We ask our members to share a few thoughts: to introduce themselves to fellow members, and those who are interested in our community.
In this instalment, we interview Annette Nilsson of aLive Lifecoaching
Tell us about your business:
I am a Life Coach & Horse assisted Coach.
What 5 words would you choose to describe your business?
Empowerment, Limiting beliefs, Authenticity, Purpose, Self-worth.
What are your most popular products or services?
I provide in-depth life coaching. I support people in finding answers to their questions, overcoming limiting beliefs, and live their authentic life. As an added service, I also coach with the assistance of my horses. Horses are non-judgmental and can help my clients to overcome emotional blockages, and thereby facilitate the process of personal growth and development.
What do you like best about owning a business?
I love when my clients find their answers, leaving my practice with a big smile and a sense of relief. To identify and overcome a limiting belief is liberating, empowering and provides my clients with a strong sense of agency. Every time this happens, I feel that coaching and supporting people is truly my purpose!
What or who inspired you to start your business?
My first horse was a truly difficult horse, not willing to cooperate, and I became truly afraid of him. A master horse trainer told me that I am emotionally not fit to interact with this horse. That was quite a blow, and very true. Over the years, I worked on becoming emotionally fit, and started to help people who were in similar situations with their horses. At some point, one of them told me that my work had helped her enormously, and that I should make coaching my profession. In 2016, I graduated from a coaching academy in Germany!
What makes your products/services special?
To me, life coaching is applied philosophy. Together with my clients, I discuss one of the central philosophical questions of the human existence: what is the good life for you, and what does it take to live it? I believe that it is essential to dive deep, and to truly identify all the limiting beliefs and emotional blockages which keeps my clients from living the life they desire. There is no quick fix or miracle cure, it takes courage, patience, and discipline. During a coaching process, I am available for my clients by WhatsApp, and will send them weekly tasks, reminders, and recommendations. Also, if desired and necessary, we visit my horses which are masters in helping people to overcome emotional blockages, and allow them to feel true connection, with themselves.
Who is your role model or mentor?
Mark Rashid, I admire him for his authentic way of teaching, letting you feel your own worth!
What is your biggest fear?
To be alone. To not live up to the expectations of others.
What motivates you on a daily basis?
I love to learn, and to engage in meaningful conversations with others, with my clients. To find missing pieces, to understand a concept is deeply fulfilling. And of course, to be with my horses, to be out in nature is something I never grow tired of.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced?
My biggest challenge is to trust myself, and to believe that I am good enough! To show myself, and to put myself out there through social media is quite something for me.
What advice would you give women who are starting a business?
Join a network, and get support and help. Invest in experts, marketing, coaching, technical support, administration. Don’t think you have to do it all, at once. To define the purpose of your business is the most important task, it is the heart and soul of your business!
What is your favourite business book?
Atomic habits by James Clear
What are your top tips for networking?
Join all possible events, dare to show yourself and your service. Be curious and courageous!
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
I am out in nature every day, either for a walk on the beach or being with my horses. Yoga and fitness keep my mind and body strong, I make regular time for physical exercise, and mindfulness.
What is your motto or theme song?
Nothing stays the same! Motto for sleepless nights: this too shall pass! To deal with change, and challenge, emotional fitness and thinking about my Why is key!
How do you relax?
I love to read, and also to listen to music. Looking at beautiful architecture or interiors can feel like a holiday, it refreshes my mind.
What place inspires you and why?
The beach and the sea never fail to inspire me. No matter the weather, it is a reminder of the flow of life, the beauty of nature, and that we are a part of it, and that we should enjoy our short life as much as we can.
What do you care most about, as a business owner?
I care most about providing a service of high quality to my clients. I want for them that they feel seen, understood, and supported. It is of utmost importance to me that my clients feel empowered, equipped with knowledge and ideas to reach their personal goals.
What are your future plans?
I want to focus more on the value of horse assisted coaching, and to talk about it. I am considering in setting up a place where coaching, horses, and yoga can be combined. Also, I am planning for a yoga/coaching retreat in Sweden, in 2024.
Are you running any offers or promotions that you would like us to mention?
I offer a 10% discount on a package of 5 coaching sessions, and a 15% discount on a Horse assisted coaching session.
What does it take to be yourself?
To make better decisions and choices, and to trust that you may follow your dreams!
Thank you, Annette!
For more information about Annette Nilsson visit aLive Lifecoaching.