Hello Dana! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business:
I am a single mom of two teenage boys and a rescue pup named Summer. I live in Rhode Island and love to travel and take care of myself through yoga, strength training, and days at the beach paddleboarding. I consider myself a transformational change-maker for organizations and individuals seeking a reset! My company Life Reset Lab's mission is to create experiences that empower individuals to be strong leaders in their personal and professional lives, through community and connection. We offer coaching, consulting, and off-site retreats.
So Dana, what excites you about being an Entreprenista League member?
I am so inspired witnessing women creating their own destiny through entrepreneurship. It excites me to be a member of Entreprenista League because I have the privilege to learn and exchange ideas with women who have come before me and lift those coming up behind me. There is pure comradery and a desire to support each other authentically.
Dana, how did you know it was time to make the leap to start your own business?
A couple of years ago, I pursued a coaching certification more as a personal interest to work on my own transformation for wellness. I am not sure if I hadn't been laid off, if I ever would have pursued a career in coaching professionally. But with years of coaching teams and direct reports, it came naturally to me, and it was one of the most rewarding pieces about being a leader. I hosted an annual retreat for my teams, which began my love for the retreat concept. My leadership experience also transcended well to my ability to do consulting work. Reflecting on these passions, skills, and experience, Life Reset Labs was born!
What was your background prior to starting your own business?
I was in the biotech/ pharmaceutical industry for 30 years, primarily in research and development roles.
Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
The honest answer is no. Although I am a fiercely independent person, I enjoyed the perks of a corporate career and therefore never really thought outside that box to explore what I could do on my own, until thrusted into a job loss. Now, I wish I did it sooner!
So Dana, initial marketing strategy is so important when first launching. How did you first spread the word about your biz?
When I first launched my business, I called it a soft launch because it was. I was being timid in going beyond my closest circles to market myself. But once I started receiving feedback that there was a real need for what I was offering, I made it a goal to reach out and network every day. My biggest leads were by extending my network organically and talking to people, not through my website or marketing materials. I've learned that I am my brand, a 3D version of it and that is what clients respond most to.
All entrepreneurs face and overcome challenges. What is the biggest challenge you have faced so far?
The biggest challenge I encountered was to stop looking for perfection in what I was putting out to the world. It delayed me from taking the first steps as quickly as I could have. Once I realized I didn't need the perfect website with the perfect messaging, but instead share my authentic self and what I had to offer, things started to quickly move into motion.
What is the accomplishment you are the most proud of to date?
I am most proud of walking through my fears, learning how to run a business as a solopreneur, and putting myself out there on a daily basis to expand my network.
Do you believe in work/life balance? What are some of your best tips?
I believe there will always be swings in the "balance", especially if you have a career that is deadline-oriented or times of the year with increased business demands. The goal is to balance things in the other direction when there is some reprieve, and prioritize recharging your energy, so you are ready for those swings. My best tip is ditch all or nothing thinking. At any point in time, if you are stressed or getting off track, you can reset with simple shifts, such as focusing on your breathing or going for a walk.
What's a piece of advice you can share that you wish you'd known when you first started your Entreprenista journey?
The piece of advice I would share is to jump into networking with other Entreprenistas' as soon as possible. I was humbled by the support and willingness of members wanting to help each other. You do not need to go through your struggles alone, because likely there is another Entreprenista going through the same thing or has been there themselves.
We love to celebrate our entreprenistas! What have you achieved recently that you'd like to celebrate with our community?
I have achieved building out all areas of my business model. Coaching, consulting, and running retreats is a heavy lift and some might think too broad a focus to do all of these well. Working for start-up biotech companies much of my career, the one thing I do really well is wear many hats at once. The daily variety of what I am working on, keeps me stimulated and excited. This is my superpower!
So Dana, last but not least, what's next for your business?
I have a number of partnership opportunities presenting themselves, and I am excited how this may benefit multiple entrepreneurs, but more importantly, allow us to reach and help more clients together. Stay tuned!
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