Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jacqueline Delibes, Founder of The Soul and Science of Play, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Soul & Science of Play is my boutique company offering unique, immersive workshop experiences for corporations, associations, rehab facilities, therapy groups, and groups of individuals, often women. I help clients to reduce emotional chaos, team-build, trust-build, sensitively navigate difficult conversations, practice personal leadership skills, and elevate internal communications with EQ and emotional intelligence. The companies drawn to this work are progressive, open to creativity, and genuinely value the well-being of their people. The individuals I work with 1-on-1 vary widely and are often very high-functioning women who recognize that they're depleted and need to take care of themselves in a new way, wanting to reduce stress and anxiety and restore some semblance of balance. In my group work, I use evidence-based tools, playful arts techniques, and creativity to build that trust, strengthen personal leadership skills, and navigate ambiguity. The vibe ranges from slower-paced moments necessary to dial down emotional intensity to more outward-facing playful interactivity. Silly, sly humor is welcome!
Tell us about yourself
My own personal healing journey initially got me involved in this work. I had a challenging backstory and, early on, found myself trying on many identities, social or spiritual communities, and professional paths in order to heal my intense early life and lack of support. I got trained as a film and theater director and performed as an actor. I later recognized those paths as forms of integrative healing more than a career. That's why I synthesized my art background into these immersive group workshops - creativity is inherently healing.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner isn't attached to any kind of metric. When I'm the right facilitator or guide for a particular client, we magically find each other, and I get to witness their transformation, and that's spectacular. I'm most interested in bringing some magic into people's lives through this work.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
There are so many unknowns. Getting wrapped up in why a certain thing happened, like why you never heard from someone after establishing a seemingly great communication, is fruitless. Weathering the ups and downs of a small business is pretty challenging and requires not only community (and mental health!) support but an inner resilience practice or mindset. My work is right for those who recognize and resonate with what I have to offer but not for others, just as you are right for your people but not others.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My top 3 tips are probably the ones I also most need to hear! They emerged out of my values, which tend towards people-first.
- Be yourself, be unique, and express it. Avoid trying to fit into what you think "works" in your industry. You don't have to conform.
- I like prioritizing service and creativity so I can help clients get relief. Identify a powerful "why" for your business. Making money is a fantastic byproduct of any work, but it's a weak "why."
- If it feels right, is genuine, and fits the type of business you run, hitch your wagon to a larger social and cultural star.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.jacquelinedelibes.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesoulandscience/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacquelinedelibes/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelinedelibes/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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