Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Collins.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Absolutely! I think like most stories, there is always a turning point that defines us, and I’d say mine was when I hit a mental & physical breaking point.
I always knew I wanted to be my own boss. Originally my dream was to own my own wellness studio and practice holistic health modalities, but clearly that’s not the direction this story goes. You see, since I “made up my mind” when I was younger that this was THE plan, I did everything I could to build up the credibility of this dream. I got a BA in hospitality management and a minor in communications, did multiple internships within well-known spas across the country, went onto school for esthetics (skincare) and then for integrative nutrition. I checked off all the boxes required to manage and practice within my own business.
After completing school, I moved from Massachusetts to Colorado where I worked various jobs just to get my feet off the ground. I wasn’t making enough for the cost of living here, so I started some online health coaching on the side where I virtually supported clients in creating a balanced lifestyle with meal prep, workouts, and skincare regimens.
On the outside, it might have looked like I was on the way to living my dream and fully booked with amazing clients, but on the inside, I was run down and unhappy. What most didn’t know was that I was working four jobs, waking up at 4:30 am to open a local gym, then working until 7 pm at the spa with freelance work for a marketing company in between clients and on breaks. On the weekends, I even picked up catering gigs, all while grinding away at my own business. It was CRAZY! I barely had enough energy to be social and my health was suffering.
Behind the scenes, I was slowly drawing back the curtain on what really lit a fire in me. I started pivoting my coaching to more business development. So many of my conversations with clients ended up talking about these incredible passions they had, with no idea where to take them. We would end up mapping out a big-vision game plan for what they truly desired from their work, and from there we’d break it up into tangible tasks to start moving the needle to get to that point.
Soon enough, I realized helping people in this way was truly my passion.
When I finally hit my breaking point with the lack of freedom I had while chasing my wellness business, I gave notice to one job, then the next, then the next, then finally the spa. It was heartbreaking to come to this decision because I felt forced to step back from what was my dream at the time, but I had a feeling I was moving in the right direction.
And sure enough, it turns out the work I do now with supporting online business owners in building their own dreams is truly my purpose.
Within the last year, my business has grown tremendously. By letting go of what no longer brought me happiness, reflecting on my needs, and honoring what I truly needed to live happy and healthy has changed my life. I am working with dream clients and genuinely love what I do day in and day out.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
A challenge I’ve faced is learning to balance time and instilling boundaries. It took me a while to admit that I had been glamorizing the hustle culture by juggling multiple jobs while building my own business. I wore “being busy” as a badge of honor but in reality, it was wearing me down. I have mostly been within careers of service and continuously giving without ‘refilling’ my own cup. That was a lesson I learned the hard way. I would say this is a continuous practice, but I now prioritize my time much more effectively which in return allows me to be a better coach, consultant, and friend.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I define my role as a Launch Curator – I am a coach and consultant for online coaches who want to fill their programs and sell out their online courses through organic marketing strategies and impactful social media content. I specialize in launch planning and implementation where we create the offer, validate and pre-sell it to their audience, host a launch event, run the launch, and deliver an exceptional customer experience from start to finish.
I help my clients grow their visibility, build authority in their industry, and stand out in their market while creating an income and making an impact. I’m most proud of my client’s successes, having their highest cash months and sustainability scaling their businesses.
What sets me apart is my hands-on support. I am with my clients every step of the way through the creation, launch, and scaling stages of their business and digital offers. My offers and services are high-touch and high support so you never feel like you’re doing it all on your own.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Trust is key to finding the right mentor. Cold messages are long gone, and developing intentional relationships is a necessity. Taking the time to get to know the individual and being your authentic self will go much farther than any cut and paste message. For instance, I primarily find clients through Instagram because I heavily focus on the platform with the purpose of building connections and it results in an audience that trusts me.
I’d say it’s ok to say no to a mentor if you don’t feel as though they are the right fit and vice versa if you’re a coach and feel that way towards a potential client. The exchange of energy between the mentor and client needs to feel genuine in order for the relationship to prosper.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@lauracollinscoaching.com
- Website: www.lauracollinscoaching.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauracollinscoaching/
Image Credits
@kirawhitneyphotography
