The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Aside from my health in the early days, there have been times when I questioned everything; whether I was ‘doing enough’, if I should have stayed in the corporate world, if slow growth meant failure. There was one occasion where we all got sick and I had to cancel a beautiful retreat I’d arranged with no sick pay to fall back on and a loss of earnings. The reality of starting a business is that it’s rarely smooth for finances. It’s a steep learning curve; I had to learn how to run a business, and then deliver my services too.
Like any business, there was a fear that my offerings wouldn’t land as I intended. But I had so much belief, knowing how these practices impacted my life and knowing how hard I worked for a company – if I put in even half the energy, I knew I’d make it work. I grow in confidence each time I see the impact I can have on a person’s wellbeing that transcends all areas of their life.
Each challenge reminded me why I started: challenged me to stay true to myself, to trust and not allow any ego or external influence to make me feel otherwise. That self-belief that you’re doing the right thing becomes a great comfort.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
I have the freedom now to be the creator, to make the decisions that align with my values and experience the beautiful mess of building something my way. That alignment means so much. There’s nothing quite like building something from my heart; but it means sometimes it feels like my heart is on the line too. Freedom was part of my ‘why’ for creating my own business: the flexibility to be around as much as possible for the children so we have the space to nurture them.
It can feel exhausting, not just guiding physical classes, reading people’s energy, and planning meaningful sessions, but always thinking of new and exciting ways to improve and shape Deeply Practices. I find inspiration everywhere and love connecting with other practitioners but growth is tiring.
I’m proud of what I do and grateful that it meets people where they are. It’s a gentle blend of what I enjoy but what’s good for business. I will always keep creating from a place of intention that’s in alignment with my values. It may take a little longer but it’s lasting.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
Last year was so busy building my own studio space so although it’s natural to want to grow, I’m focusing on going deeper rather than bigger. I’m most excited about my new holistic offerings that are specifically for burnt out professionals, busy, working and new mums. They celebrate the full scope of Deeply Practices, the reason for creating it and the epitome of the name itself – we’re so used to individual labelled practices – Breathwork, Life Coaching, Yoga, Meditation, Mindfulness – but our whole being benefits from a unique blend of all these practices rooted in a coaching framework. This is where the deeply nourishing and transformative work happens for people.
Of course I dream of a slower life, as slow as possible, but my ambition is to have a deeper community impact, helping build awareness within businesses and with parents, to empower people to live in alignment. There’s a growing movement for connection and contentment which I believe is key above all else.
Visit the Deeply Practices website to find out more. You can also connect with them on Facebook and Instagram.
