Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Maria Gavriel, a Business & Lifestyle Coach based in Austin, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I help women grow 6+Figure Businesses by simplifying their personal & professional life through Tried & Proven systems of Leadership and Productivity.
Tell us about yourself
I was living a so-called "successful" life where I checked all the boxes on paper. Unfortunately, I was in the legal arena, and I can't really say that my heart was as full as my bank account. I was burned out. I was exhausted, and I knew my quality of life wasn't heart-centered, and I wasn't present with my family. So eventually, I found myself repressed with an autoimmune disease, and my marriage was suffering. Things got pretty serious and pretty painful. So I was forced to take a hard look at the life I was leading. Eventually, I got a coach to help me get clear, and I had to make some serious changes if I was to be truly happy and fulfilled. And so I began to coach women on how they can create businesses and be successful but without all the sacrifices that usually come with success. It was time to trailblaze and create new pathways to success that won't cost us what matters most. And so here I am. Paying it forward with amazing clients that are creating new rules and work paradigms with me.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I'm most thankful for mastering my schedule and now working only two days a week so I can enjoy both my work… my income… and more time freedom, so I can truly enjoy this life with my family. We get to volunteer overseas several times a year as well as travel a few months a year without interrupting our income stream. I never would've thought that was possible a few years ago. The best part is that I get to show others how they can do this too. I believe that the more women model this way of life, the more we get to shift the hustle paradigm we all subscribed to.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
At first, I was a solopreneur, and the biggest challenge was having to do ALL the things to grow my business. It took me a while to really understand the benefit of having a growing team. Once I grew my team, leadership became the new challenge. It's not easy to leverage everyone's skills… keep everyone motivated, independent, driven, getting along, etc. Healthy teams and company culture require a skill set upgrade for sure. Years later, I now feel that leading is one of my favorite parts of running a business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Get super clear on several things before you begin.
- Your Mission.
- Your Vision.
- Your Market.
- Lifetime Goals.
- Long-term Vision.
- Short-term Vision.
- Now Vision.
- Your Strengths and what lights you up.
If you've got these down from the start, you won't burn out, get bored, or find yourself overworked and under-earning.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://mariagavriel.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MariaGavrielBA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariagavriel_businesscoach/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-gavriel/
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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