during the good times.
- Build a regular habit of reflection. Know your values and priorities. These things will ground you when it gets overwhelming or you're making important business decisions. Value this time for reflection just as much as you would value time with your top customer. You are that important.
- Practice self-compassion. You will make mistakes. You will fail. A healthy self-compassion practice will build up your resilience and make it easier to get back up. Many of us have this false belief that we have to be critical of ourselves in order to be motivated to achieve. Most of the time, that's just a recipe for burnout. It's self-compassion that will allow you to dust yourself off, learn, and move forward.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Believe in yourself. Trust in yourself. Know when to ask for and accept help. Owning a business is the biggest challenge and reward I've ever experienced - next to having my kids, of course!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.jessfeldtcoaching.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JessFeldtCoaching/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessfeldtcoaching/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicajaefeldt/
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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