Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Raele Altano, founder of Well With Raele, located in New York City, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Well With Raele is a personal coaching service for clients from various backgrounds, circumstances, and environments who are looking to improve their communication skills and confidence. Though most clientele are women, my service supports clients from all walks of life seeking to level up both personally and professionally. I offer 1:1 coaching sessions remotely and will soon introduce group coaching sessions as well.
Tell us about yourself
I've always been a social butterfly and love connecting with different people. In 2020 when the pandemic hit and life slowed down for everyone, I thought about what really makes me tick and what I truly want to do with my life and time. I discovered the benefits of coaching and realized I could make it a real career, so I got my certification from an ICF-accredited coaching program in 2021 and started my business from there. Since launching two years ago, I've worked with clients throughout the United States and a few internationally as well! It's so fulfilling to connect with and help others, and I learn something new each day about myself and how to run a business too. I would say that's the most motivating thing for me, as well as the vision I had for myself in 2020 when I decided to get my certification and make Well With Raele happen. Whenever I'm tired or want to give in to laziness or quit, I think back to the beginning and realize I still have so much more to accomplish and share with my clients and with the world.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is supporting my clients by making huge shifts in their communication skills, confidence, and overall outlook on their lives. I've helped clients secure new jobs, re-energize their marriages, and simply feel good in their skin again. Though the client does the actual work, it's gratifying to be their objective cheerleader on the sidelines who provides a fresh perspective and any helpful tips where necessary. Doing all this while being a mom to a soon-to-be-toddler as well as juggling a full-time job is also a major accomplishment to me. It's definitely not easy!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Motivating yourself to get things done! When you work for someone else, they keep you accountable and will likely let you know if something didn't get done or was done incorrectly. When you work for yourself, you could put something off for weeks and no one would know. You have to treat yourself like an employee and stay disciplined. You have to admit when you are making excuses for yourself and push past them. It's funny because people always say that it must be so fun and easy to be your own boss, but you're likely going to put in twice the time and effort than you would with a typical 9-5.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- You're never going to be ready. Waiting around and hoping for that is procrastination in its most basic form. Stop hoping for total readiness or perfection and just start. You will learn by taking action.
- Keep an "accomplishments" or "positive receipts" folder somewhere on your phone or in your inbox. Save it with positive texts/screenshots/emails you've received - anything that highlights your success so far. When the imposter syndrome kicks in (and it will), reference those folders. They will come in handy and remind you what you're capable of when you're not feeling your best.
- Don't be afraid to rebrand or refocus your mission. Of course, don't switch it up every few months, either, because consistency is important. But if you feel like you can improve your business and offering by making some key shifts, go for it. Like I said in Tip #1, you can only learn by taking action, and sometimes that action will lead you to new realizations. It's okay!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.wellwithraele.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wellwithraele
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellwithraele/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wellwithraele/
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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