Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Samantha Hawley, Founder of Samantha Says, located in Batavia, NY, USA.

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

I teach women how to honor their emotions through journaling so that they can identify what they deserve and start living more purposefully and joyfully. My customers are women who struggle with overwhelm, people-pleasing, and avoidance. They are aware of these habits, but it's kept them safe up until now. These women feel a tug that they want to create more balance and peace in their life.

Tell us about yourself

After having my son, I started my business because of my own experience. I realized that I had been pushing my needs & emotions so far down and that not addressing them was causing me even more anxiety, frustration & loneliness. Nothing feels worse than being in the "thick of it" with no apparent way out.

I started journaling as an escape. I discovered how good it felt to validate my emotions, which allowed space to create clarity around what I wanted & how I wanted to feel. Watching my clients realize that they don't have to stay stuck and strategizing with them on how to get what they need makes my heart smile.

It inspires me every day to know that my work creates an empowered woman with the confidence & self-worth to get precisely what she wants out of life. Not just that, but all of her relationships improve because of it.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I recently launched a podcast, journal entries, with astonishing growth and excellent reviews. I love using my experiences and voice to help other women.

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

When you love what you do, you want to do as much of it as possible! The hardest thing for me was managing my energy & expectations and taking more time to rest. My business improves when I take more time for myself vs. hustling daily.

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

  1. Permit yourself to pivot. Start with what currently brings you joy. Your business can expand as you evolve as grow.
  2. Make sure to celebrate your wins daily - big ones like enrolling a new client or landing a new collaboration and small ones like someone reaching out seeking more information about your product/service or new people joining your email list.
  3. Remind yourself of the ripple effect you're having on the lives of those you serve.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.samanthapenkoff.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachSamanthaHawley
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samantha.s.says/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthahawley/


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.