Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Valentine.
Stephanie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve always had an entrepreneur spirit wanting to have my own business and be the boss. I started a virtual assistant business in 2008 that lasted about 6 months. The idea of having someone work for you remotely was very new and many weren’t sold on the idea. After a few months of brainstorming, I started another business, an online handbag boutique Candy Coated Bags. I grew this brand solely on Twitter sharing motivational quotes with a picture of one of my bags attached and the link to buy. I began connecting with people all over the country through Twitter, helping them, motivating them and sharing resources. This is where the light went on and I began to understand what my true purpose really was.
I’ve always been a giver, helping others see their potential and maximize it. I would use every one of my trials and lessons learned to help others and show them how they too can overcome whatever life throws at you. I started my coaching business Maximize Your Zone in 2014 with the intention of empowering women to overcome their fears, go after their dreams and walk confidently in their purpose. I lived and breathed this endeavor helping women to see their potential, start businesses and reach goals they never thought possible. I was operating in my purpose.
What I didn’t realize was in helping others, I wasn’t taking time for myself. I wasn’t listening to my body and the signs that I was pushing myself too hard and was facing what they call business burn-out. My social life consisted of networking, meetings and late nights online creating content for myself and clients. After years of building, growing and connecting, I had begun to feel tired, overwhelmed and disconnected from the very thing I loved so much and my anxiety was spiraling out of control. I had to choose between my health or my business.
In December 2017, I chose to shut down my business and take some time for myself. I decided to relocate from Buffalo, NY to Atlanta, Ga in June 2018 with the intention of clearing the slate and starting fresh in a new environment and culture. For the first time in my entrepreneurial journey, I took the time to enjoy the moment and life around me. I selfishly took care of myself to heal and regroup.
During that time off, I realized that all the crazy business ideas and audacious goals that I have, I can still explore and accomplish but putting myself first and setting boundaries is key. I began rethinking how I was doing business before and shifted my structure and the direction to where I could still help my budding entrepreneurs make an impact but also where I was in control of my time, space and energy. I learned how to balance my business, work and personal life in ways that worked for me and my family.
I’m back working and operating in my purpose, with a new outlook on how I choose to give and share my gifts. Boundaries are in place and the people I choose to connect with must be aligned with the direction I am going.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Entrepreneurship is not easy, I don’t care what anyone tells you. You’ll lose more than you win and you’ll cry more than you laugh, but those wins and laughs will be the best you’ve ever experienced.
Some of my biggest challenges were not necessarily external but internal.
The self-doubt and wondering if what you offer is good enough will play havoc on you. Especially in my industry of coaching which is heavily saturated but you must believe that your message and gifts are meant for the right people.
Self-sabotage is another one that I struggled with and still do. You have to believe that you are enough and worthy of success and rewards.
You can’t do everything at once! Learning to focus on one or two things at a time and finishing them goes so much further than trying to do all the things at once by yourself!
There are many ways to combat these internal struggles that I share with clients but a few that you can do right away is to get into a supportive group of like-minded individuals to not only bounce ideas off of but to keep you accountable and lift you when you are not feeling your best.
EsVe Coaching & Consulting – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
EsVe Coaching & Consulting puts the emphasis on self-care first while starting and building your business. I use my story to motivate entrepreneurs to take the breaks, sleep when you’re tired and seek help when you need it. I assist entrepreneurs to gain a better perspective on their goals to achieve a healthy work/life balance.
I’m known for my no-nonsense approach, I don’t sugar coat anything. I’d rather be honest and truthful with my clients then sell a dream to individuals looking for solid advice.
What I’m most proud of about EsVe C&C is that its created on a foundation that honors speaking and owning your truth, self-care and putting yourself first. I’m not focused on how many clients I have but more on the positive impact of the lives that I touch.
I feel what sets me apart from others is that as a life coach, I only work with entrepreneurs who are overwhelmed and unable to find a balance between their business and personal life. I am more focused on self-care and the personal development of the person so that they can build solid and profitable businesses. As a business owner, the ups and downs, rejections and failures take a toll on your mental and emotional health. It is my goal to make sure, entrepreneurs practice self-care first and foremost to be strong enough to endure the battles they must face to secure the wins. My book eBook “8 Ways to Avoid Burn Out” offers insight into this topic and helps to create the balance needed to avoid the mental and emotional anguish caused by overwhelm and burn-out.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success differently than others. It not just the job or careers I have, contracts or important clients I come across or accolades received. All of these things are undoubtedly important but success to me is how all of that impacts my personal life and space. If I am happy at home than I am a success. If my mind is at peace after a long day of work, then I am a success. If I paid all my bills on time and in full, then I am a success. I honor the micro wins just as much as the major wins. I think that is essential in your growth as an individual, not just an entrepreneur.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.esveconsulting.
com - Email: esveconsulting@gmail.
com - Instagram: www.instagram.com/
esveconsulting - Facebook: www.facebook.com/
esveconsulting - Twitter: www.twitter.com/
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