Hi, Kristin! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business:
Hi, I'm Kristin. I own a birth and postpartum doula agency in Grand Rapids, Michigan called Gold Coast Doulas. My business started in 2015 and was the area's first doula agency. I also offer online classes and virtual sleep consulting services. I co-host the Ask the Doulas podcast and co-authored a book called "Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby" that launched on Mother's Day in 2024.
Who are your customers?
We serve from conception through the first year with virtual and in-person services.
What was your background prior to starting your own business?
I worked in Political Fundraising and Communications before starting Gold Coast Doulas. I also have a background in advertising sales and nonprofit fundraising. I have a degree in Journalism and a Master of Management in Marketing.
What made you take the leap to start your own business?
I saw the need in my community for a full-service doula agency and needed the flexibility as a mom that owning my own business provided.
Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
I did not. My father is an entrepreneur and I saw how hard he worked. I wanted the benefits of working for a corporation or the government.
Take us back to when you first launched your business; what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?
My former business partner and I did a launch tour with media and events in ever city that we served. It was a great boost for PR and created excitement. Some cities had a big attendance and others just a few people.
What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way so far and what have you learned from it?
Navigating the pandemic was the biggest challenge. We were not able to work in some of our hospitals and in-person classes were shut down. I pivoted to virtual classes and learned to adapt quickly to change. The pandemic resulted in our online birth and baby prep course called Becoming A Mother. I am no longer afraid of change and act on my instincts.
Such a great pivot and learning lesson! What accomplishment are the most proud of to date in your business?
I am proud to be the first Certified B Corporation in my category in the world We achieved this status in 2019 and were recently recertified.
Do you have any recent wins from the last year that you'd like to celebrate with our community?
I just co-authored a book called "Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby" that launched on Mother's Day. It is the perfect gift for any new or seasoned mom. www.supportedbook.com
Congratulations, Kristin! What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?
I plan to continue expanding services and grow my presence as a thought leader in the birth and baby space.
How do you avoid burnout?
I make sure to get outside in nature and plan vacations to look forward to after busy work events. I also priorize sleep.
What is your approach to work-life balance / integration?
Time blocking works great for me. I have a tendency to work 24-7 and have to turn off my business in order to focus on family and friends.
What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?
That being an entrepreneur can be lonely and not all of your friends want to hear about your business. It is important to have groups like Entreprenista and mentors in order to have support to launch or scale a business.
We're so happy you're finding the support you need here! When hiring, what is your go-to interview question?
I like to craft questions around core values. Here is an example: "When you feel overwhelmed by the amount of work that needs to be done, what's your approach?"
Are you a Mamaprenista? If so, please share your best advice for simultaneously managing a business and a family:
I sure am. Block off family time just as much as you do business time. I also make sure to schedule vacations with my family. Burnout is a real concern for moms who are also entrepreneurs.
What's the one app on your phone you absolutely cannot live without and why?
Connecteam. It is the communication platform I use with our doula contractors and educators. I am able to keep updated on clients and any scheduling issues that may keep up.
What is your favorite business tool or solution and why?
I love our CRM Dubsado. It has so many features and avoids having to purchase additional software programs for client records, invoicing and communication.
What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?
Get support. You don't have to do this alone.
Learn more about the Entreprenista League and join today!
About the Author
Entreprenista Team
