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Name: Lien Potgieter
Business: The Colour Option
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Industry: Personal Services
Reason for starting? When I finally found the courage to leave my abusive partner, I felt numb, worthless and traumatized. However, I knew I had to find a way to get up, move on and heal. I realized that I had to get to the heart of the matter — why did I attract someone like that in the first place? I began delving deep into my inner being, childhood wounds and beliefs about myself and life. And I realized that the only way never to go through such heartache and destruction again, I have to know myself, learn to speak up for myself, and trust my intuition. I realized that you cannot change people or rescue them, you can only do that for yourself. After embarking on my journey of self-discovery and meeting many women from different walks of life on the way, I realized they don’t know and value themselves. I firmly believe that to be happy and successful you have to always start with YOU. My online program Love in Full Color takes women on a 7-week journey to heal body, heart, mind and soul.
I want to inspire as many women across the globe to like or even love themselves! I want to help people to become conscious, to live in the moment and to live from the heart. I strongly believe that we have to raise a new generation of conscious children in order to make the world a better, more beautiful and more peaceful place. And I believe it starts with us — the women of the world.
Related: Read about another South African entrepreneur here.
How do you define success? First of all, success is knowing yourself, your triggers, your strengths, your weaknesses, your values, your growth and development areas, your inner world, and also when to let go. Secondly, success is always being willing to learn something new about yourself, the people around you, and your world, and to adjust your way of doing things or thinking if necessary. I also believe having good relationships with people is an element of success. And then living your passion, doing what you love, being creative and just being who you are. I feel that I have achieved my goal when I have inspired people to see, feel, think and believe differently for the benefit of their own health and well-being, and I can see they get it! That is just the most wonderful feeling in the world! And yes, when you have money in the bank and get paid for what you love doing then that is also success.
Biggest success: My biggest success to date is writing and creating my online course, Love in Full Color. I believe it is unique and beautiful. I love beauty, and want women to see the beauty in themselves and in their world. I have also counseled and coached almost 5,000 people in the corporate environment to have them realize that they are the co-creators of their lives. Another success is getting published in an international online spiritual magazine, and 100,000 views for an article on elephantjournal.com. I recently received a call to do color therapy with psychiatric patients at a step-down facility in Johannesburg. It is a huge milestone for this type of therapy.
I am also expecting my first baby at the age of 41! So, I believe that this will have a huge impact on how I use my time and my outlook on the world. I am already thinking of creating another course, Colorful Moms – to help moms get more conscious and aware. In my experience and observations, I have come across many ‘problem parents’ and not so much ‘problem children’.
What is your top challenge and how you have addressed it? My top challenge is to get the word out there! As a trained editor, I have used these skills to help me get published. I have also compiled an e-book containing a collection of my blogs on the healing power of color. I believe you should use your existing skills set to support and enhance your ‘new’ business or when you finally pursue your passion.
Related: 13 Start-up Survival Rules for Women Biz Owners
Who is your most important role model? I admire women with soulful businesses like Oprah Winfrey, Marie Forleo and Danielle LaPorte. I like strong women who have a gentle touch. I admire feminine women with an iron core! Women who are not afraid to speak their truth.
[box_light]Website http://www.
Twitter @chicrainbowchik
Facebook http://www.
Instagram @lienlienpot
Pinterest The Colour Option[/box_light]
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Edited by The Story Exchange