Interview with Amanda Mckinlay
Amanda is an award winning and multi certified wellbeing and creativity coach who's practice and passion for service grew from her own health journey following a diagnosis of fibromyalgia back in 2009. That journey has made her passionate about making sure a range of wellbeing tools and opportunities for therapeutic and recreational creativity are accessible and affordable for all.
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What inspired you to start your own business, and what challenges did you face in the initial stages of entrepreneurship?
As I said in my bio piece, The Butterfly Room emerged from my own health journey. I lost my career in care and so much else to the condition and, as I found things that helped me, like meditation and mindfulness, I began to develop a passion for sharing them with others who struggled or were unable to access them. I'm fortunate that in the early days, there weren't a lot of challenges as I had friends and acquaintances who had venues/spaces that I could hold workshops in so was able to build some contacts and interest early on.
How do you maintain a work-life balance while running a successful business?
I maintain it because nobody is going to book in with an unwell wellbeing coach! Seriously though a good work life balance is important because professionally it lets clients/potential clients see that I walk my talk and personally that balance allows me to live the life I love and do what I love.
Can you share a significant milestone or achievement that you are particularly proud of in your entrepreneurial journey?
I've been fortunate enough to have quite a few milestones and achievements including hosting a concert by one of my favourite singers, organising an event with one of my favourite authors and speakers, winning an “inspirational community contribution” award and being selected to join Theo Paphitis’ SBS group.
Have you experienced any gender-related obstacles or biases since starting your own business?
Fortunately not, possibly because the wellbeing field is quite well populated by female entrepreneurs and tends to be mostly a supportive space.
How do you empower and support other women in business?
I'm part of an accountability group with three friends who are also entrepreneurs / business women and we meet weekly to chat over ideas, acting as a soundboard and an accountability check in for each other to ensure we get stuff done! ( not quite like doing your homework to avoid a telling off from teacher….but it kind of is! Lol). Also with my friend Catherine, I co-run a programme called “moving forward with your business” where we advise, support, and coach creatives and business people. I think it can be helpful for people to have access to people in similar fields to them who will have encountered similar issues, problems and also growth points.
What role has mentorship played in your career, and how has it influenced your growth as a business owner?
Pre start-up I had some great help from a business advisor to crunch the numbers, help me figure our the “business” side of stuff and who also helped me access some loan funding.
Then I had a great coach in the early days who was great for understanding businesses in the wellbeing sector and how they are a passion project more than anything. Now my Monday morning group friends are the source of that support, encouragement, sage advice and honest perspective.
How have you found marketing your business – has it been easy for you, or have you found it quite difficult?
I suppose my most utilised marketing tool is social media although I do also do quite well through word of mouth recommendation too (which is the best advert for any business I think). I'm also fortunate that where the butterfly room is based, we have a great business improvement district organisation, Paisley First, who provide opportunities for FREE billboard advertising and other marketing tools/social media support.
What are your main marketing activities, and what do you find works best for you?
Probably my main/most regular marketing activity is my weekly Facebook live. An hour long broadcast showcasing and sharing some of the most popular services I offer.
Can you discuss a time when you had to pivot or adapt your business strategy?
The pandemic was a massive pivot point for me, as I'm sure it was for many businesses. Pre that time I was very much an in-person, non-techy business and not confident AT ALL in front of a camera or speaking for long periods. Fast forward to now and I'm still hosting the Facebook lives that started then which, as I said earlier, are a strong marketing tool for me and a great way of extending my reach beyond my local area as I now offer video calls to anyone unable to come in to see me in person.
Looking ahead, what are your future goals and aspirations for your business?
Short term, my goals are to self publish another book, host my first “becoming a butterfly” retreat weekend (which is available to book now!) and also continue with my creative wellbeing festival “feel good February” which happens every year. Longer term, the dream is to open “the butterfly house” a residential retreat centre offering accessible and affordable holistic and therapeutic retreats.
Photo of Amanda by Alisdair Watson Photography, “Making the Invisible Visible” calendar shoot