Yvette Oloo
Yvette Oloo tells us that, “I am on a passionate quest to live a life filled with joy and purpose, all while inspiring others to do the same. As a Soulpreneur, I work as a Space Transformation Coach and Author. Drawing from my background in architecture and a deep understanding of environmental psychology, I help individuals and organisations optimise their living and working spaces to enhance their well-being and productivity. My unique approach combines elements of interior design, Feng Shui, and holistic wellness practices to create environments that support physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.”
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
Growing up was always different for me. I later found out that it’s because I am a Third Culture Kid; As a child, I lived in other countries. Perhaps that’s the reason why I have always been open and sensitive to other cultures.
My soulpreneur journey began with the quote:
“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”
I found the quote as I was leaving the therapist’s office after a session when I was doing some deep healing work to address my trauma from domestic violence.
This realisation helped me navigate the confusion surrounding my career, parenting, relationships, and self-identity. Overcoming the FOG—Fear, Obligation, Guilt—was key to discovering my true self.
Self-education played a crucial role in peeling back the layers I had added to fit societal expectations. I used to pride myself on setting my own trends, but I now see that was just a reaction to a life that didn’t fit. Now, I create my life from within, fostering what I call the Whole Wellness Method.
My Whole Wellness Method addresses the full range of physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, and environmental influences. Integrative health has been a cornerstone of my healing journey, so I wanted to share what I learned
My first step was creating an online business that enabled me to learn to navigate the world of being an entrepreneur. The mindset shift was the most transformative. Entrepreneurship is very much like self-development work.
I then went on to coach survivors of abuse and dysfunction, helping them create joyful spaces that enhance their healing. Followed by becoming a Certified Abuse Recovery Coach with various certifications, including NLP and Trauma of Money.
My path came to where it is today as a Space Transformation Coach. In this I combined my life coaching, feng shui diploma, and environmental psychology knowledge. Most of my focus is on decolonising homes for BIPOC cycle-breakers, helping them design mindful spaces. And helping corporations, create coherent, mindful workspaces.
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business /initiative? What motivated you within to say YES, go for it!”
Initially, it was the realisation that I had an impactful transformation from being intentional with how I made my space look.
But as far as what I have today, I sat there wondering how I could serve BIPOC people. Then I recalled the work that I did in my Trauma of Monay certification. “Decolonise your money” was part of what we learnt. And then it hit me. Decolonise your home! Decolonisation work is for everyone. But that realisation felt more like a calling. Everything just made sense and seemed to fall into place, I was like YES!!! It was such a profound moment. I stood up knowing this would be my life’s work. This will be my legacy!
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
The change I want to see is inclusivity. For so long we have been lied to about what we should and shouldn’t do based on someone else’s preferences. I would like to see more decisions made for us by us. Sometimes it’s not the colonisers who are colonising us, so you need to understand that to colonise is to divide, control and exploit. Sometimes it’s the people closest to you that treat you this way. It’s perpetuated under the guise of being “better” or more “civilised.” If we just all let people be their best selves based on who they authentically are, the world would be less cruel. Capitalism is one of those ways in which colonisation shows up today. If we are less like this with the businesses we build and more about uniting, empowering, liberating, and nurturing. It would be beautiful. That’s why a lot of my work as a Space Transformation Coach is a mindset shift. We can do better. The cruelty of tearing people down was created by us. So, the love and care of supporting others can also be created by us.
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. There are cracks in glass ceilings everywhere, with many women breaking through to carve out a space right at the top of the pyramid. What are your thoughts about women leadership today?
Women leadership needs to be more diverse. I don’t just want to see one type of strong dominant woman at the top. We are diverse in how we show up. I want the top to reflect that more accurately. It will also encourage people to rise as they are, without trying to be like this type of woman who shows up at the top.
What’s the most important thing you have learned in your personal life and professional journey? What is your personal motto in life?
When in doubt, always look within. Start with love; everything responds to love. People will always do what they do based on their perspective; it’s got nothing to do with you. And my most impactful one is “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”
With your grit and determination, you are making a considerable impact, breaking through, and serving as role models for many budding entrepreneurs. What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
Acknowledge yourself first. Value yourself. Believe in yourself first. Just because it’s not working out does not mean you are not brilliant. You are Brilliant. You are good enough. You are exactly what you need to be to get to where you need to be. If there is a block, then it’s just about changing the strategy. I have learnt that eventually, it’s not about being the person people want; It’s about being the person that comes through in the end.