We spoke with Jessica Hannon with Coaching with Charisma:
How many years have you been in business? I got certified to be a life coach in 2020 and I got my Advanced Grief Recovery Certification in 2021/2022.
What inspired you to start this business? I've always enjoyed helping people. I know there were times in my life I felt so lost and alone. If I had someone to hear me out, validate my concerns, and help give me options to pursue, those times wouldn't have felt so isolating and insurmountable. The grief training part came after losing my best friend at 34, caretaking both my mom and my grandmother within 3 years of each other, and my husband being in a coma and on a ventilator from Covid. All these events I was able to survive, but I wanted to be able be a safe space for people so they knew all their thoughts and feelings were OK. That they didn't have to feel so alone. That grief, although an individual journey, is something each one of us will go through. Although we may not be the same people we were before our losses, we can do more than survive, we can thrive in the new people we become along the healing journey.
What has been your biggest success to date? This sounds cheesy but honestly my biggest successes are staying married 27 years and raising 5 kids who became confident, smart, witty, adults who make the world a better place.
What has been your biggest challenge? For my business, my biggest challenge has been marketing myself! I'm not motivated to get out there because the idea of talking highly of myself to strangers sounds exhausting. I know it's necessary and I'm working on it! If you see me around, cheerlead me on this. 🙂 Imposter syndrome is legit.
What inspires you to hit the ground running each morning? Making money to provide for my family. My husband was the sole provider for many years so I could be home with our kids. I love to be able to contribute and earn my own income now. I also really do want to make the world a better place and I feel like a big part of that is being a safe space for people.
What's an interesting fact about your business that most people don't know? Maybe that grief doesn't have to be losing someone through death? It could be losing a job, losing step kids through divorce, foster kids reuniting with their bio families, loss of your sense of security or health, church trauma, I've even experienced grief after a long running TV show I love ends. Also that time alone does not heal. Just like your flat tire won't re-inflate just by waiting, you have to get the right tools and support to heal from grief.
As a member of WorkIT Coworking Center, how does being a member help you? Not only do I have a beautiful space to meet with clients that's convenient for people that live anywhere in town, the WiFi is great for my Zoom meetings! I also love networking with other life coaches and anyone really. I've learned so much not only from the Lunch & Learn events but just by meeting people and brainstorming on business and marketing ideas. I don't necessarily love the business part of owning a business so all the knowledge and passion around me has been invaluable!
When you're not working, what is your favorite thing to be doing? Writing, playing Jackbox or other games with my family, or reading a book while my husband fishes in a pretty place!
Contact Jessica with Coaching with Charisma at [email protected] or visit her website at http://coachingwithcharisma.com