The Drive: What challenges have you overcome?
One challenge has been visibility and actually being seen by my ideal client through my website and social media. Also, mothers actually understanding what exactly a post-partum doula is, as it is something that is fairly new within my society and not well known. I have overcome these challenges by creating an introductory workshop to post-partum doula care and sharing my website as much as possible. I also use the support of Google Business profile.
I have also overcome the challenge of frustration and not meeting my expectations, as when I initially shared my services and website, I thought that I would have my first client within the first month. However, I am actually yet to work with my first client and being on this journey, I now KNOW that it is a matter of time before I meet her and when I do it is going to be absolutely INCREDIBLE.
Since setting up my business, I have truly learned the art of patience and self-trust which I think is invaluable so early on into being a business owner. I have unshakable trust in myself and my business that The Elevated Mother is going to be wildly successful.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
The pros are that I answer only to myself and am not bound by policy and procedure, which maybe I would be if I was employed. I am able to serve from the heart, as doing this work is truly sacred to me. As I designed my website, flyers, all social media posts, I am able to communicate the essence of my business and work from a deeply authentic place; this is one of my highest values as a business owner.
The cons of being a business owner are that I am in the building phase having to complete all admin/emails/marketing myself. This can be time consuming, as opposed to planning a workshop or talk around post-partum care or booking in discovery calls. Another con I have experienced is not receiving replies to my requests for collaboration and networking from some business owners who work with my ideal client. After taking time out to send emails and messages to them, this can be frustrating.
Hopes and Dreams: What next?
Within the next 12 months, I intend to be well known within my community and amongst my ideal clients, having consistent client bookings every month, and for The Elevated Mother to truly “stretch it legs” out into the world of post-partum care in my local community. I want to serve every mother with deep reverence and care, and above all, leave each mother I work with feeling nurtured and empowered to further deepen her journey of motherhood.
Visit The Elevated Mother website to find out more and connect with Sonia on TikTok
