I am so excited to announce this new series here on the Loey blog! My intention with this series is to prove that starting your own business is possible. You CAN be fulfilled and love the work you do. You CAN turn your passion into profit. It’s a real thing, I promise. All you need is relentless confidence in yourself and faith in the universe.
You and your story are a shining beam of light for someone who is on the fence about whether or not they have what it takes. That has always been the driving force that keeps me doing what I’m doing. I know this is true. I know you have a gift and my entire business is dedicated to helping you share it.
My hope is that by reading the stories of other happy business owners, and how they finally achieved their own brand of happy, you will feel comfortable embarking on the miraculous journey to discover your own.
So, without further ado, here is my first interview with Nicci Johnson. I am proud to call Nicci my client turned dear, personal friend. I love you, babe!
Interview with Nicci Johnson
What were you doing before you started your business?
I was in college pursuing a degree in Mass Communication.. Specializing in radio journalism.
How long did it take you to feel like you’ve got the hang of this whole entrepreneur thing? Was there a specific “aha” moment?
Well, I am learning something new every single day. The aha moment comes every single time the light comes on in a clients eyes.. The aha moment comes when more is revealed to me about myself and how to further my knowledge to better serve those around me for their Highest Good. There are many aha moments in life, we just need to know how to see them.
What was your biggest challenge/block in regards to launching your business?
The biggest challenge I’d say is the fear of “Holy crap, this is really happening. Now what? What if I fail? What if I succeed? What if people think I am a loser for wanting to be a Life Coach? What if… ” You can fill in the blank with a ton of crazy mad ideas and the result will always be the same… – It’s this or something better! How can that not be amazing!? Trusting the process is a huge factor as well as trusting the funding… Where is the money going to come from to start? But lo and behold, the money came and as a result, so did the strength of my faith..
What has been your happiest moment as a business owner?
The happiest moment as a business owner so far has been just walking in the truth of who I am, owning my story, owning the responsibility of serving others, and knowing my experience, strength and hope will bring victory to others..
What is your favorite part of being a business owner?
My favorite part of being a business owner is I get to work whenever and wherever I want.. I can travel and work, sit in my pajamas and work, go to a coffee shop and work… It’s so fun and I am really good at it! Designing stuff, writing, helping others,, this is what I love to do and it really isn’t work at all !!
Where is your favorite place to get work done?
My favorite place to work is in a really busy cafe’.. like Barnes and Noble.. I’ll be nestled away in a corner, earbuds in, listening to Spotify, writing, coming up with ideas for stuff… designing packages, e-books… It’s like I am in my own world inside of a world..
What does your morning ritual look like?
Morning ritual: wake up, say thank you for waking me up.. Turn my morning meditation music on, light candles, smudge, drink water and maybe some Yerba Mate’ (believe it or not I have totally cut down on my coffee consumption! ) I chill with my Yerba, chant, meditate, set intentions, journal, reflect on my day… Say my prayers (turn my will, my thinking and actions over to a power greater than myself, asking for guidance to the next right thought or action). Then I go about my day…
Do you have a mantra? What is it? Why?
Mantras saved my life… I have plenty in my pocket that I can pull out for different occasions… But I will give you my top 3:
1: Thank you. (Because life is always a lesson if you look for it.. I say thank you because it helps me to expand as a person rather than hide from fear of change)
2: It’s this or something better. (I first heard this from Gabby B. It made so much sense to me. It helps me practice acceptance, trust and love all in one)
3: I love you, I forgive you, I release you. ( I heard this from Amanda Frances. I love this one because forgiveness is HUGE. this mantra helps me to see it with love first, forgive then release.. which brings freedom.)
What is the first thing on your to-do list for today?
The first thing on my to-do list today was take my sister to her appointment. Then go to Terra Nomad- a fun hipster coffee shop/restaurant in downtown Bismarck I work at like 2 days a week.
What do you do when you’re feeling unmotivated/uninspired?
When I am unmotivated or uninspired usually means I need to practice some self-care. Maybe I need a nap, need to fill my cup with some Podcasts of Inspiring people I love, meditation helps, listening to music helps… Or I find someone else that needs help with something and show up for them.
How do you wind down after a busy day?
I wind down by playing with my kitties, Cosmo and Sunny. Music, candles, a book, Netflix sometimes, go for a walk… Really it depends on my mood. I am not super OCD so I don’t do the exact same thing in the morning or at night. I go with the flow of what my body, mind and soul need for that moment. I stay self-aware so that really guides me to what I need.
If you can give one piece of advice to someone who wants to embark on starting their own business, what would it be?
Be SUPER Clear on what you want and who you want to serve and why. Have a support system for when you break down because you will. Trust your instinct, know how to say no when you mean it and yes when you mean it. Set boundaries for yourself as well as non-negotiables. Have a TON of fun! and Be the light in every situation you’re in.
There you have it! If you’d like to learn more about Nicci and her story, please visit her gorgeous website www.niccijohnson.com. And if you know of someone you think I should interview next, feel free to reach out to me via email at lauren@loeyllc.com!