For years Claire Darr was searching for a purposeful path, but it wasn’t until she experienced a health scare that pieces clicked into place and she realized what it was. Today Darr is a transformational coach, working to help women awaken to what is possible in their lives and to live their lives to the fullest. The Dallas, Texas-based entrepreneur takes pride in helping to empower women to thrive in all the many facets of life; from health and wellbeing to mindset and finances.
Darr’s story, as told to The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project:
What was your reason for starting your business?
I’ve been on a quest my entire life to find my purpose. I always knew it involved helping people but until very recently I was lost and could not pinpoint the how of it all. A terrifying health diagnosis led me to to get laser focused on what that purpose was and I become fixated on living my one life, the only life I have to the fullest. Through self-discovery and investing in myself I was awakened to my full potential, to living my one life in bliss and I was inspired to awaken and empower other women and girls to do the same.
How do you define success?
To feel good within. To have a strong sense of self and purpose and to know every night when you lay your head on the pillow and every morning when you wake up that you are here for a reason. To be the very best version of you there is and to touch a life for the better that day. Every morning when I wake up I ask, “who am I here to help today?” My goal is to know that every night before I go to bed that at least one person’s life is better for having known me. That to me is true success.
Tell us about your biggest success to date
I have begun a mission to help people change their lives for the better and since the pandemic began I have helped hundreds of people do just that. They’ve discovered their health, strengthened relationships, done better in jobs and careers and are well on their way to thriving in their one life. My goal is for the hundreds to become thousands and then millions.
What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?
Sales and marketing has been my top challenge to date. It overwhelms me. It’s not my strength and I shy away from it. I tried to do it myself over and over and the short answer is I just didn’t do it. I have great passion and ideas and fortitude but I hit a roadblock every time. I took a leap and invested in my business and myself by hiring an expert and it has been the best decision I could have ever made. I’m seeing the fruits of that investment already and I know that to reach the millions that I want to reach that I have got to go big or go home!
Have you experienced any significant personal situations that have affected your business decisions?
I am a mom, I almost said a busy working mom but it’s enough to say I am a mom. Every mom on the planet knows that whenever you set out to do something for you, you will be faced with a challenge. Being a mom is very rewarding but also draining and most women whether they are mothers or not tend to put others first. I’ve learned and I’m still learning that if I am to help others and truly be the best version of me then I have got to put myself first. That is a challenge. Putting everyone else first has impacted me in so many areas, my health physically and mentally, my relationships, my finances. I’ve cared what other nameless faceless people think about me and it stopped me really discovering my purpose. Not any more! I’m ready to shout it from the rooftops!
What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs?
Discover your super power and do more of it! Ask for help and enlist experts, oh and trust your instinct! You can’t possibly do it all and be good at it. When you can, enlist others who are good at the things you aren’t good at to help you.
How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?
First and foremost I am kind to myself. I treat me the way I would treat a friend or loved one. With compassion and love. Sometimes I have to be tough and sometimes I have to give myself a pass. And then when I am ready, I think in a very positive way; this is my day, this is my life and I was put on this earth to do more than just exist. I was put here to thrive and I can’t let too many minutes pass without taking advantage of this gift.
Who is your most important role model?
It’s so very hard to pick just one because I am surrounded by so many inspirational women (and men). This may sound odd but in a weird way, I am my most important role model. I know that doesn’t quite make sense but I am a role model to my two young daughters and to the many women and girls I interact with and so every day when I look in the mirror I strive to be more of that person and deliver on that awesome commitment of being a mom, a wife, a daughter, a friend, and a mentor.
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