What I’m learning from a 4-year-old
Four years ago yesterday, something amazing was born.
...My coaching business!
I named it Compass Rose Coaching, after the beautiful center of a compass that guides us back home. I also named it after Chris Pureka's song Compass Rose).
I'll never forget that sunny August day in 2019 - I was living in New York City and I was so doggone delighted that I could register my business, get an EIN from the IRS, and open a business bank account all on the same afternoon.
This was my view from the steps of the Manhattan County Clerk's Office the day I officially founded Compass Rose Coaching (August 9, 2019).
I've now worked for myself longer than any job I've held!
It's been a confronting, exhilarating, heart- and soul-opening adventure.
The best part?
Helping my clients honor what they need and want.
Of course, these "results" look different in each client.
For some, it shows up in landing a more meaningful job.
Saying yes to a romantic relationship they could've never imagined being open to.
Cultivating the courage to share more of who they really are.
Giving themselves permission to say no more often.
For many clients, it's about closing the gap between the life they long for and the life they're living in a compassionate and self-honoring way.
I've now logged over 550 coaching hours.
And created 68 (!!) Outgrow the Grind podcast episodes.
For those of you reading this who are [or love] entrepreneurs: you know this journey can be a bumpy ride.
It requires waaaaaaaay more courage and resilience than I could've ever imagined when I gave notice at my last job.
And, to have the opportunity to live my purpose, work with right fit clients, and have the freedom to work from anywhere in the world is absolutely incredible.
I'm tearing up thinking of all of you amazing current and past clients I've had the great honor and pleasure of working with.
Thank you for trusting me with your most aspirational dreams, uncomfortable fears, and everything in between.
In my four years of business, I've learned so much.
Here are a handful of learnings in no particular order...
Just because I'm a "solopreneur" doesn't mean I have to go it alone.
Carving out space and giving myself permission to honor what I need and want is the best business decision I can make.
Asking is powerful.
When deciding who to work with (clients, coaches, collaborators, service providers, etc.), my body has the answer.
When in doubt, reconnect with my values.*
Thank you for being in community with me.
With lots of love and gratitude,
Stacy
*As you may remember, one of my personal values is delight, which led me to dancing in a Burlesque show in San Francisco two nights ago. I'll share more about my experience as a "Featherette "in a few days. Wondering how I got into this in the first place? Read this.
“I know that someday
I’ll offer up the song I was made to play
Until even the mockingbirds don’t know what to say
And the mornings just make sense.”
Listen to Chris Pureka’s beautiful song that inspired my business name Compass Rose here.
