Hi dear one,
July 11 is a special day for me. Four years ago, I launched my coaching practice. I am filled with so much gratitude to be of service to others and to do work that is filled with hope and meaning.
Those of you who’ve worked with me know that getting to this point in my career was not without a fair share of highs and lows, including an epic burnout followed by a year of reckoning. Back then it was really hard to imagine that one day I’d be working for myself and following the whisper in my heart that was telling me that a better way forward was possible.
For most of my life I was really invested in being a good girl and not an unapologetic woman. Starting a business at the age of 45 involved doing a ton of work on myself which included working with a mentor coach, a therapist and a psychiatrist (just a few of the wellness peeps that make up my support network). I had to become comfortable with not pleasing everyone and learning that every “no” from a prospective client was bringing me closer to a “yes.” It meant walking away from a familiar but high stress day job. I had to push myself to become more visible (which was tricky because my default has always been to not seem pushy and demanding). It meant embracing lots of messiness and letting go of my deep desire for order and perfection. Finally, I had to get really clear on what felt true to me rather than following someone else’s rules about what a coaching business should look like.
I started this practice with a tiny email list of friends and no real strategy in place, but I had undergone a transformation and folks could relate to my story and the business started to grow steadily. The process hasn’t been quick and shiny, but I feel a lot of satisfaction in learning how to be a better coach and entrepreneur every step of the way.
Thank you for being here and for supporting my journey. And thank you for being my best teachers as I continue this heart work.
May you always remember who you are and light the world by being your luminous self.
Sending love,
Vesna
The love list:
Watching: Veneno
Reading: Uses of the Erotic by Audre Lorde
Listening: ALOK in conversation with Prentis Hemphill