Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in consultancy but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stacey Saunders, Founder of Saunders Consulting, located in Chicago, IL, USA.

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

My business is building relationships, and coaching is my gift for delivering results. I help business owners flip that switch to make day-to-day life feel seamless and satisfying through coaching. My customers are dreamers, visionaries, and changemakers struggling to turn dreams into reality. Whatever stage you're in, however extensive your needs, I'll coach you towards delivering results. I make dreams actionable by uncovering hidden barriers, streamlining processes, and building boundaries to support your business and the life you want to live.

Tell us about yourself

It's all about human connection and building relationships, for me. I'm attracted to people doing soulful, human-centered work that puts our well-being at the forefront. So it felt natural to move toward coaching others in project management and productivity. While I didn't set out to be a teacher, I noticed that the through line in my career was some form of teaching or coaching (mentoring, training, facilitating, teaming, and onboarding). I'm motivated by the unfolding satisfaction I witness when I create boundaries, adjust habits, and develop systems that work for them. For me, productivity is about creating ease. I believe we all benefit from more ease, particularly those of us who are Black, Brown, queer, and other underrepresented and exploited populations.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I like transforming humans. Seeing that Aha moment brings me joy. I enjoy watching a business owner shift from seeing productivity as a burden to becoming a creative leader who masters their time, grows their organization, builds healthy habits, and ultimately has more peace of mind.

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

Resilience. Keep your wits about you. Take care of yourself mentally, physically, socially, and romantically. Hold values and stay true to yourself. Remember that you have everything you need to be a business owner.

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

The first tip is having clarity. Ask yourself what you want to do, who you want to support, and how you want to go about it. Name ways you want to live purposefully. Writing a business plan can be a great tool to get your thoughts on paper. It's a love letter to yourself. The second is to know what boundaries you want to create between the job and the rest of your life. Name the lifestyle you want to have as you start and grow your business. For me, it was realizing when and what hours I work best. The third is to cultivate your squad. Who are your post-it note people, as Brene Brown would say? Who are your people around to support you? This list can be a chill, networking, or vacation group.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://www.saundersconsulting.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/staceysaundersconsulting
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saundersconsulting/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceysaunders1/

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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