Interested in starting your entrepreneurial journey in personal development, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christine Horstman, owner of Paper Doll Communication based in Dallas, Texas, USA.

Tell us all about your business...

I help people 15 to 50+ step into their strengths and figure out what they want to do when they grow up.

What's your background and motivation to grow as a solopreneur?

I am a facilitator of growth and an EQ amplifier. I spent many years working as a general manager and when life required greater flexibility I decided to take my professional talents and pour them into a new career. Which is what I help others do as a Certified Professional Coach and a Certified Career Coach.

My clients are mostly women entering the workforce or trying to grow professionally while balancing family obligations. When I am not coaching one-on-one, I am a professional development instructor. My goal is to help people step into their strengths and communicate with confidence because soft skills are the key to success.

I love connecting with others and being able to use my intuitive, feeling side in a way that helps others be strategic in reaching their goals. I live with chronic illness, so coping with challenges and reinventing yourself are things I understand on a deep level.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I have written my first book! The tag line for my company is ‘Personal development. Professional support.’ My book, “Deal with It, Doll!” takes the reader through the common challenges we face in our personal and professional lives. It was born out of the pandemic and the lessons I have learned as a professional coach and living with chronic illness. “Deal with It, Doll!” is a guide to coach yourself through crisis and change.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a solopreneur?

The pressure to be on social media, and balancing the flexibility of working for yourself, with maintaining healthy boundaries. It’s easy to overwork and can be hard to turn your mind off. There’s always more that can be done.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run or grow a small business today?

Do the deeper work required to manage your mindset. It can be easy to fall prey to imposter syndrome and while you might get positive feedback from clients, the feedback and validation doesn’t always exist the same way as in the corporate world. Be clear on your boundaries - what will your hours be? Don’t be afraid of selling. You can’t have a business if you don’t sell yourself, your products, and services.

If there was one thing you could do repeatedly to help grow your business, what would it be?

Publish more articles and speak on podcasts.

Where can people find you?

Website: https://paperdollcommunication.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-horstman/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paperdollcommunication
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris_horstman/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share then email community@subkit.com, we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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