Gigi Blackshear
Gigi Blackshear is a Certified Life Coach.
If your business could have a mascot, what would it be and why?
An empowered woman with a cape blowing in the wind! Women have always been the answer, even from the beginning of time. I believe that as we step into our greatness, we have the ability to not only change lives, but also to change the world.
What strategies do you employ to maintain a healthy work-life balance while running your own business?
In order to maintain a healthy work-life balance it is important to make self-care a priority. I maintain a schedule that includes time for meditation, prayer and exercise. As women, we are accustomed to managing many roles, I call it jugging and tap dancing at the same time, however, the airline instruction to put your own gas mask on first, is even more important in our everyday lives in order to accomplish all that we have been called to do.
When faced with unexpected detours on your business path, how do you pivot with grace and resilience, showing fellow women entrepreneurs the way forward?
When faced with unexpected detours, it is important to first slow down and assess the situation, making sure to have a clear understanding of the issue at hand. Then seek a solution that will be collaborative, inclusive and effective for all that will be affected by the change. Recognizing that we are stronger when we work together drawing on the strengths of each other.
How do you measure the success of your business beyond financial metrics, such as customer satisfaction or community engagement?
The success of my business is seen in the progress made in the lives of the clients I serve. Empowering women and girls to see their own true worth and value is at the core of Conscious Choice Coaching.
Can you share a memorable moment where you witnessed significant growth or transformation in your business, illustrating the impact of your services/products?
One memorable moment is when I created Coffee & Conversations, a safe space for women and girls. It is a place where women gather together to put down their bags and take a break. There is no cost, no program or agenda. This space has allowed women to be able to have a non-judgmental, sounding board to share encouragement, ideas and receive the support of other like-minded women. In addition, those who attend are offered a complimentary coaching session. This has created significant growth in my business by exposing Conscious Choice Coaching to the women of our community.
What role do you believe mentorship plays in the success of small businesses, and how have mentors influenced your own entrepreneurial journey?
Mentorship plays a huge role in the success of small businesses because we learn and grow from the experience of others. I have had many mentors over the years and have greatly benefitted from their expertise and willingness to share.
What’s your work all about, and how does it make a difference in the world?
My work as a Life Coach is all about helping women and girls to rediscover their true worth and value after abusive relationships. Helping these clients to regain their identities that may have been lost due to toxic relationships and abuse is vital to wholeness and success in life. I use my own personal life experiences, coupled with a proven coaching methodology to help clients realize that not only can they survive, but they can thrive.