Finding Purpose and Growth as a Parenting Coach: Jaclyn Carlson's Journey
Jaclyn Carlson has emerged as a beacon of hope and understanding in the fast-paced world of modern parenting, where guidance and support are often in short supply. Her journey to becoming a mother’s mentor and parent coach is a testament to the transformative power of following one's passion and the profound impact of professional and personal growth.
From Corporate Life to Parenting Coach
Jaclyn Carlson had built a successful career in digital marketing, but she wasn’t satisfied. “Once I had my child, I had this complete sort of identity shift, and I wasn't satisfied with my existing career path. It didn't align with my values anymore, and something just didn't sit straight.” This shift prompted a six-year journey of self-discovery and realignment.
During this period, Jaclyn felt a growing desire to connect with other mothers and help them navigate the complex and often overwhelming world of parenting. This desire, coupled with her own experiences and challenges as a mother, led her to seek new avenues for making a meaningful impact. Through a friend's recommendation, she discovered Jai, an educational program that would eventually shape her new career path.
The Soul Pull to Jai
Jaclyn describes her decision to join Jai as a “soul pull,” an intuitive and undeniable feeling that this was the right path for her. The program offered her the knowledge and tools to support other parents effectively. Reflecting on her journey, Jaclyn acknowledges that it was not an overnight decision but a culmination of years of seeking and learning. She had found the missing piece that combined her various experiences into a cohesive and fulfilling career.
Starting the Business: From Mindset to Marketing
Upon graduating from Jai in August 2023, Jaclyn faced the challenge of stepping into her new role and attracting clients. Despite her background in marketing, she found that the real hurdle was overcoming her own mindset. Jaclyn had to embrace her new identity as a parent coach and build the confidence to communicate this to others.
One of the most important criteria of any successful business is having a positive and optimistic mindset. "For me, crossing the threshold to actually having paying clients was so much more about the mindset than the marketing. The first step for me and the most important step was just almost starting to have those conversations on a daily basis and embodying that feeling of like, yes, I can do this," shares Jaclyn.
She adopted a “guide versus guru” mentality, focusing on being a supportive and empathetic presence rather than an all-knowing expert. This approach helped her start meaningful conversations with potential clients, often in everyday settings like grocery stores or school pick-ups. No matter how small, each interaction contributed to building her reputation and client base.
Working with Clients: Building Trust and Connection
Jaclyn felt nervous and experienced self-doubt during her initial sessions with her first few clients. However, these feelings quickly gave way to profound connections and transformative moments. Jaclyn recalls what it was like to work with her very first paying client: “It was such a beautiful connection made, and we simply had conversations, and there were tears, and we laughed, and there were aha moments, and there was stillness. And each and every conversation was different when I started working with more women one-on-one.”
She continues, “To see that result firsthand, whether it be in person or even via Zoom, is probably the most rewarding that I’ve ever felt. I have worked in corporate environments most of my life, and I’ve never felt that human connection and that you are moved to tears most calls because you can see the change that you are helping and the difference that you're making each and every day.”
Education and Confidence: Bridging the Gap
Jaclyn's comprehensive training from Jai played a crucial role in her development as a parent coach. The program equipped her with a solid knowledge base, practical strategies, and evidence-backed approaches, which boosted her confidence. Additionally, the business coaching aspect of the program ensured that she was well-prepared to navigate the marketing and mindset challenges inherent in starting a new venture.
Jaclyn shares that after graduating from Jai, “I had the knowledge base, I had the tools, I had the strategies, I had the evidence behind it, which I think gave me confidence that what I was teaching my clients is scientifically backed. And I felt a hundred percent secure in that."
Jaclyn emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and self-coaching, which the program instilled in her. This holistic approach enabled her to educate her clients and support them effectively through various parenting challenges.
Raising Awareness and Educating Clients
One of the unexpected challenges Jaclyn encountered was the need to educate her target audience about the existence and benefits of parent coaching. Many women she worked with were initially unaware that such support was available. Jaclyn took on the role of an educator, seamlessly integrating information about parent coaching into her conversations. She highlighted the accessibility and practicality of her services, reassuring potential clients that seeking help didn't have to be intimidating.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Jaclyn envisions expanding her reach and connecting with more women. She aims to integrate her expertise in connecting women with their bodies and reflecting these insights into their parenting experiences. Jaclyn is creating a unique and impactful parenting business by blending her past experiences, the teachings from Jai, and her passions.
Advice for Aspiring Parenting Coaches
Jaclyn's advice is clear for those considering a career as a parenting coach: follow your intuition and embrace your fears. She encourages aspiring coaches to dive into the journey wholeheartedly, confident they will be supported, empowered, and educated to make meaningful changes in their clients' lives. The impact will be profound and deeply rewarding.
The Fulfillment of Coaching
For Jaclyn, the most rewarding aspect of her work is witnessing the tangible changes in her clients' lives. The human connection and the ability to make a difference have provided a sense of fulfillment she had never experienced in her corporate career. The emotional resonance of her coaching sessions—seeing clients' transformations, hearing their stories, and feeling their gratitude—reinforces her belief that she has found her true calling.
In conclusion, Jaclyn Carlson's journey from corporate professional to parent coach is a powerful narrative of personal growth, professional development, and the transformative power of following one's passion. Her story inspires those seeking to make a meaningful impact in the world of parenting and beyond.
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