Stephanie Hadjipateras has been a life coach for several years. Born and raised in Athens, she obtained her coaching qualifications in London, where she established her business in 2016 and has since helped many clients in achieving aims and objectives. Prior to life coaching, Stephanie was in the events industry and studied fashion; two experiences that she’s brought over into her life coaching in terms of the things she learned and observed. Her subsequent multiple surgeries, coupled with other health issues – some of which affect her everyday life today – led her into finding her passion in helping and guiding other people. She and her husband Christian are based in Athens. www.embrace-the-change.com

Can you tell our readers about your background?

I studied to become an event planner and designer, which I did for a few years. One day I decided to pack my bags and move to London to pursue my other passion, which was helping others in the form of life coaching. I became a qualified coach in 2016 while simultaneously taking an interest in hypnosis. 

What inspired you to start your business?

I guess I’ve always wanted to help others from a young age, but never really knew how and I had so many other things I wanted to do. One day I met a life Coach who changed my life and I believe that is what inspired to finally purse my passion and follow that path.

Where is your business based?

My business is based in Athens where I live with my husband and adorable dog. I work online with amazing people from all over the world. 

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

I wanted to learn everything I could about Life Coaching so I took a course to become a certified Life Coach and then did many hours of training. 

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

Social media has really helped and alongside the other benefits that the online world has to offer. What helped in the beginning was word of mouth, which for me is the best way. 

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

There are so many amazing coaches out there, so finding my niche and sharing my story was something that was hard in the beginning, but now feel very confident about what I offer.

How do you stay focused?

Staying focused can be difficult and there are harder days than others. I practice a lot of mindfulness through meditation and I also do puzzles and paint by numbers, which not only do I enjoy and find fun but also helps with concentration and staying focused. 

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

As I have mentioned before, there are so many talented Life Coaches out there with fantastic skills; coaches who focus on stress and chronic pain in their own way. I would have to say the thing that differentiates my business is that I will try to push you out of your comfort zone, but at the same time, be there for you and always try to make it fun 

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

I would have to say engaging with other, building relationships and trust.

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

Be patient. There are many tools and strategies out there to help you and support you..use them. Having said that even things don’t work for you as fast as it has for others, it doesn’t mean anything, your time will come, so don’t give up. 

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

I love hearing masterclass from the mindValley app, where you not only grow in your business but also as a person. 

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

I love doing videos because for me this is the best way people can understand who you are as a person and feel more connected to you. 

Who is your business role model? Why?

I would have to say Jane Austen, and not because I am a hopeless romantic and would love to have lived in that time, but because of what this talented woman managed to accomplish, despite the time she lived in and what people may have thought. A very strong, confident, inspiring woman.

How do you balance work and life?

Work/Life balance is very important to me, so I make sure to always have time for my family and not let work interfere. For example, no work after a certain time or during dinner, and I always make it a point to leave time for myself even if it is just for 15 minutes. 

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

One of things I love to do is to put on some relaxing music and do a puzzle or watch a movie

What do you have planned for the next six months?

Actually, we are moving from north to south Athens, which is exciting, so that is one big thing. Keep growing my business and spend time with loved ones.

How can our readers connect with you?

Please feel free to contact me through my website

www.embrace-the-change.com or through social media:

www.instagram.com/stephlifecoach/