MAD LOVE MONDAY | Tanya West - Business Coach & Online Marketer
Hey I’m Tanya West! I am a business coach & online marketer for solopreneurs who want to go from overwhelmed with no plan to clear, productive and feeling great!
Hey I’m Tanya West! I am a business coach & online marketer for solopreneurs who want to go from overwhelmed with no plan to clear, productive and feeling great! How did I get to this point in my life? Well, it is a long story...the short version is that as a software developer on a pager, I was super stressed and not taking care of my health. It led me unexpectedly to being diagnosed with cancer at the age of 30. Wow! Did that rock my world!
After going through most of my treatments my mom’s breast cancer returned so I jumped on the internet and started doing some research on how to save my mom.
Unfortunately, I didn’t know enough back then to change the outcome but it did launch me into a side project...taking nutrition courses, working at a health store and eventually becoming a certified holistic cancer practitioner. I did this while doing a job change. I became a business consultant for new start ups and this was where my fire for entrepreneurship was ignited.
I worked with many entrepreneurs and some failed and some succeeded, it came down to how much they really wanted it and if they were actually WORKING at it.
After losing my dad suddenly to heart failure I didn’t know what to do with myself...I had to focus on something positive so I enrolled myself into a fitness competition. I knew it would be a lot of work and focus and that was what I needed at the time. This took my interest in health and fitness to a whole new level. I realized then that if I set my goal on something I could really achieve it and make it happen.
From there I went into online marketing so I could travel and work from home. Looking for a fresh start and to move away from some not so great memories, I moved my life from Niagara Falls to Edmonton to live closer to my brother and his family. I learned so much in 3 years working from home and 6 months ago I decided it was time for me to step up and take the leap of faith to go it...solo...gulp!
I had to do it...my insides were screaming at me to follow my dream. Now the question became what do I offer? I started with nutritional consulting and doing websites and online marketing and and and...and was getting nowhere. I had all the tools, my brand was on point but I got to the point where I was scared that each month kept going by and still my sales were minimal. Another month’s rent keep coming out of my bank account.
I decided that even with all my knowledge I was having trouble coaching myself so...I hired a business coach of my own.
Within a month I honed in on 1 focus, searched more specifically for my clients and started generating a REAL revenue. I had someone that believed in me, knew what I could do and kept me from going back and taking a J.O.B. and giving up on my dream. I had the skills, I had the knowledge but I didn’t have the confidence...in myself. Now I do. The more you do, the more you step out of your comfort zone and succeed! The more your confidence will grow. I promise!
Now I get to do what I love doing! Working with entrepreneurs to help them reach their goals. I have combined my love for health with my love for business and marketing and created one program. 12 weeks of coaching, planning and supporting those who really need not only business advice but marketing advice and nutrition too to support their minds too. I think it creates a powerful package together and I get to combine all my passions to help others succeed. My goal is to grow this business and create smaller online programs that people can also do on their own. I set goals for myself every month to work towards. As of January 2019 I am earning as much as I did working for someone else and there is no stopping me now! How awesome is that!
It is very rewarding being a boss babe! Entrepreneurship has its ups and downs for sure, however there is nothing like earning your own income. It feels truly amazing. If you would like more information about working with me, please visit me at www.tanyawest.ca and grab my free guide 50 WAYS TO CRUSH THE THINGS KEEPING YOU FROM HAPPINESS AND SUCCESS or follow me on insta @gowithwest. We can be friends on facebook too! I would love to connect with you!
It is so cool to connect with other boss babes and I find listening to everyone’s struggles and successes to be very educating. I love taking away some golden nuggets of wisdom after meeting someone new.
One of my favourite quotes is “Life isn’t happening to us, it is happening through us”. I’ve been through a lot but I am still here and use what has happened to me to be able to change others lives. I am very thankful to still be here and every day I start with 3 things I am thankful for and I end my day the same way. Celebrate every success no matter how small it is and you will find that as the days go by, you will have more and more things to be grateful for.
MAD LOVE MONDAY | Terrissa Corrinne - Branch & Leaf
Hi! I’m TC, short for Terrissa Corrinne, which is always a topic of conversation but I promise there are more interesting things about me than my funny name.
Hi! I’m TC, short for Terrissa Corrinne, which is always a topic of conversation but I promise there are more interesting things about me than my funny name. I’m so excited that YEG Boss Babes has invited me to share my business with you! The company I own is called Branch & Leaf and my goal is to create easier access to therapy tools for parents and caregivers, with a special focus on items to support children with Autism and Sensory Processing Disorders.
I’ve worked with children and adults with special needs for just over 10 years now. I’ve served in several different positions, most recently as a Behavioural Therapist with teenagers with Autism. I’ve worked with families, in schools, and in residential programs and the common thread I’ve found is that therapy tools are so hard to get into the hands of people who need them. There’s so many layers of bureaucracy in between families and tools that most people don’t even know where to look for these items, or what items could help with what behaviours, or how to use them. My goal is to bridge the gap. Branch & Leaf is brand new, but in the near future there will be blog posts to go along with many items to detail how to use them, why, and have an easy to follow link to purchase- and to get some of these items at less than half the price.
My dream for this business is to see happier families, children with less aggressive or destructive behaviours, and the tools to modify the behaviours with skills to help grow and move past the difficult seasons that come with certain disabilities. I truly believe it is possible for families to take control of their lives in these difficult situations if they are allowed to access the right tools.
This business I’ve created just opened in April of 2019 so there is a long road ahead of me. Coming from my background of art and behavioral therapy means this whole business side of life is brand new but I am blessed to have the time and fire within me to learn and grow each day. My dream for this business is to grow it to a large enough scale to really create an impact in my community and beyond. Because Branch & Leaf is online based it creates a unique opportunity to stretch all the way across the country- or even further- to really touch the lives of people who need it. It’s been amazing that in such a short amount of time I am already reaching families, building relationships with other entrepreneurs and being reached out to from more established companies for collaboration and, man, do I ever feel like a Boss Babe!
It’s easy to feel the dreaded “imposter syndrome” while stepping out of your comfort zone but I’ve had so many amazing supportive people around me who just want to see it succeed and that feels amazing!
I primarily focus my energy towards Instagram, as that’s my favourite social media platform, and I have been finding so many amazing connections there. My instagram page @branch.leaf is primarily supportive, towards families or children with differences and also women like me- stepping out into the world to make change. Making change in the community also creates change in yourself and I believe its so important to make sure that we stay strong and confident. Change starts at home. Together we can make this world a better place.
I hope you’ve found this article interesting and inspiring and are itching to get a look at what I’ve got brewing. I welcome you to follow along on Instagram or Facebook, reach out for collaborations, and share the shop with anyone you think may need it. I can’t wait to meet you!
MAD LOVE MONDAY | EMMA - Pretty As A Picture Photography
I bring courage, confidence and authenticity to women’s everyday lives, and I do that primarily through the art of boudoir photography and self love advocacy.
What is your business & why that field / service/ product?
I bring courage, confidence and authenticity to women’s everyday lives, and I do that primarily through the art of boudoir photography and self love advocacy.
What inspired you to start your own business?
In 2011, my hubby and I moved to Canada from England, leaving my career as a Police Officer. I knew it was time for me to start something new. I am very creative and independent so I think I was naturally drawn to creating something of my own. Also, my parents were business owners, as well as my Grandpa and his father (I’m not entirely sure how far back it goes), so it is just a part of me. Photography has been in my life since I was 7 years old and Graphic Design was my best subject at school, so my new career just had to be something to do with art. And that’s how Pretty as a Picture Photography was born.
Do you have a go to quote / motto?
I have so many favourite quotes and mottos.
“Be beautiful, be confident, be YOU” is my own motto, but I love anything Audrey Hepburn or Arnold Schwarzenegger.
I like to follow Arnie’s 6 rules of success...
1. Trust yourself.
2. Break some rules.
3. Don’t be afraid to fail.
4. Ignore the naysayers.
5. Work like hell.
6. Give something back.
And one of my current favourites is “when you are your authentic self, you have no competition“
What’s a personal goal of yours to accomplish? (time frame?)
My hubby and I have a lofty goal of paying our total mortgage by 2028 instead of 2041.
Do you have a professional goal or set of goals for your business?
I am a natural dreamer, so I’m always thinking up new things and envisioning what my future looks like. For my business, I dream of having the ‘perfect’ studio which basically means renovating my current space (in Stony Plain) or potentially moving to a more modern space. I will also be growing my team, starting with a personal assistant, hopefully by the end of 2019. My goal for this year is to impact and empower over 100 women with boudoir.
Why do you love being an entrepreneur?
I love the flexibility, the freedom of time and the creativity. Some days I get to work at home in my pyjamas and no makeup. Sometimes, I’m dressed up in the fanciest dress and up-do. I get to meet lots of like minded people and chat about my passion of helping women. And I get to create different ways (beyond boudoir) of making that happen.
Did you ever have a time where you wanted to give up? How did you overcome that feeling?
I am approaching 8 years in business and not once have I wanted to give up. My whole heart is in my business and my vision is to big to quit now. My years in business haven’t been the most successfully financial times of my life, but the successes in other areas keep me going, as well as the support from my hubby and my absolute determination. I started off doing all the photography you can imagine, but it wasn’t serving me. Instead of giving up though, I focused on my true passion...boudoir, and encouraging women to burst out of their comfort zone and into their confidence!
Whats your best boss babe moment? (First moment of reassurance).
Last year, one of my clients was asked who was her role model. She said me. It definitely brought a tear to my eye, and reassurance that whatever I am doing is making a difference and an impact, slowly but surely.
What platform do you find most success / interaction from? (IE. Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook).
I would say that I get way more interaction on Facebook, but Instagram is a close second. As well as my business page, I have a private Facebook Group for boudoir beauties (past, present and future) or for anyone else just wanting a safe and comfortable group to share their thoughts and feelings, and a place to get motivated into practicing self love.
Work-life Balance: What you do you do to destress? What is your must-have moment of the day (me time)?
Every morning, I try to read a chapter of a book before I start my day. Sometimes it’s a business book (learning) and sometimes it’s a novel (usually romance, but sometimes mystery or true crime). I also love to escape in the art of pole. I have been doing pole dance classes since summer 2018 and absolutely love it. Its so empowering!
What are you looking to learn from other YEG BOSS BABES in the community?
I am always looking to learn more, especially about successful marketing and sales tips. But most of all, I like the idea of having a community of like minded women (boss babes) to chat with, and see where the conversation organically goes to. I also like the idea of the workshops, even though I haven’t been able to make it to any yet.
www.prettyasapicture.ca
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