Coletta Dykes Coletta Dykes

Why I Started My Coaching Business: A Journey of Transformation and Purpose

Starting my coaching business wasn’t a decision made overnight—it was the culmination of years of experiences, both personal and professional, that revealed a deep need for change. Working in various companies, I encountered a consistent theme: the lack of a strong, supportive culture, a failure to prioritize mindset, and an absence of robust systems and protocols. These deficiencies didn’t just affect the bottom line—they had a profound impact on the people within these organizations, including myself.

In one of the companies where I worked, there was a glaring lack of cohesive culture. This absence led to a disconnect between the employees and the company’s mission. People were just going through the motions, clocking in and out, without any real sense of purpose or belonging. The company’s lack of focus on mindset meant that employees weren’t encouraged to grow personally or professionally, leading to stagnation and low morale.

I remember one colleague in particular who had so much potential but felt stifled by the rigid, uninspiring environment. She wanted to innovate, to bring new ideas to the table, but the lack of a supportive culture and the absence of systems to nurture creativity left her disillusioned. She eventually left the company, feeling that her contributions would never be valued. This experience resonated with me deeply, as I saw a reflection of my own struggles within that organization.

For me, the lack of systems and protocols created a constant state of chaos. Without clear guidelines or processes, I often found myself overwhelmed, unsure of how to prioritize tasks or measure success. The stress of navigating this disorganized environment took a toll on my mental health, leading to burnout and a growing sense of frustration. It became clear to me that if these companies had placed more emphasis on building a positive culture, fostering the right mindset, and implementing effective systems, both the business and the people within it could have thrived.

The Turning Point…

Six years ago, I found myself standing at a crossroads. Entrepreneurship was proving to be much harder than I had anticipated. The uncertainty, the lack of a steady income, and the pressure of wearing multiple hats as a business owner left me questioning whether I was cut out for this path. I was tempted to give up on my dream and return to the security of a traditional job, where things were more predictable.

But deep down, I knew that going back wasn’t an option. I had tasted the freedom and potential of entrepreneurship, and I wasn’t willing to let it go. However, I also recognized that I couldn’t continue on the same trajectory. I needed to make significant changes if I was going to succeed. This was the turning point—the moment when I decided to take control of my destiny and invest in myself.

The first concrete step I took was to seek out coaching for myself. I realized that I needed guidance from those who had successfully navigated the challenges I was facing. I enrolled in coaching programs that focused on both business strategy and personal development. These programs were instrumental in helping me overcome the internal barriers that had been holding me back.

For example, one of the coaching programs introduced me to the concept of mindset work. I learned that my beliefs and attitudes were directly influencing my actions and, consequently, my results. I began to identify the limiting beliefs that were sabotaging my success—such as the fear of failure and the belief that I wasn’t good enough—and I worked on replacing them with more empowering beliefs. This shift in mindset was a game-changer. It allowed me to approach challenges with a newfound sense of confidence and resilience.

In addition to coaching, I committed to a rigorous self-education regimen. I read books on entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal development, absorbing the wisdom and insights of those who had walked this path before me. One book that particularly resonated with me was "The E-Myth Revisited" by Michael Gerber, which emphasizes the importance of creating systems and processes in a business. This was a lightbulb moment for me. I realized that if I wanted to avoid the chaos I had experienced in previous jobs, I needed to build a business that was systematized and scalable.

I took these lessons to heart and began implementing them in my own business. I created standard operating procedures for every aspect of my work, from client onboarding to marketing. I also developed a daily routine that included meditation, journaling, and goal-setting, which helped me stay focused and grounded amidst the challenges of entrepreneurship.

While the professional challenges were significant, the most profound obstacle I faced was deeply personal. At 14, I experienced a traumatic event—a rape—that left a lasting scar on my life. This trauma influenced every aspect of my adult life, including how I showed up in my business. It created mindset blocks that made it difficult for me to fully commit to my goals. I struggled with self-doubt, abandonment issues, and a belief system shaped by this trauma and the negative experiences that followed.

To overcome these challenges, I took concrete steps toward healing. I sought therapy specifically to address the trauma, which helped me process the pain and begin to heal. I also adopted a daily meditation practice to quiet the internal noise and connect with my true self. This wasn’t just about managing stress—it was about reclaiming my power and using my experiences as fuel for my business.

For example, I recognized that my abandonment issues were causing me to shy away from building deep, meaningful relationships with clients. I was afraid that if I got too close, they would leave or reject me. Through therapy, I worked on these issues and developed healthier ways of relating to others. This allowed me to build stronger, more authentic connections with my clients, which in turn strengthened my business.

With these personal and professional foundations in place, I began the practical work of launching my coaching business. I started by creating a business plan that clearly outlined my vision, mission, and the specific services I wanted to offer. My focus was on helping women entrepreneurs overcome the same challenges I had faced—lack of confidence, mindset blocks, and the absence of a supportive business culture.

One of the first services I developed was my SOUL framework—Systemize, Organize, Utilize, and Leverage. This framework was a direct response to the gaps I had seen in other businesses. I knew that by helping my clients create efficient systems, organize their operations, utilize their resources effectively, and leverage opportunities for growth, I could set them up for long-term success. Each component of the framework was informed by my own experiences and the lessons I had learned along the way.

I also developed the ERA method—Everyday Show Up Authentic—as a way to guide my clients in marketing their businesses authentically. This method was born out of my own struggles with showing up consistently and authentically in my business. By committing to this practice myself, I was able to build a brand that resonated with my audience, and I wanted to help other women do the same.

The challenges I faced—both personal and professional—were not just obstacles; they were the very things that shaped my business. My personal trauma, the doubts and fears, and the professional setbacks all became the foundation of my coaching practice. I realized that by confronting and overcoming these challenges, I could help other women do the same.

Today, my coaching business is a reflection of my journey. It’s about more than just helping women grow their businesses—it’s about helping them transform their lives. Each client I work with is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the willingness to take concrete steps toward change.

Starting my business was not an easy path, but it was a necessary one. It required me to dig deep, confront my past, and take deliberate actions to create the life and business I wanted. Now, I am passionate about guiding other women through their own journeys, helping them overcome their unique challenges, and empowering them to build successful, fulfilling businesses.

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