Meet Janine Gale | Kids’ Life Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Janine Gale and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Janine, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process in starting my own business was two-fold. One of the biggest reasons I took a big leap of faith was because there was a need… an enormous need and a big gap in the system. Since Covid and the introduction of smartphones, kids have been struggling with many issues. Social skills, confidence, resilience, and communication are among the most prevalent I have noted in my conversations as a school counselor for over 20 years. As the only school counselor in one of my former schools, I had a caseload of over 1200 students with one part-time social worker. Students came shuffling through the counseling doors in droves to seek support for themselves, their friends, and issues between them and their friends. I always used the analogy of there being a revolving door of kids coming in with concerns. I was drowning; often as the solo mental health professional on campus for general education students. I wanted more. I wanted more for those students, and I wanted more for myself. This was my second reason for starting my business. I have been a proponent of self-care my whole adult life. I yearned to practice what I preached and to set up a system that worked more effectively than the current situation they and I were in. It was in April of 2022 when I jumped into the unknown. I had built multiple school counseling programs, but could I open a business of my very own, I wondered? I took a life coaching class to learn the difference between coaching and counseling and to also learn the basics of how to set up a business. It was my calling. I rigorously took the necessary steps to build my business. I absolutely loved it. It was my passion, my baby, and it was all done within the scope of what is sufficient support for kids. I collaborated with parents, helped with communication between kids and their parents, and watched my clients grow. Working with kids and their families in a way where I could dedicate the necessary time to support them was life-changing for me. My caring nature, ability and desire to follow through, and put my all into each child I worked with were able to come to fruition. I dreamt it, created my vision, and made it come alive. I have never looked back and am truly grateful for each day I get to support kids and their families in a more personal, home-based setting. It is a true honor that parents entrust me with their prized possessions. Coaching kids has provided me the reinforcement that what I started out to do was the right thing to do. It was a win-win situation for both kids and for me.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What sets my business apart from others is that there are not many life coaches out there for kids. There are a plethora of therapists; however, many have full caseloads and some kids may not need that level of support. They might just need someone to talk to, bounce ideas off of, someone to guide them to follow their intuition, someone to listen, an accountability partner, someone who helps them set goals and make sure they stay on track, and also someone other than their parent for guidance, after all… did you ever want to hear any advice or suggestions from your parent? 🙂

How I got to this point surprisingly wasn’t challenging. I put one foot in front of the other in terms of taking bite-sized action steps along the way. I already knew how to connect with kids and how to build rapport. I then just needed to learn how to build a business. Since I had built two school counseling programs previously, I had a feeling, it wouldn’t be very challenging. I would say that the biggest challenges I have faced have been marketing myself. This concept was foreign to me as a school counselor, plus I consider myself a pretty humble person, so it felt extremely uncomfortable for me. I found ways to do so that were authentically more comfortable than others, and word of mouth has kept a consistent flow of clients coming in. Some lessons I’ve learned along the way are the importance of setting and holding firm on boundaries, while simultaneously providing some flexibility along the way. I’ve learned that I will never sacrifice my self-care for a job. In order to live a happy life, you have to put yourself first (AKA – when they tell you on planes to put on your oxygen mask before putting on your child’s). This is not being selfish. It is giving you the tools and strength to be there for yourself and then thereby, for the loved ones in your life. I want the world to know that if you follow your heart and your dreams, you can create your best life, but only you can find the strength and determination to do so. I like to call myself a realistic dreamer. I dream BIG and turn most of my dreams into reality.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting San Diego, I’d plan a weeklong adventure that captures the essence of both the city and the stunning North County coastline. We’d kick off our trip with a sunset at one of the iconic cliffs locally —where we could watch the sky transform into a canvas of vibrant colors, feeling the cool ocean breeze on our skin as the sun dips below the horizon.

After soaking in the view, we’d head to Blue Ocean, one of my favorite spots for sushi, where we’d indulge in the freshest fish, sip on sake, and enjoy some of the best Japanese delicacies San Diego has to offer. The night would wind down back at my cozy home, where soft lighting and the warmth of good conversation would keep us chatting and laughing long into the night.

The next day, we’d rise early for a rejuvenating yoga session at Asteya or CorePower Yoga, sweating away the indulgences from the night before. Then, we’d head to The Fish Shop in Encinitas for a relaxed, but delicious lunch, perhaps enjoying a fish taco or a fresh ceviche. Afterward, we’d take a leisurely stroll through the Meditation Gardens, letting the serene atmosphere and vibrant flowers recharge our senses.

In the afternoon, we’d return to my place for a much-needed nap, catching up on rest before more adventures. Later, we’d venture to Blue Water Grill in Carlsbad for a laid-back dinner of more ocean-fresh seafood. To keep things low-key, we’d enjoy an early night so we’d be ready for our next day’s hike.

On the following morning, we’d hit the trails at Torrey Pines State Beach, where we could explore the coastal cliffs and enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific. The rest of the week would be filled with more explorations—beach days, food stops, and a mix of adventure and relaxation as we take in everything North County has to offer.

We’d wander through the artsy town of Leucadia, pop into the quaint shops of Carlsbad Village, and explore the picturesque beaches of Solana Beach and Encinitas. Along the way, we’d stop at local favorites like Pannikin Coffee & Tea for a coffee or fresh juice, and treat ourselves to an acai bowl or smoothie at one of the many health-conscious cafes dotting the area.

We’d also take time to cruise along the scenic Highway 101, stopping for photos at coastal overlooks or just to enjoy the moment. By the end of the week, my best friend would not only fall in love with San Diego, but also with the laid-back charm and natural beauty of North County. It would be a perfect mix of adventure, good food, and relaxation—a week filled with laughter, unforgettable views, and memories to last a lifetime.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to take a moment to thank my mentor and friend Jennifer Delliquadri who took a similar pathway in life. She started out as a teacher and moved to another state. There she built her online teen coaching business. I turned to her when I had a similar idea of starting a coaching business to pick her brain. She showered me with encouragement and support. She made me realize that I had all I needed to start this business with the many years of school counseling under my belt. I’d like to express my gratitude for her unwavering support. Thank you, Jennifer, for helping my dream come true. I am forever grateful.

Website: https://www.risecoachingservices.com

Instagram: @risecoachingservices

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Image Credits
Leigh Castelli Photography