Entrepreneurship, they
say, is like navigating a
labyrinth in the dark.
You start with a plan, a vision of where you’re heading, only to discover that the path is far more intricate and unpredictable than you ever imagined.
It’s somewhat strange that life and careers often unfold in much the same manner.
I’m here to share a story that embodies the beautiful messiness of entrepreneurship and life’s unexpected turns. A journey marked not only by the pursuit of success but by the evolution of dreams and the uncharted territories we stumble upon.
I began my journey
in the tech world.
I wrote software. I thrived there, solving complex problems across various industries. But over time, I realized coding was just one piece of the puzzle. I yearned for something more, something that would let me impact businesses on a deeper level. So I went to graduate school.
Twice
Armed with a law degree and an MBA, I ventured into consulting, working for prominent global professional services companies and smaller boutique firms. My clients spanned the spectrum, from Fortune 100 companies to middle-market enterprises, small businesses, and non-profits.
My expertise encompassed solving an array of challenges – technology, strategy, and operational issues – and I relished the art of problem-solving. the thrill of tackling business problems that truly ignited my passion
As my professional journey progressed,
I realized a lifelong dream - teaching.
Eager to share my knowledge, I taught diverse courses in technology and business. My focus eventually honed in on the intriguing world of entrepreneurship, particularly the realm of small businesses. My students weren’t developing the next groundbreaking apps or disrupting industries, but rather, they were opening restaurants, daycare centers, and non-profits
The impact they made and their passion for what they did was truly inspiring. I found myself instructing and guiding these budding business owners, engaging with them both within the confines of a classroom and over a cup of coffee in cozy coffee shops.
Then there was art.
Art has always played an essential role in my life. From my childhood onward, I had a deep connection with the arts – music, theater, literature, and the visual arts. Photography holds a special place in my heart: I never go without my camera. Many of my friends also shared this artistic bond, and it strengthened our camaraderie.
So, business paid the bills, teaching helped others thrive, and art nourished my soul, shaping an inspiring and rewarding journey
Up till then, the three aspects of my life had remained separated until my move to Nashville, where a pivotal convergence occurred. Conversations with artists and artisans turned into coaching and advising. We delved into the essence of their businesses and their journey, and I started helping them turn their passions into a livelihood.
Working closely with artists and artisans, I quickly recognized that they grappled with many of the same challenges that plague small businesses across various industries. However, these creative entrepreneurs also faced unique obstacles that often went unnoticed in conventional small business coaching and education.
It became evident that these distinctive issues could be effectively addressed by applying the tools of innovation, product management, and entrepreneurship, particularly when wielded by individuals who possess an understanding of and empathy for the creative process.
As I delved deeper into solving these challenges, I realized that the core of the solution lay in deciphering the true essence of their customers:
Understanding who they really are and discerning what truly mattered to them.
This insight allowed me to utilize the same problem-solving skills I employed daily to make a substantial impact on the lives of these artists and artisans and, in turn, enhance the experiences of their customers
However, the realization didn't stop there.
It dawned on me that this approach wasn’t exclusive to the creative realm; it had broader implications.
Understanding the depths of customers’ desires and what genuinely resonates with them isn’t solely beneficial to artists and artisans; it’s a profound asset for any small business rooted in the passionate visions of its owners.
Today, I find my true purpose in channeling my knowledge and skills through coaching.
To empower creative entrepreneurs not only to survive but thrive. My journey has taught me that thriving isn’t just about a business succeeding; it’s about a creative professional flourishing within their craft and making a profound difference, transcending the pursuit of profit alone.
It's about building businesses that thrive by
creating products that truly matter.
And as I dedicate myself to this mission for them, I realize that I’m also doing it for myself. In helping
others achieve their dreams, I find my own fulfillment, creating a harmonious cycle where the pursuit
of thriving is a shared journey, one that enriches not just their lives, but mine as well.
