Meet VaNae Walker, the owner of Grace-Full Living Life Coaching. She is a Certified Master Life and Transformation Coach that has a focus on serving those that have found themselves stuck due to life circumstances and unable to find the motivation to move forward, one that struggles with their self-worth and self-confidence.
But her heart is really for those who are currently dealing with relationship issues and those that are in transition from marriage to divorce.
Here we sit down with VaNae Walker, to know a bit more about her journey as a life coach.
Q. What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
VaNae: I have had the desire to be an entrepreneur since I was about the age of 16. But after completing my Master’s degree and not being offered a salary that matched the value of experience and education that I was bringing was very discouraging. I decided that it was time for me to create my own wealth and determine my worth.
Q. How did you get started?
VaNae: How did I got started? I have always had a desire to help others and to push them beyond their current circumstances. But after going through a very traumatic divorce and feeling like I was literally fighting for my life and mental health, I felt that my testimony and experiences were not at all about me, realizing that I had to go through what I had in order to help someone else. From that point, I began to research ways that I could not only share my story but also how I could help and impact the lives of others. And today, here I am!
Q. What was your biggest startup challenge? What steps did you take to overcome it? What did you learn?
VaNae: My biggest startup challenge was having failed in other entrepreneurial attempts in the past and the fear of failing at this as well. The steps that I took to overcome that fear was praying and allowing God to both affirm me and confirm what he proposed for me to do. I then hired a life coach and did a 6-week program with them. What I learned is that it is ok to be afraid, as long as I don’t allow that fear to completely stagnate me and keep me from pressing forward. But more importantly, I learned that I don’t have to be perfect and know it all but stepping out on faith and trusting God with the process will provide everything that I need to be successful. Allowing my faith to be greater than my fears!
Q. What is the Most Memorable Thing You’ve Done Since you Started your Business?
VaNae: The most memorable thing that I have done so far was deciding on a business name and a logo. I prayed for guidance but also spoke with my sister and had a full brain storming session discussing about what I wanted for my business, how I wanted my potential clients to view me, how I wanted to share in the lives of others, what type of clients I wanted to attract etc. I felt like I was making life decisions! lol
Q. What is one book you recommend, and why?
VaNae: A book that I would recommend is Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Badberry. The reason I recommend this book is because it speaks to self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management which all are very important for each and every one of us. Mindfulness is key. My takeaway is that our perspective greatly impacts our outcome.
Q. In terms of legacy, what is the mark you’d like to leave on the world?
VaNae: The mark that I would leave is a legacy of more positivity into the world. There are so many negative things going on in our world, so many reasons to be down and depressed but I want to be able to brighten the lives and hearts of others by adding a smile, positive energy and encouragement not to ever give up no matter what it looks like.
Q. In one sentence, what’s the best advice you’d give to someone just starting out on their entrepreneurial journey?
VaNae: Take a chance on you!
To keep up to date with VaNae, connect with her on Linkedin.