At the beginning of 2024, Rachael Collins left behind a corporate job in London to strike out on her own and try something different. Soon after, Collins and her partner relocated to Quito, Ecuador, and she launched Mera Consultancy from her laptop. “I want to be able to look back on my life and know I made the most of it!” she says. Presently, the U.K.-born digital nomad is helping her clients with their HR needs, working on her sales pitch and adjusting to life abroad.
Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.
How is your business different from others in your industry?
I am not a corporate consulting machine – I’m a friendly individual who loves what I do. I love working with people, and genuinely want my clients to succeed. I work to solve problems for customers, not create more so I can profit off of them.
Tell us about your biggest success so far.
I set up a graduate training program while I still had a busy day job to maintain. The program is now used by over 120 people, has reduced attrition, and has considerably improved well-being among its participants.
What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?
I am not a natural-born sales salesperson – actually, I find it difficult to sell my services. I have attended several online workshops to overcome this. I recently read “Open With a Close” by Matt Elwell, and am implementing some of his tactics into my everyday business conversations.
Have you experienced any significant personal situations that affected your business decisions?
Relocating to support a partner’s career aspirations is hard. Specifically, it’s hard to not feel second best, or feel like a failure for leaving behind a “steady” corporate role. But life is about adventure. I didn’t want to stay stuck at a 9-to-5 job in London forever – so this is how I do it!
What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs?
Don’t overshare – not everyone in your personal life will be your cheerleader. My confidence was knocked down really early in my entrepreneurial journey by friends who couldn’t understand why I wanted to do something different.
How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?
I use a journal to log everything I am grateful for each day. It can be easy to forget how many amazing things are happening in your life.
What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?
“Are You With Me” by Lost Frequencies.
Who is your most important role model?
Grace Beverly, founder of clothing line TALA. I am an avid follower of her podcast series.
Website: www.MeraConsultancy.com
Instagram: @Rachael_Collins
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