Let’s start with the one-liner – what is your company? What do you sell?
Cailen Ascher: Business Coaching with Cailen Ascher. I’m a business coach for women entrepreneurs.
Tell us your origin story.
Cailen Ascher: Most of my clients find me because of my 3-day work week. They, too, want to have time for family, travel, and living outside of the building and running a successful business. I’ve been an entrepreneur since the age of 22 (12 years), and I’ve been a business coach for the last 5 years. When my daughter was born, I realized I didn’t want to miss any moments with her. That’s when I switched to a 3-day work week, and my business took off! Since then, I’ve reached over 10,000 women with my 3-day work week message!
Did you need a lot of capital to start your business? How did you finance your business in the beginning?
Cailen Ascher: No, I didn’t need a lot of capital. I run most of my business online. I love teaching women how to leverage the internet, social media, and free (or nearly free) technology to build their businesses.
Was this an area from which you had passion before you started the business, or did you see a need and move to serve it?
Cailen Ascher: I’ve always known I’d be an entrepreneur from the time I was 14 and started a catering company. Back then, I was making $30/hour working parties when my friends were making $8 working part-time jobs they hated. I spent most of my 20s trying to figure out what my passion was, and in my 30s I’ve come to realize that I love helping women pursue their dreams, make money doing work they love, and still have time for family and self-care.
How has the business evolved over time?
Cailen Ascher: I’ve had a number of businesses over the years. I started out in interior design and was the youngest designer in the Bucks County Designer Show House. I then moved into blogging, copywriting, and social media marketing while also getting certified as a yoga teacher. Finally, I saw that I could blend my passions together and now offer business coaching and programs for women that draw on all my years of diverse experiences.
As you’ve grown, you’ve undoubtedly had to delegate. How did you tackle that challenge?
Cailen Ascher: When I first started, I handled everything myself. After I became a mom, I realized that if I wanted to work just 3 days a week, I needed support on the business front. I now have 2 team members that support me and handle the work I don’t want to do or am not particularly good at so I can focus on the things I do best.
What is the most gratifying thing about what you do?
Cailen Ascher: The most gratifying thing about the work I do is seeing my clients experience wins and results. I love seeing moms not having to return to their corporate jobs after their babies arrive. I love seeing women get their first clients doing work they love. I love seeing them grow their businesses while cutting back their hours. Recently, one client landed a 6-figure book deal with her dream publisher!
Finish this sentence: ” I would not be standing here today if not for___”*
Cailen Ascher: My family’s support. Growing up my parents always told me I could be whatever I wanted to be, and now my husband is my biggest cheerleader.
What’s one piece of advice that you would give your 18-year-old self?
Cailen Ascher: Don’t be in such a rush! Enjoy the journey!
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