Tell us a little bit about your business…
I created Free Shakti International, which is my corporation, to create personal development and spiritually focused, products and programs. Through FSI I produce my web tv show and podcast- Everyday Intuition with M. Juliana.
What motivated you to start your business?
I’m really motivated by creating success and freedom on my own terms. I’m a mom to two little girls, and since I’ve had them I’ve been driven to manifest my dreams into reality. My past has not always been positive; I grew up poor and at one point in my life I was practically homeless. Creating a new legacy of, not only financial prosperity, but also living purposefully and abundantly in all ways is so important to me to pass down to my kids.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business going?
I researched, researched, and then researched some more! When I decided what I wanted to build, I researched trademarks, licenses, domain names, entities, business models, and more. Then I met with an attorney, chose my business entity, and got my business license.
From there, I set up my website and launched. It’s been a process of learning as I go, which I actually enjoy. Normally, I want to know every step before hand but the entrepreneurial journey is not so predictable.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business?
For me it’s been networking. Both online and offline have served me well. I also set up a limited number of free sessions with me, with a targeted group of women, in exchange for referrals and testimonials. That has helped open some incredible doors for me.
What has been the biggest challenge with building your business so far?
When I started my first business, FSI is my second business, I didn’t know what I didn’t know. So having to enter the online business world completely new was a HUGE challenge. I had no idea where to begin.
How did you overcome these challenges?
One step at a time, one day at a time. When I first realized everything that goes into running an online business, I was so overwhelmed! And there is truly an infinite supply of information out there-it would have been easy to stay stuck in that overwhelm. But I just told myself to choose one thing to focus on, learn it, implement it, then move on to the next thing.
What do you love most about running your own business?
It’s an incredible creative outlet. I wasn’t really expecting that piece of it. But being able to make a decision and immediately implement it in my business is so much fun. Creating and designing new programs, my branding, my content….all of it is really an artful expression of who I am.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
1. Never give up.
2. Know your why.
3. Implement, test, keep what works. Repeat.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I go back to my big why. I’ve found that when times are challenging, or I’ve momentarily lost motivation, remembering the legacy I’m building for my children revs me up.
What’s your favourite quote?
Do you have a business philosophy?
