What brought me to coaching?

A question from a potential coaching client lead to this journal entry. Their question was “Will you ever separate out your coaching offerings from your ceramics and graphic design portfolios?” They were a bit unclear about what ceramics has to do with my coaching approach. An explanation is in order, I agree, and no, I will not separate out my three paths, not yet, and here’s why:

By adding coaching, I am naturally following my creative path. I would have never arrived at coaching without having had years of graphic design and ceramics-making/selling experience. I gained so much knowledge from successes and failures while pursuing those careers. This hard-earned wisdom I bring with me to my coaching practice, and is what makes me a great coach today. I feel it is important for my coaching clients to see that I am still making, striving, struggling at times, learning by making, and evolving.

I am a life-long learner, hungry for self-knowledge, self-growth, and self-improvement. I attact clients who have the same eagerness for self-exploration. Currently, I am studying at Coach U, an intensive coach training program. It is a 6-month long program that costs close to $6000. And it is worth every penny. I have met fantastic instructors who are professional coaches with decades of experience. I have met fellow coaches-in-training who have become instant life-long friends/family. We all come from such diverse backgrounds and immediately connect on our desire to help others. With the knowledge, structure, and practice gained in these past 3 months of the program, I have been coaching clients and am already seeing transformative forward movement in their lives after a few short sessions.

So what brought me to coaching? My creative path has been incredibly diverse: I have work experience in large corporations, small design firms, and running my own business. I have mentored those who work on my team, and I have taught at the university level. I attended grad school after a successful graphic design career to learn ceramics.

Coaching brings all these experiences and strengths together. I focus on coaching clients along their creative journeys. With this new path, and a strong desire to give back, share my knowledge, and help others, I have found my purpose.

It makes sense to call this new path “Creative Path Coaching.” Using my graphic design skills, I designed a lovely logo.

Here is my approach: I believe that you are extremely capable and have the answers within you. I believe that you are the expert in your life and work. I believe that you possess the creativity and resourcefulness to move your life/career/relationships in the direction of your choosing.

I will encourage your self-discovery, and will guide you to your own solutions and strategies. My Coach U education has given me the tools and structure to do just this with success.

I will support you, hold you responsible and accountable. 100%. I will celebrate with you as you reach your hard-earned goals.

And I am still making and selling and promoting my ceramics line. I work with porcelain because it continues to challenge me, and that brings me immense joy. What brings you joy?