#Girlcrush - Carissa Johnsen
Hey Carissa! Tell us about your business!
I am a business coach, psychology expert, and speaker located in Orange County, California! I help online coaches earn more money online through mindset work, business strategy and rock solid spirituality. I have been a coach in the corporate world for over four years AHHH, but launched my business less than 8 months ago.
What inspired you to start your business?
Growing up I was raised by a single mom and had NO idea how to deal with my emotions. I got into drugs, partying and was even dating a drug dealer--headed down a deep and dark direction. As I got older I continued to struggle while I watched my friends either get pregnant, drop out of high school or die-- I realized I needed to make a change.
With very little desire to get an education and no money for college, I didn’t anticipate going to school until a teacher of mine sat me down and called my out on my bullshit, forced me to apply and merely shared his belief in me. When I got in, to my surprise, I decided in that moment I would spend my life trying to understand people and their behavior, so I went off to get my Master’s Degree in Clinical psychology--talk about a total transformation!
Combine that with my early teenage years with dating a drug dealer, learning about supply, demand and the lavish life, I realized that not only did I have a knack of understanding human psychology, but also a drive to start a business, make money and help other women do the same. Mental and financial freedom at its finest!
Is this your full time job?
Yes!! I launched my business and quit my job in the same month--July 2018!
How do you structure your days?
I wake up, journal/practice gratitude, go to the gym and listen to a podcast. I get ready for the day and then dive right into my team and client support.
Each day looks a little different because they are based on themes. I spend Mondays creating content and engaging with my audience, I take coaching calls on Tuesday and Thursday, Wednesdays are dedicated to my own personal development and team, and I take Fridays off!
One key thing that has been super helpful in my business is that I don’t check social media or emails for, at least, the first and last hour of my day... definitely a challenge at first.
Where and how do you work best?
I work best when I change my environment from time to time. If I continue to work in the same space, I get bored and uninspired. I also work best when I delegate tasks to my assistant and work on my business instead of in my business-- this way I can focus on what I do best and what is most important in moving my business forward.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you want our readers to know about?
I am getting ready to start promoting my Mastermind and your audience can find more information about that on any of my social medias or website!
Where is your business based?
I just moved to Orange County, California a couple of months ago from cold ass Chicago, but my business is based online!
What were the first few steps you took to your business up and running?
The first step I took was to get over all of my excuses on why I thought I couldn’t. The second was I hired someone who had the success I wanted and had them coach me through it. The third thing I did was never stopped trying--that is the ONLY failure.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and attracting new customers?
Attracting new clients isn’t difficult when you provide a hell of a lot of value. I always put out new content, freebies and support people who aren’t even paying me. Show people you can help them by helping them is my motto.
The best way to raise awareness is networking. Being in the online space a lot of people undervalue the NEED for networking and connecting with others in person. Also, leverage other people's’ audiences and cross promote other businesses that are aligned with you. Give what you want to receive, always!
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Allowing other people to help me. I am an independent woman and I used to feel like I “had” to do things on my own and be in control. So taking a step back, delegating tasks, focusing on my zone of genius and allowing people to support me has not been easy!
How did you overcome these challenges?
I spent a lot of time figuring out what I was looking for--in my coaches, mentors and team members. I made sure it was a good fit, trusted my gut and committed all the way!!! I know mistakes will happen and that no one is perfect, so I breath and just take it one day at a time.
How do you keep motivated through tough times?
I have an incredibly strong reason for WHY I am doing what I am doing. Growing up without money, not being able to afford things, dealing with mental health issues and watching people around me suffer is something I will never experience again. I want to be able to support my family, feel free from financial worry and leave a legacy. If you have a rock solid why… you don’t lose motivation you just are focusing on the wrong stuff.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I have a very unique and powerful story and I make sure to share it. I also don’t see other people as competition because I am in my own lane and the more I look at others, the more it is a distraction for me. I stand out because I am authentic, so what you see online is what you get in real life!
What is the best advice you have received recently?
What you cannot hide, promote. If you have a flaw, shortcoming, troubled past or difficulty share it. People want to see you are human and that you are relatable--especially in the coaching world.
What do you wish you had known when you started your business?
I, of course, knew this, but I wish I would have trusted on deeper level that fear is truly an invitation for growth. I always tried to work through it instead of FEELING it and doing it anyway. I truly don’t believe that people are fearless--it is in our biology to have this instinct. I think we just develop courage over time from taking risks.
Who are your biggest influencers? Who do you admire most? Who or what inspired you to do what you’re doing now?
I really look up to Tony Robbins, not only for what he overcame in his life, but also for the empire he built and the contribution he makes in the world with his foundations and gifts. I would also have to say how much I am inspired by my business coach Jamie King--The Slay Coach. She runs multiple businesses with kids, is authentic AF and really challenges the status quo, which is why I think she is blowing up in the industry very quickly.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Be willing to do a lot very uncomfortable shit. Be willing to have things not work out, dust yourself off and try again-- Aaliyah made it a song for a reason!!! Aso, trust your intuition, not just what people tell you to do and take yourself seriously AF, from the beginning.
What business tools/ resources could you not work without?
Kajabi is my baby and literally does and is everything. I also love Dubsado and Asana!
What surprising lessons have you learned along the way?
I learned that the better I take care of myself, the more my business flourishes. Working yourself into the ground is not a long term sustainable business plan.
Where would your business to be 5 years from now?
I will be a 7 figure business owner of the Sassy Savage Brand. I will have a team of over 10 people helping me run this company. There will be multiple streams of income from private coaching, on-demand courses, affiliate marketing, a clothing line and events. I will be an author, have a top podcast and will be speaking at live events all over the country.
Where can we find you?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.sassy.savage/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carissamjohnsen
Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheSavageSociety1/
Website: www.CarissaJohnsen.com
Email: Carissa@Carissajohnsen.com