Sasa Evans is a certified life coach. She has an interest in supporting women with mindset shifts because she believes that shifting one’s mindset is the key ingredient to achieving desired goals. She believes women have had a row deal all their lives and her desire is to help them be lifted from those positions which oppress and keep them stuck. Therefore, in her own words, “a mindset shift to how we think, act, and do things is important.”
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
I started my adult life as a primary teacher, retrained, and went on to secondary school training. I was one of the first people to train as Computer-integrated educators when it was introduced as a school subject in my country. When I moved to the UK I faced obstacles in finding teaching jobs as each time in interviews I was told I did not have British teaching experience. This made me wonder how on earth would I get that experience if no one was willing to give me a chance.
Instead of wallowing in self-pity I retrained as an adult health and social care assessor and got a job there. This difficulty in finding employment really shined the light on how women especially find it difficult to break through in different areas of the economy. The women I taught as an assessor had little skills and some were just resigned to their situations. This is where the desire to help women develop a growth mindset that helps them get unstuck and move from the situations they find themselves in grew in me.
My goal is to see women live the lives they deserve. I believe we all deserve a happy fulfilling life and that’s what I want to see women having.
I love traveling and I believe people should do things they love and not be hindered by stereotypes. I believe in forgiveness and my role model is Nelson Mandela, who despite spending 27 years in prison forgave his jailors. I believe forgiveness is really good for you as you free yourself from hate, pain, and anger.
Was there any turning point in your life that changed your journey? If so, what was it? Please tell us the backstory behind it.
My first marriage was very controlling and there was a lot of emotional abuse. I just lived a life that was mostly dictated by the other person. He constantly told me I could not survive without him. At that time I only had a diploma in primary education and he always said I could not pass a degree course. My daughter encouraged me to enroll at university when computer-integrated education was introduced as a subject. I enrolled and really applied myself first because I wanted to prove to myself that I can do it but mostly I wanted to prove my then-husband wrong.
I completed my degree cum laude. That brought confidence in me, and I started believing I could do what I set my mind on. I divorced him and moved abroad on my own.
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 that made you start this brand? How did such a unique idea strike you, and what motivated you to “YES, go for it?”
I saw coaching as a way of reaching women and helping them. I also liked the fact that when I do online coaching I could reach even more women. I believe my story alone can help women in difficult relationships see that they too can have a better life. I believe just a little shift in mindset can open doors to greater things, that is why I’m such an advocate for mindset coaching for women.
Tell us something about your initiative or current role. What is it about, and what impact are you trying to make?
Currently, I’m rolling out a course called “Get unstuck- a mindset journey for women” In this course, I teach women about success and developing a success mindset. They go through activities and strategies to identify what is limiting them and I give them tools to overcome. I find that sometimes because of our situations, we doubt ourselves and we are the worst critics of ourselves. I help women to overcome this and refocus instead on things that uplift them.
I still do my 1-to-1 coaching and group coaching as I believe in sharing, engaging and supporting.
Everyone has their own set of challenges when starting an entrepreneurial journey. Still, the most essential part for others to learn is how you deal with those. Would you like to share with us your challenges and your coping mechanisms?
The challenge most people face is knowledge and finance. My challenge was getting the finance to do marketing. At the time I started my business I had been let go from my job because covid brought low enrolment at colleges. I remember I applied for different starter business loans and each time the doors just closed on my face. I then decided to take a part-time job as a caregiver so I could raise the income I needed to finance my business. It was hard but with the right mindset, I got to where I needed to be.
Your journey and your vision are very inspiring, but are there any achievements or accomplishments you would like to mention?
I really am about supporting women to achieve their goals. I have been invited to talk on a different podcast. Presently I am an executive contributor for Brainz magazine and have just published a blog article there which I hope will reach a wider community and be positively impactful to those who read it.
I also have a book published called “Journal with purpose”, which has inspiring stories and messages of hope, and practical steps people can take to improve. I love journaling and I do it all the time as it helps me to articulate my thoughts
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?
I would like everyone to get a fair chance in life to grow and bloom. I want peace for all and an end to suffering. I want people to open their hearts to helping others. That way we will all be in a better position than we are now. If you can open your heart to giving. It is good for you and wonderful for those who receive it. I sponsor a child in one of the poor communities in an African country and it is a joy receiving letters from him and just knowing that I am making a difference in someone’s life.
How do you build and maintain strong relationships with your customers?
Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients is the heart and soul of a successful life coach. Here are some of the things I do to maintain strong relationships:
- Creating a solid foundation by building trust and rapport. Creating a safe and non-judgmental space for my clients to openly share their thoughts, fears, and goals. I make sure I practice active listening, empathy, and confidentiality.
- Asking insightful questions and listening attentively helps me to provide clear and concise guidance.
- Maintaining body language and tone that conveys warmth and genuineness. I know it’s not easy for clients to open up to a stranger so setting these types of actions helps them a lot
- My coaching is tailored to each client’s unique needs, challenges, and aspirations
- I maintain consistent communication outside of sessions, check-ins to track progress, celebrate achievements, and offer support when needed.
- Honesty and Feedback:
- I make sure I maintain high professional standards in all interactions with clients, being reliable, trustworthy, and acting with integrity.
- Staying updated with the latest coaching methods, tools, and research through continuous learning and belonging to reputable coaching organisations.
Are there any specific challenges or opportunities you foresee in the near future?
Growing and running a business is a challenge especially if you are a solo-preneur like myself. There are opportunities for growth in the industry and of collaborating with others. My vision is to reach more people who need help with reframing their mindset, identifying their purpose and building the confidence and self-esteem to follow their dreams and live their purpose. I see opportunities of giving back to communities who are less able than myself but the challenge is scaling my business so I get the financial powers to do this.
As a business owner, how do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
Achieving a healthy work-life balance as a business owner can be tricky, but it’s crucial for well-being and business success. Here are some of the ways I use to maintain that balance:
- Setting Boundaries:- I create a realistic work schedule with defined start and end times, including breaks and I try to stick to it as much as possible. I have a calendar where my availability is put so that anyone wanting to book with me can choose a time I have made available. My working times are defined and I have a rule that I don’t work on the 7th day. I keep it for my worship, spirituality and family time.
- Technology: I have learned to use tools like email autoresponders for my Newsletters and emails.
- I have also learned the “No” Power: Otherwise saying yes to everything can bring about burn-out.
- Task Management using a to-do list so I know when I need to complete tasks.
- I also delegate social media posting.
- I also prioritise self-care. And I have a vacation policy – without fail I take 2 weeks off every 3 months which helps me to recharge and rest.
- Seeking support is also important, especially from a supportive network of friends, family, and colleagues who understand your challenges and can offer encouragement and advice.
