Joining us today is the wonderful Eileen Bennett, a serial entrepreneur, who has founded 4 successful businesses.
Eileen has a Master’s degree in writing and is currently studying for a Postgraduate in Mental Health Promotion. She ran a cleaning business, a lifestyle magazine, and later set up Horses Connect, a nonprofit social enterprise.
In late 2019 she felt a calling to use her skills and experience to empower other women to recognize their value and potential. She also sums up as an author and has a book titled “Live your passion with purpose.”
Read along and be inspired as she shares key insights into her entrepreneurial journey.
INTRODUCTION
PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND THE BUSINESS YOU STARTED?
Hi, my name is Eileen. I’m a mother and a grandmother. I’m also a serial entrepreneur. In the past, I have run a cleaning business using eco-friendly products and a glossy lifestyle magazine.
In 2014, I realized a long-held dream and set up Horses Connect, a nonprofit social enterprise offering equine-assisted personal development to people with a range of challenges. I have a Masters’s degree in Writing and am currently studying for a Postgraduate in Mental Health Promotion.
In late 2019 I felt called to put my skills, experiences, qualifications and natural talents to work in order to be the rising tide and empower other women to recognize their true value and reach their full potential. Together we will transform the world from the inside out – one beautiful soul at a time
THE JOURNEY SO FAR
PLEASE DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF LAUNCHING YOUR BUSINESS.
I researched successful people from all walks of life and saw that having a coach or mentor was a common denominator. So, I found a coach I resonated with and invested in myself. She helped me clarify my vision and the Facebook group Woo Woo Women Problem Solvers was born.
WHAT DOES YOUR TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE AND HOW DO YOU STAY PRODUCTIVE?
I work 4 days a week in Horses Connect – which helps to keep me real and grounded! On a typical day, I would spend 30 minutes in the morning, afternoon and evening engaging with my Facebook group. When I’m working on a routine, I write content every day – for workshops, masterclasses, courses, blogs, etc. I also like to take some time to connect with nature every day.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT AND YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE ALONG THE WAY?
Biggest Achievement: My biggest recent achievement has been my lovely Facebook group.
Biggest Challenge: My biggest challenge recently has been consistency – for several reasons including my own self-growth, and family commitments.
WHAT STRATEGY DID YOU USE TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS? AND HOW?
My strategy is simple: Turn up. Be real. Give exceptional value. Create excellent content.
WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS?
I’m working on a series of online courses. I’m also very excited to be planning a retreat in Ireland that will incorporate my eliminating limitations methods with equine-assisted personal development.
RECOMMENDATIONS & FINAL THOUGHTS
PLEASE RECOMMEND ANY RESOURCES AND TOOLS THAT YOU USE TO RUN YOUR BUSINESS.
I run my website on WordPress because I can manage it myself. I use BeLive for my live classes and I love it! The Facebook post scheduling feature is very handy for days I know I won’t get to log in as often as I’d like.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOKS, PODCASTS OR BLOGS?
At the moment I’m loving The Introvert Entrepreneur by Beth Beulow. I also love to listen to James Wedmore and Brene Brown among others. There are also some very helpful and supportive Facebook groups and pages I like.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER WOMEN WHO WANT TO START THEIR OWN BUSINESS?
Do it! But your first business investment should be in yourself. Find a coach!
WHAT BUSINESS IDEA DO YOU HAVE THAT YOU ARE WILLING TO SHARE WITH OTHERS?
I think there is a market for a chain of hair and beauty salons that only use cruelty-free, eco-friendly products.
Violeta Semenova
Founder
theBizLadies
Welcome to the Biz Ladies interview series!
If you’re new to these series, I interview women entrepreneurs on how they started their business, what was the idea behind it, how they got where they are, the struggles, the reality and more.
By sharing their stories, we want to inspire other women to get started.
If you are interested to share your own story on the Biz Ladies LET ME KNOW!