Interview with Karen Leigh

Karen Leigh is a Women’s Empowerment Coach & Hypnotherapist who guides others in overcoming emotional blocks & limiting beliefs (negative self-talk). She is a huge advocate for living a life that gives you butterflies (the good ones!)

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What inspired you to start your own business, and what challenges did you face in the initial stages of entrepreneurship?

I started my own business, in the wellbeing industry, after my own personal development journey and healing and growth I experienced. I felt women were not taught anything about empowerment or healing and self-worth, at least not in a way that would benefit them in their quality of life. My main challenges at the beginning were the trial and error that comes with really not knowing anything about entrepreneurship as a newbie. I had come from the corporate world, so I was learning about business and marketing and how it works as I went along. I had to persevere at times and keep my chin up when I wasn’t seeing progress.

How do you maintain a work-life balance while running a successful business?

This is ongoing for me and it changes as I evolve. Right now, I am committed to taking one day off per month where I don’t think or worry or do any work, I can just enjoy the benefits of entrepreneurship and the growth I have experienced. This may change again and I may find other ways that work for me, but at the moment, one day per month where I’m not focused on myself as a business owner is giving me some life and something to look forward to as I continue to grow my business.

Can you share a significant milestone or achievement that you are particularly proud of in your entrepreneurial journey?

My greatest milestone so far was August this year, when I found my own space to hold my hypnotherapy and coaching sessions, as well as the women’s circles I run. Before, I was primarily online and I hired a space each month to hold my circles. Now, I have the freedom to run as many as I wish, on my own terms, and my clients can visit me in-person, which I am loving!

Have you experienced any gender-related obstacles or biases since starting your own business?

I personally have not been affected by this or come across it. I would love to think we are moving away from this being the problem it once was.

How do you empower and support other women in business?

The women’s circles I hold are empowering in themselves, and with many attendees being women in business too, those who come along often say they feel it is a safe space to share and connect with other like-minded women. I share daily on my social media, empowering mindset tips and how to sit with our emotions. I hope that by me sharing my own journey, it can show others what they can overcome and achieve too!

What role has mentorship played in your career, and how has it influenced your growth as a business owner?

I wouldn’t be where I am without mentorship. It has allowed me to become something of an expert in my field, to feel confident in my field and my capabilities, and to share openly and authentically, which ultimately allows my clients to find me and know I’m the one for them.

How have you found marketing your business – has it been easy for you, or have you found it quite difficult?

Marketing has been a journey of its own for me. I have adapted and evolved in this area and am finally at a place where I feel that what I put out there and how I market is what works for me. However, this wasn’t always the case, and it is another area where mentorship helped greatly and allowed me to find what worked for me.

What are your main marketing activities, and what do you find works best for you?

I tend to educate my audience on how our minds and bodies work, and I find that once they know that there is a solution to what they are experiencing, whether that’s anxiety, phobias, emotional blocks, then we can have that conversation.

Can you discuss a time when you had to pivot or adapt your business strategy?

I have pivoted and adapted my marketing strategies in the 3 years I have been in business. I find the more I learn about my field and my audience, the more I can pivot to make sure I am making the most of my marketing.

Looking ahead, what are your future goals and aspirations for your business?

I am of course looking to grow my business to a wider audience, to become known as an expert in my field, to do more public speaking and finish writing my book. I believe there are no limits to where we can take our businesses, and I am embracing and enjoying the journey!