In the world of entrepreneurship, stories of resilience, grit, and determination shine brightly. One such inspiring journey is that of Maya Elious, an award-winning business coach and CEO of Built to Impact. She has empowered countless individuals, particularly women, to transform their passions into profitable businesses. In this blog post, we will delve into Maya's journey, her insights on faith, personal branding, and how to create a fulfilling business that resonates with your core values.
The Journey Begins: From College to Entrepreneurship
Maya's entrepreneurial journey began in 2008, during her college years when she was freelancing as a designer. Initially, she created MySpace pages and party flyers, which allowed her to explore her creative side. However, it wasn’t until years later that she transitioned into coaching, a path she hadn't even considered initially.
As a first-generation American, Maya's parents had traditional aspirations for her—secure jobs, degrees, and stability. But Maya had a different vision. She made the bold decision to drop out of college to pursue her business full-time, a choice that was met with resistance but ultimately led to her true calling.
Facing the Fear of Disappointment
When Maya decided to drop out, she didn't have a well-structured conversation with her parents. Instead, she chose to hide her decision for a month until Thanksgiving approached. It was during a grocery store visit that she realized she had to come clean. The conversation with her mom was intense, filled with fear and disappointment, but it was a necessary step in her journey. Maya learned that while she deeply valued her parents' opinions, she ultimately had to follow her path.
This experience resonates with many who struggle between familial expectations and personal aspirations. Maya's story emphasizes that it's okay to prioritize your dreams, even when it feels like a betrayal to those who raised you.
The Role of Faith in Business
Faith played a significant role in Maya's journey. She emphasizes that faith isn't just about spirituality; it’s about believing in oneself and in the journey. Maya believes that having faith in God and in her abilities has guided her through tough times, reminding her that success is possible when aligned with her purpose.
“You can either serve your faith or your fear,” she shares, highlighting the importance of choosing positivity and belief in oneself over doubt and insecurity. This mindset has helped her navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, especially during the early years when success felt elusive.
Building a Profitable Business
As Maya grew in her coaching career, she recognized the importance of clarity in messaging. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to define who they are, who they serve, and how they provide value. This clarity not only simplifies marketing efforts but also builds a strong foundation for a successful business.
“What transformation do you bring to your clients?” she asks, emphasizing that understanding this is crucial for effective messaging. Once entrepreneurs identify their unique value, selling becomes much easier.
The Importance of Personal Branding
Personal branding is often misunderstood. Many fear that it requires oversharing personal details, but Maya argues that personal branding should focus on how your experiences and skills serve your audience. Authenticity is key, but it should also be strategically aligned with your business goals.
One common mistake is sharing struggles that haven’t been overcome yet. Maya advises against this, as it can create a sense of shared struggle rather than positioning oneself as an expert. Instead, she encourages sharing experiences that highlight growth and solutions.
Niching Down: Finding Your Audience
Maya's journey also involved discovering her target audience. Initially, she thought her services were best suited for corporate males, but a review of her clientele revealed that her primary supporters were black women running mission-driven businesses. This realization allowed her to tailor her messaging and services to better serve her audience.
“Your audience often looks like you or a version of you,” she explains, which underscores the importance of relatability in personal branding. By focusing on a specific audience, Maya found greater success and connection with her clients.
Defining Core Values
One of the pivotal aspects of Maya's success is her emphasis on core values. She encourages entrepreneurs to define what truly matters to them, both personally and professionally. This clarity helps guide decision-making and ensures alignment with their goals.
For Maya, core values include family, personal responsibility, and freedom. By establishing these values, she can create a business that not only thrives but also serves her personal life and happiness.
Creating a Profitable Business Model
To build a profitable business, Maya stresses the importance of understanding the value you bring to your industry. This involves knowing your messaging, identifying your audience, and clearly articulating the transformation you provide. With this clarity, marketing becomes more effective, leading to increased revenue.
“It’s not just about making money; it’s about making an impact,” she emphasizes. Maya’s approach integrates both financial success and personal fulfillment, creating a holistic view of what it means to be profitable.
Investing in Yourself
Throughout her journey, Maya has consistently invested in herself. She recognizes that growth often requires financial commitment, whether through courses, coaching, or mentorship. This investment is crucial for personal and professional development, allowing her to elevate her business and mindset.
“When you invest in yourself, you acknowledge your worth,” Maya shares. This perspective has not only helped her grow but also reinforced her confidence as an entrepreneur.
Designing Your Dream Life
Maya Elious exemplifies the power of following your intuition, embracing faith, and building a business that aligns with your core values. Her journey teaches us that success is not just about financial gain but also about impact and fulfillment.
As Maya prepares for her upcoming Impact Weekend event, she invites others to join her in this journey of growth and empowerment. Whether you’re just starting or looking to elevate your business, remember that your journey is unique, and every step forward is a step toward your dream life.
For more insights and to connect with Maya, follow her on Instagram @MayaElious and visit her website at https://www.mayaelious.com
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