Natascha F. Saunders, The Youth Career Coach Inc.
The Youth Career Coach Inc. of Boston was founded in 2009 and provides career coaching for students.
‘Ah ha’ moment that led to launching the business: I sat in my office as the assistant human resource manager for a top retail chain and heard the sales managers talk about young people and how unprepared they were, their appearance, mannerisms and lack of preparedness to work. It was then I knew I had to help.
Ideal customer: Young Adults Ages 13 – 30. However, I am certified as a professional career coach to work with adults, too.
First customer: Word of mouth.
Measuring success: I recently landed my very first contract within a Boston Public School and it was a huge success and one I will use going forward in my evaluation and measurement of business success.
Surprise!: That I’ve been able to survive two tax seasons thus far. That may seem small to some but it was something that made me really nervous. When you are starting out your business, it’s common to put your own money into it, to get it off the ground. So I’m always surprised but completely happy that I have survived my first two tax seasons with ease.
Promoting business: I make it a point to attend community events and share what I do. As a result of attending one event, I met a high school headmaster who was the key factor in getting me my first school contract and now my second, which has brought it the most money I have ever received for facilitating multiple workshops. In addition, sharing with friends and family has been my strong point. As a result, I was able to land my 1st highest paid church speaking event.
What you wish you would have known: The extent to which the Small Business Administration holds free workshops on a variety of topics. I would have utilized them more prior to me starting my company. There are lots of decisions to make deciding what type of business to start.
What keeps you up at night (business wise!)?: New ways to facilitate, new videos/materials to implement and new ideas whether they be book ideas, website additions, interns and/or new ideas to write articles.
Ever tempted to throw in the towel and just get a job?: Yes, and it’s funny because when I’ve applied to jobs and had interviews it just didn’t feel right and then others the doors just didn’t open. I believe my path has been laid out before me, so I’m just taking it one day at a time. On the days I feel like throwing in the towel – I just stop and think about all I’ve accomplished on that particular day and how no matter how stressed I’ve been, how worried I was that if I didn’t get a contract I wouldn’t be able to survive but things always work out in the end.
The absolute best part of owning my business is: the ability to make my own schedule.
If I had to start over again, I would: have changed nothing – I believe everything happens for a reason and it has built my character.
I never imagined: picking one goal to do at a time would be so difficult.
If standing on a rooftop facing crowds of aspiring or struggling small business owners, I would shout: “Look within yourselves for the road map. The passion you have inside was given to you on purpose, so don’t you dare give up!”
