"Build your business around what you are passionate about" with Cassie Fuller

Cassie Fuller is a non-monogamous relationship coach, expert, and educator. She is the co-founder of Touch of Flavor, a coaching company that helps those in ethically non-monogamous relationships reconnect with their partners, navigate conflict, and overcome jealousy and resentment so they can fall back in love. She is also the co-host of a podcast of the same name. 

Can you tell our readers about your background?

In 2008 I was invited to teach at a local event. I’ve always loved teaching (I was well on my way to a degree in elementary education at the time). I loved teaching on intimacy and relationship topics and I jumped in feet first. Before long I was teaching regularly. I found it so fulfilling that I founded TTB Ventures in 2009 to provide awesome education to polyamorous kinky folks. Since then, there have been various iterations of my business. But years ago, I shifted to follow my passion of relationship transformation through coaching.

Through the years, I’ve been featured in publications such as The Huffington Post, The Atlantic, Ozy, Men’s and Women’s Health, and many others. It’s been an amazing journey.

What inspired you to start your business?

I’ve been polyamorous for most of my life. I realized I was non-monogamous when I was sixteen. I tried monogamy a few times but eventually realized that being polyamorous was a part of who I was. And although it was part of who I was, I had no idea how to make these types of unique relationships work. Which had me stumbling through my relationships. 

This inspired me to become obsessed with learning everything I could about relationships. What I found was there isn’t the same kind of model for how to build ethical and healthy non-monogamous relationships, as there is for monogamous relationships.

So I made it my mission to equip those building relationships outside the box with the tools they need to thrive. I get to spend every day coaching amazing groups of polyamorous folks on how to build extraordinary relationships, and I couldn’t be happier.

Where is your business based?

Our business is based out of Baltimore, Maryland, but our services are remote and we serve clients across the US and internationally.

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

This is a hard question to answer because the first steps were not of my own accord. I started having folks ask me to teach and to personally coach them through their relationship obstacles. I didn’t start out thinking “this is going to be my business.” 

After coaching a few folks I realized that this was a need and no one was filling it. So I made the decision that I was going to provide the best resource for creating thriving non-monogamous relationships. So I suppose the first step was that decision. Everything else followed.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

Honestly, it’s been the stories of our successful clients. When others hear about their positive transformation, they want to know more.

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge has been the misconception of what I do. A lot of folks hear multiple partners and assume that what I do is help people get laid. And that's not the case, what I do is help people with their relationships. My clients have more romantic partners than your typical coaching client. Nonetheless, the focus is on making those relationships happy, healthy, and thriving. Because of that misconception, it’s created difficulties in a few business aspects such as advertising and collaboration.

The way that we overcame the challenge was by always showing up with patience and professionalism. You can accomplish so much if you are willing to take the time to educate those who don't understand. 

How do you stay focused?

My big thing is allotting myself a certain time to get things done. By being “on the clock” it gives me the push to stay on task. I also stay off social media, put away my phone, and remove outside distractions. 

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

We differentiate ourselves because we provide structure and a plan with practical relationship coaching that gets our clients results. We take clients from the verge of breakups and divorce to connecting and being back in love in as little as 10 weeks. That is what sets us apart. We stand out because no one else in our niche can achieve those kinds of results. 

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

I travel a lot to speak at conferences, I have a podcast and we have a presence on Facebook. 

What’s your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

Build your business around what you are passionate about. If you don’t you will always feel like you are doing a job. But if you dive into what you’re passionate about you will feel aligned with your purpose. And that will make you show up more for your clients and strive to make a deeper impact. 

What’s your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

My favorite app right now is Streaks. It automatically records certain goals for me and helps me keep on track. It has been helpful for personal and business goal tracking. 

I spend a lot of my time reading self-improvement books. Currently, I am enjoying the book “The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*ck” by Mark Manson. But I do love reading fiction as a treat and the Hannibal series is my favorite. 

What’s your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

I just got myself an iPad and it has been incredibly helpful for jotting down notes and keeping them organized. Also, Basecamp has been great for business communication and project management. 

Who is your business role model? Why?

I don't have one specific person. I consider every person who has touched my life a business role model. I have something to learn from everyone. It might be what I want to do, or it might be what I want to stay away from. Either way, there is a lesson to be learned. 

How do you balance work and life?

To be honest, I wish I balanced it better than I do. Being an entrepreneur and running a business always has had it’s balancing challenges. But since COVIDt’s been even harder with having a teenager and an infant in the house. The big thing for me is having good work and business boundaries. I know when I am wearing my entrepreneur hat, my mother hat, or my partner hat. When I am working with a client they have 100% of my attention. When I am being a partner and parent I give 100% of my attention to my family. I like being able to demonstrate to my clients the value of good boundaries and prioritizing your relationships. 

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

I love spending time hiking and climbing with my partners and kids. There is nothing better for decompressing than getting out in the wilderness. I always come back to my work week feeling refreshed and hyped. 

What do you have planned for the next six months?

I have a new program I am launching for my graduates. But most of all I am excited to be able to help more people as my business continues to grow. 

How can our readers connect with you?

You can find me by going to my website atouchofflavor.com. Or by checking out my podcast on ITUNES, GOOGLE  or SPOTIFY