Lansing Mom’s Local Love Series highlights local women and the businesses they have built. Supporting Small Businesses is so important to us at Lansing Mom. Today’s Local Love Spotlight belongs to Rachel Seidel, owner of Board and Brush Lansing and her own Coaching and Consulting Business.
Three Facts About Rachel:
- I have a technical side and a creative side.
- I spent time working and living in Wisconsin so I think of it as home away from home.
- I’m a Spartan. I grew up in the Lansing area and it’s the only college I applied to.
How did you come up with the idea of your business for Board and Brush and Coaching and Consulting, and how did you start?
My coaching business is both personal development and coaching and operational excellence. This transpired over at least a year’s worth of time, if not more. I was writing, reflecting, and looking to understand how I could use my experiences, my skills, my passions that stemmed from my technical professional career. Using all of this along with the areas I knew I found the most joy in order to help people. I knew I could relate to people who may be in situations I once was in, or those who just need a process or a plan, to get moving in the direction they want to go.
Aside from my industry career, opening a creative studio business in 2021 gave me my first look at being an entrepreneur. I knew I wanted to dive into my passion for events and creative projects and this has given me first hand experience at running my own business, being my own boss.
Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were first starting out as an Entrepreneur in Coaching and Consulting?
I do not think I could have done much differently. I think there were people, situations, and feelings I encountered that led me to where I am now. Looking back, I may not have recognized where I was going or where I could make an impact. Each day I think of what I can do as I consider my priorities and the impact I could have for the future for myself, for my family, and for those I encounter.
What is the best business advice you’ve ever been given?
- Failures build strength and resilience, use them for growth.
- Done is better than perfect.
- Your real magic will come from living in the passion.
Have you faced adversity in business due to being a woman? How did you navigate that?
Absolutely. Especially in my 20’s and early 30’s. Much of my professional career, starting very young, was in a male dominated manufacturing environment. I heard how I should dress, how I should not fall into practical jokes, and was the subject of much unappreciated humor. While I held my composure most of the time, all of these situations taught me something that I could carry forward to my future as I developed into leadership roles and then in starting my own businesses.
How do you persevere in challenging times?
I look for one thing, even what seems minor, that I can do to make it better. Personally I pray. I recognize that obstacles do not have to define me and they can only defeat me if I choose to let that happen. I believe that failure, although uncomfortable, builds resilience. If I take action and it does not result in the way that I had anticipated or hoped for, I know that I can use this insight for when I try again. I lean on my support network and team as I/we work through it.
What impact do you want your coaching and consulting business to have?
I want to help women, individuals, and organizations make forward progress. My goal is to be the person that gives you the process or confidence to break down those fears or barriers (sometimes just from habits) that stop us dead in our tracks or leave us feeling like we missed the mark. I want to use my experience, my learnings from failures and successes to help others gain momentum and know where to go when it comes to their personal, professional, or business development.
What are the pros and cons of being a woman business owner?
Pro- As women we get to showcase our unique abilities and skills and these are needed not just for women but for the growth and prospering of families and our communities. You get to be your own boss!
Con- Falling into a perfectionist mentality. Being in charge of everything for your business. While there are many resources for women owned businesses I do think we may be more inclined at times to want to figure it all out on our own and sometimes it’s not easy to pause and know where to go for help, especially if you are one of few of your close contacts to be an entrepreneur. To help with this I would say make time to join small business organizations and groups and when you meet another business owner you connect with personally, link up with them and support each other!
What knowledge would you share with someone who wants to become an entrepreneur?
It’s definitely hard work but it also is very rewarding when you can step into the space where your passion lies. Give yourself grace and time. Things will not be easy or perfect. The process is just as important as the result. I would seek support when you are starting from other entrepreneurs – those in different stages of development of their business. Surround yourself with people that support you and that build you up and let people help you in areas where you need support when they offer. Don’t worry about the advice from those who do not really believe in you or your business! Make time to reflect on your progress and to support yourself personally in the process.
What do you do for personal and professional development?
I read, I listen to podcasts, and I reflect on my experiences and lessons learned from failures. My job is largely that and sometimes it’s hardest to take your own advice for yourself personally. I push myself to take my own advice!
What mantra or quote do you live by?
My purpose statement that I crafted to guide myself, “To faithfully and fearlessly embrace life, creative projects, and to inspire others in pursuit of growth and solutions.”
In business you will often hear me asking, “What does success look like? What is the problem we are trying to solve?”
What’s your favorite place in the Lansing Area?
I wish I had had just one favorite place. Treating myself to shopping especially at Polka Dots in Old town. For a tasty treat I love Phillips Cider Bar and their lavender lemon cookies! My stops on the Delta twp. side closer to my home I love Horrocks and Blend Superfood Cafe.
Where can our readers find you on social media?
Instagram | @Seidelrach where I share my coaching and business thoughts as well as some of just me doing life!
My creative business | Lansing Board and Brush. On both Facebook and Instagram. You will see me personally in live videos and what I am up to related to where I have merged owning a business related to my passion for creative projects and events!
