Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendy Amara.
Wendy, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Being 1st generation US-born, from Guatemalan immigrant parents – meant I was raised to believe stability was of utmost importance. I was taught to go to school, get good grades, get a stable job and buy a house. The American dream was all my parents wanted for me. Needless to say, they were shocked when I announced I was going to be a Life Coach. “Que, Que,” said my mom. I followed the rules earlier in my life. Went to college and got a good job in the Non-profit world. And I was unhappy. After a deep depressive episode, I found the world of personal development. And I fell in Love. It was then in my 20’s that I decided I was going to build my own business doing the work I love – being a Life Coach.
It is now 15 years later, and through a lot of trials and tribulations. I have a created a life I love. My business has grown, and I have been able to create a beautiful family along the way. I am now married to an amazing supportive man. We have three kiddos, a nine-year-old and five-year-old twins. And I completely control my schedule. Here is what I have learned along the way- Anything is really possible. Everything starts with our thoughts. And the freedom to do what you love is the best American dream!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Some Struggles along the way: One of the biggest struggles I had at the beginning was getting enough clients to leave my 9 to 5 job. Consistency in the coaching industry is one of the hardest aspects of starting and maintaining your coaching practice. It was through practice and 1,000’s of coaching hours that I learned what I needed to do to get consistent clients.
The other struggle I experienced was explaining to people what I do. Especially explaining to my immigrant parents from Guatemala. In the Latino community, mental health is not something that is easily talked about. And “Life Coaching” is a new phenomenon for the brown community. When I started 15 years ago, no one understood what Life Coaching was. Now more people are aware, and more women of color are joining the world of coaching.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a Strategic Life and Business Coach. I help clients reach important goals for their lives. I do this by supporting my clients in three specific ways: 1. Getting them clear on what they want. 2. Creating a Map to get from here to there. 3. Following through with that Map!
My clients reach goals such as getting a promotion, launching a business, building stronger relationships, and making more money. I have also helped clients find love, get organized, and improve their grades. The core of what I do for my clients is help them manage their mindset and stay in positive action. I have two ways that clients can work with me, one-on-one through weekly 1hr sessions or in my Group Coaching Program, “The Inspired Action Tribe.”
What sets me apart from other coaches is that I have many years of experience. At this point, I have coached thousands of individuals. I have coached all different types of clients- from the stay at home, mom- to the millionaire CEO. This has created a very strong “coaching” muscle!
What makes me stand out is the way I coach – I actually get my client results. I am very result, oriented. My coaching creates simple mindset shifts that lead to new positive actions. Taking consistent action helps build new success habits!
I also check-in with my clients during the week – in between sessions – to make sure they are staying in action consistently and implementing what I taught them. I hold them accountable. These guarantees follow through! And follow through equals reaching your goal! Any goal you can envision for yourself – you can reach.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
One of my favorite memories from childhood was going to Guatemala when I was about seven. I remember seeing real poverty for the first time. I remember little kids walking up to us with no shoes. I asked my mom, where were their shoes? And my mom said they did not have any shoes. I could not imagine living life, not having shoes. I suddenly became aware of the privileged life I lived. It is one of my favorite memories because it made me feel more connected to America and more connected to Guatemala at the same time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wendyamara.com
- Phone: 8183952645
- Email: wendy@wendyamara.com
- Instagram: @wendyamara
- Facebook: Wendy Amara Strategic Life Coach
- Twitter: @CoachWendyAmara
Image Credit:
Rachel@la-momma.com
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