Vu Willey is a wellness and mindset strategist to entrepreneurs, healers and leaders. Having been through a tough self-love journey, she is able to provide spiritual, compassionate help that is good for the body as well as the soul. She found her passion by helping dozens of people with their weight loss transformations and wrote an article on the Huffington Post about self love which you can read here. Vu has her Masters in Science from Michigan State University in Management, Strategy and Leadership.
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I have always wanted to be a business owner from as little as I remember. So when the opportunity presented itself, I jumped in. At the beginning it was not for the business itself, but accountability to myself and continuing on my journey. After a while I allowed myself to dream bigger and decided to stop playing it safe.
I realized that if I had gone on as it was, I was going to pass on my insecurities, my judgments and limitations to my children. I never wanted them to feel less than. I am still fighting with impostor syndrome! I never want them to feel the fruits of their labor is an accident!
Tell us about your business.
I am a mindset and wellness strategist to those who take care of others. These are doctors, coaches, healers, nurses, anyone who has to deal with and heal people in one way or another. These women are the last one on on their own priority list, and often let themselves completely go and burn themselves out in order to try to perform their duties. Sometimes I strategize with them regarding their business to make room for self-care, other times I am the voice of reason giving them permission to take a day off or sleep. This population is especially vulnerable to depression and suicide and need this type of service.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
Free 30 minute consultation to anyone who mentions LadyBossBlogger. Also I have a ‘Have the Best Morning Checklist’ as well as an “Imposter Syndrome Guide” that I can giveaway.
Where is your business based?
Ann Arbor, Michigan.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
Started taking care of myself and stopped using the people I loved as an excuse. Started taking care of my mind, and let go of the victim mentality. I do this work in the corporate world as well, and as I saw so many coaches and healers around me spiral into unhealthy habits, I hired coaches and a therapist. I think everyone, especially business owners should have 3 people on their payroll:
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Therapists: who support people, put out fires, and deal with crisis every day. Without proper help, this can wear on you and affect your practice, business and personal life.
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Business coaches: we need someone with experience to take a look at our business and give us advice. Very often people can’t see things because they are too close to it or unwilling to make a decision because of an emotional attachment. These consultants are a Godsend: they swoop in, do a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis and depending on the service, keep you accountable.
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Spiritual coaches: for some this might be their religious figure. For me, it’s someone who helps me look for the answers within. Meditation practice, crystals, spending time in nature and empowering myself and others through spirituality. No matter how much success we have, without this component we won’t lead a satisfying life. I am very comfortable with my beliefs and fiercely protective of others practicing theirs in peace!
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Sharing my journey via social media and increasing my confidence in my abilities. Most people do not even realize that their habits are self destructive or that the thoughts in their head are not uncommon. When I realized “Impostor Syndrome” was a thing and it wasn’t just me that felt like a fraud, and on thin ice, with the danger of being escorted out of the building as soon as they discover I didn’t belong… it was a huge relief!
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
It’s mostly showing up courageously even when I feel like I will be judged. I have continuously healed myself though these methods, so sometimes it hits close to home. But the rewards are great, and the work is much needed.
How did you overcome these challenges? How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I try to stay curious, ask questions, when I get down and make a statement about myself or my business I ask “is this true?” I also see if I have been neglecting my own self-care, or shrinking in anyway. Also remember those coaches from a few questions ago? They are huge. Nobody does this on their own and succeeds. We all deserve the help 🙂
How did you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
There is no competition and no two programs help in the same way. We can all teach the same material and people would hear it differently. Also, since I do work in the medical field, building wellness curriculums for medical trainees, I do see the struggle first hand. I am very quick to see patterns and notice what’s missing. I love action as well as flow.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
Patience: provide value, sow the seeds and it still takes time to reap the fruits.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Do not burn yourself out going all out. If you don’t have what you expected at the end of the sprint, the world may never know your gift. The industry is more like a marathon, it is long winded, takes a lot of care of yourself and preparation as well as practices and failures. You need to properly care for your mind and body in order to get there.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
I am visual so I love YouTube. I love searching and finding information on everything! Whether it is a technical question or I need an example or I am stuck. I will log in, grab a guided meditation, a how-to video or just watch something inspirational.
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
I am in love with “Reform Your Inner Mean Girl: 7 Steps to Stop Bullying Yourself and Start Loving Yourself” by Amy Ahlers and Christine Arylo. I am reading it with my husband and can tell you everyone has this inner critic/naysayer/boss/bully/
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
I am looking to hire out some of the technical sides of my business in the next upcoming weeks. I had the pleasure of working with an amazing VA that has moved on to other business ventures. I am learning through continued coaching how to build some of my evergreen products, and they will be available soon!
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
I am running a mastermind in the next coming months and I have my built-in support system to keep me accountable and in the right mindset. This mastermind will be made up of 30 women who need help with their mindset to push through limits as well as taking care of themselves while caring for others.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @vuwilley
Twitter @vuwilley
Facebook www.facebook.com/vuwilley
Website www.vuwilley.com
Hashtags #selfcarecoach #consciouseating #momoftwogirls #momlife