Hi! Tell us about yourself
Like most folks in this space, I have a pre-suburb backstory. A few highlights include:

• Moving from London  to NYC in 1996, sight unseen, with a man I had been dating for about 4 minutes (OK, it was 3 months)!

• After a few months of waitressing, I landed my first job as a studio assistant for an Art Director. I didn’t know what an Art Director was, but I was $10/hour and had a British accent so all was forgiven!

• I was hired by the founder of a creative management company and over the course of the next 8 years learned every aspect of building, growing, and managing a creative career and business.

• In 2006 I launched my first business, Plum Creative, as a rep for independent creative talent.

• In 2008 the recession nearly decimated said business, but I made it through and started my current coaching business as a side operation.

• Between 2008 and now, I got  married, closed my talent agency so I could focus on the coaching business, popped out a couple of kids, and landed in SOMA. I consider myself to be one lucky duck!
  

Tell us about your business!

My coaching business is located in South Orange, but 100% virtual. I specialize in helping creative business owners and freelancers make the transition from winging it to being the large-and-in-charge CEO of an efficient, creatively fulfilling, profitable business. My clients are primarily service based and are scattered all over the world.

How long have you lived in SOMa?

I’ve lived in SOMA for 10 years.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in the UK and moved to NYC in 1996

How many years have you been in business?

I’ve been a business owner since 2006, with my current coaching business being established in 2010

How long have you been doing the work you do?

I’ve been in the creative industry since 1997 - first as an agent for creative talent, and as a business coach/consultant since 2010

What excites you the most about what you do?

Helping my clients get clear about the value they deliver, craft a compelling brand message and experience, and work with better, higher-paying clients never gets old!

What is it about you that makes you so good at what you do?

I’ve got 20+ years of experience in the creative industry and understand both sides of the creative/client experience. I’m 100% invested in the success of independent creative talent and have a knack for breaking down business concepts that might feel overwhelming  into easy to understand and implement steps.

What inspired you to start your own business?

By 2005, I realized I had reached my learning and earning potential with my employer of 8 years. I knew I was in the sweet spot of experience, confidence, and willingness to take risks (pre-marriage and kids), and  if I was ever going to go out on my own, that was the time.

Do you have any magic tricks that you use in your business that you swear by and could share with others (time blocking, listening to music etc etc)?

I have a “CEO dashboard” in Notion that helps me see, and keep track of everything I need.  I’m happy to share the template with anyone who uses Notion and wants it.

What are 3 things that contribute to a successful work day?

Sleep, exercise, high-quality social contact

What have you learned about yourself since becoming an entrepreneur?

Before moving to the States, I didn’t consider myself particularly ambitious or entrepreneurial. Turns out I’m both!

What 4 items are essential for you to do the work you do?

1. A dedicated, uncluttered, and aesthetically pleasing work space. 

2. Systems and processes that streamline my efforts.

3. Support e.g. coach, therapist, trainer, acupuncture etc. to keep me in the best mental and physical shape possible.

4. Ongoing learning and professional development: I’m always enrolled in some kind of course or coaching program. When I am curious, and learning, I and my clients benefit!