Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Renee Metty, Founder and CEO of With Pause, located in Fox Island, WA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I help high-achieving, purpose-driven working parents through consulting, workshops, events, 1:1 coaching, and small group coaching. I love working with parents who want to provide the foundation for their children necessary to live a purpose-driven life and a life with ease. I have a mindfulness-based preschool which led me to work with organizations and leaders. It all comes full circle. I am able to help set children up for success so they can have the perspective that allows for a multitude of options. As it comes full circle, I help adults peel away the layers of conditioning so they can live life with more ease from their essence and bring them back to childhood.
Tell us about yourself
My biggest motivation is my family. I started my first business so I could have the flexibility to be available for my children. I had to learn a lot the hard way before getting to where I am today, though. I used to work "hard," you know, the usual hustle and grind that can come with entrepreneurship. There were big emotional swings, time and energy, and revenue swings. I've learned over the years how to manage time better, prioritize and be present with my family and my businesses.
Most recently, I have learned how to remove the friction and unnecessary things from my business that I used to perceive as priorities. This has allowed me to close the gap between where I was and where I wanted to be. The result is more time with my family and a life of ease where I can choose how, when and what I want to work with consistent revenue streams.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Building two profitable businesses without any debt rank up there, but I'd say my biggest accomplishment would be staying true to who I am and having a family that is thriving while riding the waves that business ownership can bring. Covid, in particular, hit my preschool hard, and although we took a pretty big hit financially, we are rebuilding an amazing community and restoring the incredible program we created. Although there were some bumps along the way, our family is thriving as a unit and individually.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing is being able to maintain equanimity and equilibrium with no attachment to the outcome. Business ownership (and life) can throw you many unexpected curve balls. Being able to navigate the unknown, the stress, and the opportunity without being attached to the outcome is no easy feat.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know yourself - stay true to who you are, know your strengths, and surround yourself with people who support you and challenge you in the best ways. Learn how to advocate for how you work best and find people who can do the other things way better than you. Discern between your essence and your ego.
- Trust yourself - Listen to the whispers, that inner voice inside you, even when the world is screaming at you to do something else. Attune to your inner world and allow for things to emerge. This is your essence, build and grow your business from here.
- Connect to something greater than you - stay connected to you and your why so you can generously contribute to your family, field, and community.
- Stay light and curious - don't take yourself or your business too seriously. Find the playfulness you once had in childhood.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.withpause.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/withpause
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/withpause/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/withpause
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneemetty/
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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