Starting a Business Helped this Life Coach Understand Clients' Goals: Peekskill Business Profile

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. The plan behind this series at Patch is to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

This is as much about supporting local businesses as it is about celebrating the places and faces that make our community special. Click here to get to a simple form where local business owners can answer a few quick questions to be part of this ongoing feature.

Our spotlight today is on Kathleen Silloway.

Business: Silloway Coaching
Owners: Kathleen Silloway
Website: [under construction!]
Address: Peekskill, NY

How did you come up with the name?
I wanted a name that helped people to identify who was at the core of my practice--as well as what I do. So, since I’m a coach and my last name is Silloway, it made sense to put them together!

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?
I live in Peekskill, but my location is not key to delivery, as I can coach over the phone or by Skype, as well as in person.

Briefly, what business are you in?
Life Coaching -- using Positive Psychology tools to help people work toward their goals, through life transitions, and toward better health.

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?
My challenge was to commit to starting my practice. And once I started working with clients, I was able to understand the positive difference my coaching can make in people’s lives.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?
There are always the concerns about finances and building a clientele. But once I started and saw how much I could help people, I was hooked!

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?
It happens every time a client has an “aha” moment--when they uncover a solution within themselves and get excited about putting it into practice in their lives.

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?
In our conversations, I am always amazed by the creative ideas my clients come up with to deal with roadblocks or inspire themselves to move in a new direction. Whether it’s redrawing the “geography of the morning” or finding a way to let go of an old, destructive habit, I am constantly learning from them.

How do you deal with difficult customers?
If someone is resisting working on their goal, I help them refocus and maybe redefine what it is. In general, people come to me because they are motivated to work on a goal, so any difficulties that arise are part of the process of working together.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?
When a local organization that I support is having a silent auction, I am happy to donate my services.