Entrepreneur Rachel Kove On Overcoming Business Challenges

Photo Credit: Nate Taylor

Rachel Kove is the CEO and co-founder of Transformational Solutions — a Los Angeles-based, trauma-informed life coaching company that helps provide people with sustainable solutions to self-destructive habits and to ultimately find their true purpose. Rachel is also the co-author of “The Mountain Method,” an actionable workbook that helps readers identify true goals, set new ones, and become situated in a position where they are self-accountable and proud of their progress and aspirations. For over a decade, Rachel has worked in the field of mental health, substance abuse, and personal development. She holds a firm belief that disconnection, trauma, and pain are at the root of all addictions and that finding consciousness is the key to starting over.

Can you tell our readers about your background?

When I was sixteen years old I was introduced to the world of transformation by entering a residential treatment center for alcohol abuse. I was driven to overcome my emotional pain, find a sense of inner peace, and belonging. With an open mind and dedication to healing in many modalities, I learned how to overcome various self-destructive behaviors that were harmful to my life. When I was in my twenties, I became passionate about helping people overcome their addictions and mental health struggles, so I got a job working at a sober-living. From there, I began my twelve-year career working in the field of mental health, personal development, substance abuse, and compulsive behaviors. I am a trauma informed life coach, author, and a multi-passionate entrepreneur. I would be nowhere in this company without my business partner Seth Hall, with whom I created this company four years ago. He is a brilliant entrepreneur and business developer.

What inspired you to start your business?  

After working with thousands of individuals in the last twelve years, what I have seen is that trauma is underneath all compulsive behaviors and addictions. Addictive behaviors become the escape from emotional pain. As Dr. Gabor says, "It's not why the addiction, it's why the pain?" Helping people overcome their pain and live purpose-driven, fulfilled and happy lives is what inspired me and Seth to start Transformational Solutions. 

Where is your business based?

Transformational Solutions is based in Los Angeles, but we also meet with people via zoom all around the country.  

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

We started the business with an idea. We didn't question the idea or judge the idea. We just went with it. People often have brilliant ideas and don't follow through with them because they listen to the fears. They fear taking the risk and start thinking about all of the reasons the idea can't happen. We did the opposite. We focused on all of the ways this business would work. The year Seth and I started this business, I was pregnant with very little money in the bank. My son motivated me to keep working towards my goal no matter what. Seth saved money from his full-time job and got the LLC. From there, we have created wonderful success. 

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

Building connections with people. Treating people like humans rather than business associates. We have done barely any marketing for our business. Every client has been through referrals and I believe that's because we really care about people. Anytime we meet someone, we connect with them on a human level. I think people remember that. They see our passion. They see our love for helping people, and I believe that is what has made us successful.  

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

The biggest challenge we experienced was in the beginning when we didn't get any clients or business for six months. We had to practice faith and trust in the Universe. We were scared, but kept putting in the work and held the faith. In that time, we focused on what we could control rather than what we couldn't. We began writing a workbook, "The Mountain Method," which is now published through Amazon. We put one foot in front of the other and just kept creating, knowing that within time, the dream would actualize... And it did. We learned as much as we could. And we keep learning!

How do you stay focused? 

When I was nineteen, I watched my step-dad die from cancer. He said to me, "Rachel, I don't want to die, I have so much left I want to do." That always stuck with me. Time is not guaranteed to any of us. I stay focused by remembering that, at any moment, this could end. I know that sounds dark, but it's just the truth of life. Having this mentality keeps me very focused and grounded in the present moment. I stay focused by having massive amounts of self-care.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

I have always been very uncomfortable with the idea of competition with business as I genuinely believe the Universe is abundant and there is plenty for everyone. I think we need to start empowering each other rather than needing to be the best at everything. If my business is not the right fit for you, there is definitely something else out there that can help you. I want people to have the help they need, wherever that is. Everyone is unique in their own way. What makes people successful is accessing their uniqueness and creating from that place.  

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

Similar to what I said above, making connections with people has been the most effective marketing strategy. You never know what will happen with just one connection. You never know where that one connection can lead you. Most of our clients come from people we met for coffee or lunch through someone else. But they saw how genuine, passionate, and dedicated we were to helping people. So, they started referring clients to us.  

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

Give yourself permission to do whatever your heart desires. Do your own personal emotional work to overcome the traumas and limiting beliefs that will try and keep you comfortable and in the familiar. You cannot grow by staying comfortable. One of my greatest mentors, Misty McAfee, said to me, "Rachel, get comfortable being uncomfortable."

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

My favorite app is Instagram. I love the positive things that can come from it. I love connecting with people there, seeing motivation, inspiring, and the funny videos. I love following people I look up to and try to emulate. My favorite book is "Untamed" by Glennon Doyle. I have never read a book that so directly spoke to my soul. That book gave me the courage to live bravely and authentically in my truth. It helped me tap into all the wildness of who I am as a woman and accept myself. It helped untame the parts of myself I kept hidden out of fear. I will forever be grateful for that book.

Who is your business role model? Why?

I have many business role models that I look up to. I love women who are multi-passionate and work on many different things at once. I love women that show me how to pursue all of my dreams, not just one of them. I love men and women that inspire me to be fully self-expressed in all my passions. I love Lori Harder, Reese Witherspoon, Glennon Doyle, and obviously Oprah. My Father is also another role model for me. He taught me how to work hard and to never give up on your dreams. He came to Hollywood 50 years ago with a dream to be an actor. He is now one of the leads on one of the biggest shows in the world, "Cobra Kai." That's pretty inspiring to me.

How do you balance work and life?

I am nothing without taking care of myself. My mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health is my number one priority. I meditate all the time. I journal daily. I am constantly seeking to improve and learn ways to effectively live. I don't waste time on bullshit. I am a divorced mom to a toddler, so I value my "ME" time more than anything else.  

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

Bing watching a show on Netflix. 

What do you have planned for the next six months?

I am continuously working on how to grow and develop Transformational Solutions. Our workbook, "The Mountain Method," is going to be created into a coaching program. I have so many things I'm working on! I love creating and channeling all of my energy into projects. I am finishing my memoir on healing and overcoming trauma. I have a podcast coming out called "WTF Is This Human Experience?" with my friend Shane Coyle. I am really excited for people to start listening to that!  

How can our readers connect with you? 

People can connect with me on Instagram @rachelkove.