Don’t waste time and energy fretting over thingsyoucan’tchange
Rachel Devereux is a mother of two, who provides a nurse coaching services for other busy parents.
WHY DID you start your business in the first place? I originally worked in nursing and had done for some time. After the birth of my second child, I realised that going back to that career wouldn’t fit in with the family life that we had built, and I wanted to explore other options. Working in coaching and having my own business is demanding but gives me the freedom I need to raise my children.
What is your business motto? “Be in the now”.
Don’t waste time and energy fretting over things that you can’t change or worrying about things that might never happen. It’s important you focus on yourself in the present.
What advice would you give to anyone starting their own business? I would advise anyone to invest in a coach or find a business mentor. Starting your own business can feel like a lonely road, but it’s one that a lot of people have travelled before. There is a huge network out there of people who want to help, you just have to ask.
What was the biggest challenge you faced starting your business? I had an idea of what I wanted to do for my business, and what my strengths where professionally, but it was vital that they met the needs of the public and my clients. Rather than offering everything,
I had to focus on what was essential and required. By focusing on what the demand was, rather than just what I thought people would like, the business was much more efficient and streamlined.
What do you enjoy most about being self-employed? I love the fact my work gives me the ability to work holistically with people. I can take the time to hear the stories of my clients, identify their needs and tailor something to them that meets those needs.
What do you enjoy least about being self-employed? The lack of consistency! Being self employed, you’re never going to have two months, or even two days, which are the same. Not having the same income every month can make things like budgeting and financial planning difficult.
Which business figure do you most admire and why?
It varies, as there are so many figures that I draw inspiration from for different aspects of the business, and not all of them are business figures. The founder of the coaching style I use Sydney Banks.
What achievement in your career are you most proud of? I’m most proud of trusting in myself, taking those first steps and venturing off the beaten path to create my own career.
Where do you see your business going in the next five years? I want to be able to help more people, steadily expanding the business so that we can scale up and provide the support needed to as many people as possible. We are considering the idea of holding retreats where people can get out of their comfort zone and receive coaching in a tailor made environment.
If you could invent one new product, what would it be? I have already invented it and discussed it a local ‘Soup’ event. I am just waiting for the right moment and capital to launch it! Currently the project is shelved while I build the health and wellbeing side of the business, but it is a safety device with the potential for global appeal. I’m keeping my cards close to my chest though.