Meet Top-Shelf #Newsworthy Founder Julia de’Caneva

Julia de’Caneva is a Business Organizer + Life Coach at Julia de’Caneva Coaching. She helps small business owners strategize, organize, and simplify.

1. Tell us a bit about who you are and what you do (give us your quick elevator pitch!)

I’m a Business Organizer + Life Coach helping small business owners strategize, organize, and simplify in order to find real work-life balance, beat burnout, and build a business they love. 

2. How did you come up with the idea for your business? We’d love to hear a bit about your Founder Story. 

As a former web designer turned professional home organizer turned coach, suffice to say I love to analyze and organize any and everything. But my overachieving work ethic got the best of me, leading me to major burnout in 2018, which ultimately led me to my cancer diagnosis in October of 2018. I realized how much time and energy I was spending on things that didn’t really matter to me, which is why I’m so passionate about helping small business owners create a life they love and a business that supports those goals. It’s so easy to get swept away in what we “should” be doing, instead of creating whatever we want to suit us.

3. What makes you different from other similar service providers out on the market? What’s your zone of genius?

It feels like there are 101 coaches out there these days, but what sets me apart is that I take a holistic approach: having a life coach who also understands the needs and demands of your business means I’m addressing both the big and small picture. 

My proprietary coaching framework is the S.M.I.L.E. Method, which incorporates strengths, mindfulness, Intentionalism (internal decluttering), life purpose, and energy, all born of my experiences as a home organizer and cancer survivor. My S.M.I.L.E. Method, before it had a name, is how I 180° overhauled my life post-cancer, so I know how effective it is. 

Achieving real work-life balance requires you to address prioritization in both work and life; getting organized in your business means you can have more time for yourself and what matters to you. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but that’s what makes the coaching process so magical: we co-create exactly what suits you and your life.

4. If you had to pick, what is one organic marketing or PR tactic/win that has been incredibly helpful in growing your business?

Being on podcasts has not only been a great way for me to expand my reach but also gives me a chance to reflect on my message each time I’m interviewed. With every conversation, I get more clear on what resonates for others and how to reach my ideal clients. Being on podcasts has allowed me to spread the word about subjects I care deeply about and reach people I never would have another way. So much of my business is word-of-mouth, so the more people I can be in a relationship with, the better. Podcasts are a great way for people to get to know me.

5. When you’re not busy working in or on your business, we can find you…

Reading, taking long walks in the sunshine, learning a new language, meditating, playing softball, and following my curiosity wherever it takes me.

6. Entrepreneurship is a rollercoaster. What helps you dig out of the lows? Any tips, resources or reminders?

Taking time away from screens is a game-changer. When I’m feeling overwhelmed or aimless, my instinct is to dig in and work harder – carryover conditioning from my overworking days (and let’s face it, school) – so when I notice this “buckling down” I have to take intentional action away from it. For instance, I will instead step away and take a shower, clear my calendar for the day (or week!) as much as possible, take a long walk, ride a bike, do some yoga, or just generally move my body, I come back feeling refreshed. 

My schedule is such that I am well supported, no longer on the fast-track to burnout, but having space to simply be (rather than do) allows me to get out of the hustle-mode that comes with overwhelm. I’m also a verbal processor, so I ask my husband or friends to hold space for me, or even book an extra session with my therapist and/or business coach to talk through what’s getting me stuck. Even if you are capable of doing everything on your own, it doesn’t mean you should!

7. What’s something you can’t learn about you on google (well, until this article that is)?

I like to wear big noise-canceling headphones around during the day. Oftentimes I’m listening to spa music – 10/10 recommend it!

8. Your dream headline would read (BONUS points for including the outlet)…

This home organizer turned coach wants you to find real work-life balance using her S.M.I.L.E. Method | Well + Good

S.M.I.L.E.: The 5-Part Method to Help You Find Real Work-Life Balance | Forbes

9. THEPRBAR strongly believes in celebrating all of life’s wins, no matter how small – how do you like to celebrate?

I like to congratulate myself and then take one deep breath. My curiosity is always pulling me along to the next thing, so taking a breath helps me slow down and stay with it. If there’s something extra special, I’ll make an effort to go to the beach at sunset and savor all of the beautiful colors. Although I like to do that regularly, making it celebratory makes it feel like the perfect reminder to be excited about being alive!

10. Now we have to wrap things up with a true THEPRBAR question, what’s your favorite beverage?

A nice, hot mug of tulsi turmeric ginger tea is where it’s at.

11. Where can everyone go to connect with you and learn more about your coaching company?

Head to julia.coach and make sure you’re on my newsletter for weekly Mindfulness + Intentional Living Tips of the Week and updates about workshops and events.

 

Social Handles: Follow Julia on Instagram and  LinkedIn

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