Jaxx Swadi; Milton, Ontario Canada
@camochickdesigns
My name is Jaxx. I’ve been a small business owner for the past 15 years. I’ve been with my husband for 22 years, and we have two amazing kids! I have a diverse background in business, event planning and child and youth social work.
I have spent the last year working on my Master Life Coach Certification, with my niche areas being Small Business Mentorship and Caregiving. Although these are two completely different avenues, these are my areas of expertise given my own personal life experiences.
I’m a firm believer that there is room for all of us. We each have our own unique offering, and the perfect client meant for us. I always tell my kids to be a leader, not a follower. Be yourself, and do what you believe in. This is what sets you apart from others. Be the trendsetter.
What is your niche (coaching focus) and how did you choose it?
I actually have two! My focus for some time now has been mentoring small business owners in the handmade industry, along with providing guidance and support to those navigating the world of caregiving for loved ones. I have personal and lived experience with both, and I certainly know how isolating the latter can be.
Who is your ideal client?
My ideal client is someone who is kind and compassionate about the human experience. Someone who is transparent and honest, like me. I believe it is imperative to be open minded about self-improvement, continued education and learning, but also understanding that there is room for all of us to succeed. We all have our ideal client!
What inspired you to become a life coach?
Mr. Rogers once said: Don’t just look for the helpers, be a helper. Helping others has always been my passion, and it actually helps me! It gives me a sense of value and purpose to know that I can help others get through challenges with the tools I’ve learned and been gifted with. If I can make life easier for others, be it how to run their business more smoothly, or how to navigate caregiving to make the journey less taxing, this is the ultimate gift.
How long have you been coaching?
As a small business owner for the past 15 years, I have been mentoring others for quite a while. As someone several years into being a caregiver, I have had many people approach me for advice and support, and I have been able to guide them in the right direction to make the experience less terrifying.
How did you get your first client?
Coaching on a professional level is new to me, but many of the people who approach me are existing customers of my business, friends, or fellow entrepreneurs who I know through my network. I am blessed to be in a town of wonderful, supportive people who embrace local, and have been lucky enough to build relationships with many of them over the years.
How has your coaching journey changed your life?
Honestly? Everything I have been learning over the last year or so of studying has changed ME! I’m not sure I was expecting that! I went into this industry as a way to help and serve others, which on its own would have been satisfying enough. To be able to say that my own mindset has changed, I feel happier and more positive. I love that I am constantly embracing self-development and able to utilize those tools in my own everyday life, as well as others. So grateful!
What is the most challenging part of being a life coach?
I think in any business or industry, getting the right clients for you can be challenging. You aren’t always going to align with others, and vice versa. I also believe that we have to embrace adaptability, as trends change and life, family, business, etc. is incredibly fluid. The only thing that is always definitive is change!
What is the most fulfilling part of being a life coach?
Helping others—and seeing the results of that help—is definitely the most fulfilling part for me. To have someone call you or message you to say thank you. You made my life easier with the guidance you provided, and I’m so grateful! This means the world to me.
What has been your most inspirational coaching moment with a client?
Given that this is relatively new territory to me, I don’t really have a specific example for you. I just find the ability to do what I’m doing inspiring, and I’m grateful to be able to help in whatever capacity I can. Big or small.
What is your favorite coaching activity or exercise to do with clients?
This is still a work in progress, but I’m a firm believer in weighing out pros and cons, and self-talk. Asking yourself the “what if” questions. Telling yourself what you would do in various scenarios and outcomes.
What has been the most effective strategy for finding clients and/or growing your business?
Being self-employed in a small town, and networking has definitely helped in this regard. Most of my existing clients are repeat clients, who are kind enough to refer me to others.
What advice would you give YOURSELF back when you first dreamed of becoming a coach?
I thought I was too old to start something new, but I was SO wrong. You can pursue anything at any age, and achieve it just as well as others, if not better! We just have to discipline ourselves enough to seek it out, do the research, and be willing to put in the time and work that goes with it.
What is the impact you want to make in this world?
The world is a bit of a scary place right now. I just want to know that I’m doing my small part to make a difference. The world has enough critics, I just want to be happy, and help others do what makes them happy as well.
Is there anything else you would like to share with Transformation Coaching Magazine readers?
There will always be naysayers who tell you that you can’t do things. I heard it myself for a lot of my own life! Drown out the noise. Weed out the negativity, and anything that steals your joy. Preserve your peace at all costs. Look for the helpers. And be yourself! Everyone else is taken.
Wishing you all the best of luck!
