We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica Rood and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Erica, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I always had a passion for working with young people and during my career as a teacher, I became especially interested in helping girls develop confidence and resilience. When I heard about a career called Teen Life Coaching, I thought this is it. As a Teen Life Coach, I can focus on supporting girls through one of the most challenging and exciting stages of life- the teen years. I completed two life coach trainings, and took a leap of faith, leaving my full-time teaching job to start my coaching practice. I was and continue to be guided by my passion for serving youth and their families.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My coaching practice sprung out of my desire to help teens and young women build confidence and resilience, achieve goals, and acquire a sense of purpose and direction. After the first year or so of working with teens and young adults, I noticed that parents were also struggling. The teen years brought about a new set of challenges and questions. This inspired me to add a parent coaching component to my coaching programs. Parents who work with me gain a fresh perspective, new approaches, and practical solutions to the unique challenges that arise when parenting teens. I am honored to work alongside my clients as they navigate the unique experiences that life brings their way. I am also thrilled to announce that my first book, Power Up Your Parenting, has just been released! I have poured my heart into this book and can’t wait to share it! For parents, it is like having a parent-coach in the palm of their hands. Building a successful coaching practice has not been without challenges, but my passion, determination, and team of supporters, kept me going. The biggest challenge in starting a business was that I knew little about business!! I was confident in my ability to teach and coach, but when it came to developing a business and marketing plan, I was quite clueless. I needed support and was not afraid to ask for it! I worked with Melissa Woods for several years and learned so much about how to create a successful business. Following your passion is one thing, but having faith and the courage to ask for help, are essential!
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love San Diego and am proud to call it home! I grew up here and have so many favorite spots. If my best friend were visiting, we would definitely spend several days at the beach, either Del Mar or Torrey Pines. We’d hit the trails at Torrey Pines State Park and adventure to the mountains of Julian and Cuyamaca for more rugged hikes. I’d take her to my favorite yoga spots-Oceanfront Yoga with Namasteve in Pacific Beach, Buddhi Yoga in La Jolla, and YogaSix. For dining- I love to take advantage of the amazing San Diego weather and picnic at Power House Park in Del Mar. More formal favorites are Ken Sushi and Juniper and Ivy.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Many people have supported me along the way. I credit and thank: Melissa Woods for helping me develop a business and marketing plan. Colleen Ster for her unwavering support and dedication to me and my upcoming book, Power Up Your Parenting. My mom for encouraging me to follow my heart and take a risk.
Website: https://inspirebalance.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erica_inspire_balance_coaching/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-rood/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Erica.InspireBalanceCoaching
Image Credits
Natalie Chiles, Photographer at Natalie Chiles Photography