Mad Love Monday | Shawna Dirksen - Practically Minimal
What is your business?
Emilie Iggiotti Photography
My business is called Practically Minimal. I help women declutter their lives and overcome overwhelm. Practically Minimal is all about empowering ourselves to focus on the things, people and experiences that align with our lives and purpose, and finding the courage to let go of what doesn’t.
I do this through my blog, online programs, one-to-one coaching, and extra resources and livestream events in my private Facebook group called The Clutter is REAL Community.
What inspired you to start your own business?
A shopping addiction and two walk-in closets stuffed with clothes!
Long story short, I finally recognized I was repeating an unhealthy pattern, and took a long and challenging path to creating what I now call a minimal-ish lifestyle. :)
The impact exploring minimalism has had on my life was so huge, I wanted to tell everyone all about it, and if I inspired a few others to learn more about it, that would be a bonus. So, I started my blog, Practically Minimal, in the spring of 2019.
About a year later, I decided I wanted to be more hands-on in helping women create a calmer, more peaceful environment (and some high-vibe energy) at home. That’s when I turned my blog into a business and here I am today!
Do you have a go-to quote or motto?
Yes, I have a few, but my favourite is probably this one by Peter Walsh (author and organizing guru), “Clutter isn’t just the stuff on the floor. It’s anything that gets between you and the life you want to be living.” #preach
What’s a personal goal of yours to accomplish?
Maintaining a neat, clutter-free home is a goal of mine and, I think, always will be. I’m not a naturally organized person, so I have to work at it. My business definitely helps keep me accountable to this!
Do you have a professional goal or set of goals for your business?
Of course! A professional goal I’m working on right now is improving and practicing my public speaking skills so I can do a better job sharing my story with others who may find some inspiration from what I’ve learned and gone through.
I’m also working on making more of an impact within the Practically Minimal community, and helping my clients get exciting results from my online courses and coaching programs. So, learning more about what their barriers are and coming up with solutions to help them break through.
Why do you love being an entrepreneur?
Freedom is probably my highest value and entrepreneurship feels like freedom to me.
Did you ever have a time where you wanted to give up? How did you overcome that feeling?
Yes, for sure. Starting a new business is really challenging. And, I’m definitely not the only one out there offering decluttering and home organizing services, lol! All I can say is I know this is what I’m meant to do so, to me, there’s no other option except to keep going.
What’s your best boss babe moment?
Anytime someone emails, DMs or comments on social media that I’ve inspired them to declutter something, it’s a best boss babe moment! Knowing I’m making an impact (no matter how big or small) is what this is all about for me.
What platform do you find most success or interaction from?
I probably would have said Instagram even a few months ago, but now I’d say I get the best interaction and success inside my Facebook group (even though there are fewer people in it than follow me on IG right now).
Work-life balance: What do you do to destress? What is your must-have moment of the day?
An early morning meditation and then a coffee before I start working is my favourite time of the day. Also regular workouts help me with stress and anxiety.
What are you looking to learn from other YEG Boss Babes in the community?
How to keep growing as an entrepreneur and how to scale my online business. I also love hearing other boss babes tell their stories, and learning why and how they do what they do!
Submission by Shawna Dirksen Practically Minimal
