Sarah Ziesler is a business coach and founder of Shine ShEO who believes that success isn’t about chasing rigid strategies—it’s about building a life and business that truly feels aligned. From navigating her own struggles with entrepreneurship to helping women grow without burnout, Sarah’s story reflects resilience, intuition, and the power of leading with both strength and softness. Her journey resonates deeply with the Humans of Fuzia mission of empowering women to create success on their own terms.
1. Sarah, what inspired you to begin your entrepreneurial journey?
I had climbed the corporate ladder and had also helped some friends in their businesses. They kept telling me that I was actually really good at this and should do it professionally. In December 2020, I left my job and started as a coach—even though I honestly had no idea what I was doing at first. I just loved the idea of talking about businesses with different people every day and turning that into my work. Over time, I realized how deeply I loved helping women grow through this journey, which naturally led me to building Shine ShEO.
2. What were the biggest challenges you faced while building your business?
Marketing and sales were the hardest for me. I had experience in many areas like operations, but marketing myself was completely different. I invested in countless programs and spent over $100,000 trying to find the “magic formula” for success. Eventually, I realized that rigid six-figure strategies don’t work for everyone—especially women. That realization led to Shine ShEO being built on custom strategy, alignment, human design, and energetics. Once I stopped forcing what didn’t fit me, everything began to shift.
3. What has been your proudest milestone so far?
My proudest moments are rarely about money—they’re about people. One moment that truly touched me was when a client’s husband thanked me because working together had improved their marriage. I’ve also had clients build successful businesses while creating real work-life balance. On a personal level, I had a baby this year—and my business still grew by 64%. That was powerful because I built Shine ShEO to prove that women don’t have to choose between family and career.
4. Do you work alone or with a team?
Right now, it’s mainly me. I also work with a wonderful coach named Nadia, who brings human design and energetics into Shine ShEO. I have a virtual assistant for support as well. I’ve experienced having a team and not having one, and at this stage, this structure feels most aligned for me.
5. What are your thoughts on women in leadership today?
I believe women in leadership are the future. Business has largely been built on masculine energy—and while that works, women shouldn’t feel pressured to lead like men. I learned through experience that it’s okay to lead from feminine energy too—through softness, intuition, balance, and emotional depth. True leadership doesn’t have to be harsh. It can be powerful and gentle at the same time.
6. What message would you like to share with future women leaders and entrepreneurs?
It’s so much simpler than you think. We overthink everything and delay starting. Instead, just identify the very next step and take it. Then take the next one after that. Most people get stuck because they never take that first step. Trust your intuition and let the rest unfold.
7. What is your personal definition of success today?
Success used to mean running a million-dollar company. Now, it simply means being happy and fulfilled. I can spend time with my family, work with incredible women, and build a business that supports my life—not consumes it. True success is creating a life that genuinely fulfills you, not chasing a version of success that looks good to others.
“True success isn’t about what looks impressive—it’s about building a life that genuinely fulfills you.”
Connect with Sarah Ziesler
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