For this week’s DFD Feature, I’d like to introduce you all to one of the most interesting, charismatic and kind women I know: Marjolaine of Yoga With Bow!
Y’all know we like to showcase women of all different backgrounds, industries, ages, etc. and Marjolaine is a yogi, musician and life coach living in Germany! I originally met her via Instagram (as per usual) and had the pleasure of experiencing an hour long coaching call with her just a few weeks ago where we went over some of my business goals and dreams, and how to achieve them.
Her story is so unbelievably unique and beautiful, and once you start reading our interview, you’ll know exactly what I mean! I know you’ll fall in love with her just as much as I have, but just to give you an idea, Marjolaine went from having a background in theater to a traditional job in a call center, and now runs a successful business helping female entrepreneurs reach their full potential. She’s also hosting a 5 day retreat to reset your body & mind for a thriving business in SANTORINI this September (like hello, that is awesome) and she’s been generous enough to give 100 euros off to anyone who signs up using the code ‘Donuts’ at checkout – please go for me so I can live vicariously through you. Homegirl doesn’t have enough vacation days…
Anyway, let’s just hop into it!
Tell us a little bit about Yoga With Bow! When did you decided to become a life coach?
I actually became a life coach super organically. I always loved guiding and inspiring people and I initially did a bachelor in psychology in French-Canada where I am from. My plan changed along the way and I was headed towards a master in speech language pathology. But on my last year abroad, I realized how many possibilities I had and felt a huge rush to LIVE a fuller life.
Fast forward a few years later, I now live in Germany with my Greek boyfriend from my exchange year, launched an album on Spotify and am working on the second, built a super minimalist lifestyle and run a beautiful mindfulness resource for creative women entrepreneurs that inspires women to ignite their potential, spark their creativity and truly align their business with their purpose and gift. YWB is about being a creative woman and owning your unique story. Not defining yourself by what people see but creating yourself by tuning in to your flow and letting your vision unfold.
Can you briefly walk us through what a coaching session with you looks like?
Will you close your eyes for me? Arrive on your seat, star being aware of where you are at and how it feels. Bring slowly awareness to your breathing
I work with the flow. My sessions are a mix of incredibly insightful and practical moments on social media strategies, branding, message, money mindset and vision, but also welcoming moments of pure bliss and discovery with eyes closed and meditation. My clients tend to say that I am a lot of fun but also very strict, haha! I do like it when my clients are moving forward and seeing results, so I give homework. When I work with you, I believe 100% in your vision and I will do everything I can to provide you with resources and ideas to help you make it happen one sweet step at a time.
What inspired you to start working on your own business helping others reach their full potential?
Life has a way to lead the way. I always knew I was a creative soul, having a background in Theater, makeup and community services, I always stood out as the girl doing everything and having magical opportunities happen to me like if my life was a movie (but I also was always a very spontaneous person) – no wonder that what is now Yoga With Bow started as an overnight decision!
I had been working for few months in a call center and one week after getting a raise, I got laid off because of restructuring. It felt great! I had become a zombie and my creative energies were so low. Fortunately, a few days after, I got a first gig as a small non-speaking actress role for a commercial and made a very crazy move. I built Yoga With Bow on WordPress in a day on that weekend – the website was terrible and I had not much of a clue about what I was doing, but it tasted like liberty. I do believe my expertise is heavily due to that mixed uncommon path.
What are three personality traits you think are key to being a successful business owner?
Passionate, confident, vision-oriented
What’s your favorite part of coaching? Is there a specific type of concern you love helping people work through (ie. entrepreneurship, relationships, etc.)?
I love the face of my clients every time we unlock something or open a door. It’s like watching tiny miracles and being aware of the vast possibilities that can open every time you make a move or get a new insight is addicting. Mostly, seeing my clients write their vision and gain clarity to a point where they achieve massive milestones is exhilarating. With my background in theater, I also love doing role play to raise the confidence and make you own your story and be ready for the pitch of your life or explain what you do to someone over coffee.
What advice can you give to others looking to start pursuing their passions?
Make a decision. Decide that your vision is truly possible and honour that decision like it was the only one you would ever get to make. Breathe in like if it was already your reality and start building yourself first. It always starts from within. If you don’t believe in your project 100%, no one will. Show up for yourself.
How do you prioritize time for yourself when you’re super busy with your business? Do you have any de-stressing techniques or self-care routines you can share?
I think an easy way to go about that is to use morning and evenings for you. You have to learn to practice-single tasking for both when you are working and resting. If you can give yourself a real 10 minutes break a day when you consciously care for your body, shower, or practice sport or meditation without overlapping your business, you will redefine your idea of work & play.
What are you excited for in the second half of 2018 and beyond?
I can’t believe there is another 6 months to go because this year has already given me so many surprises and gifts!! I will be launching a second EP, taking on new coaching clients to work on amazing projects, and welcoming people for a RESET yoga retreat in Greece this September. Also, my podcast is officially starting and my online shop will start to have physical products!
Okay HOW incredible is Marjolaine, you guys?! I see a bit of myself in her, just because of all these different paths in life have actually directed her to right where she needs to be in order to make her dreams happen!
If you’d like to contact Marjolaine for a coaching session (which I highly recommend – I still think about mine every single day), feel free to reach out on her website, Yoga With Bow. You can also find her on Instagram here: @yogawithbowand listen to her Spotify album here. Don’t forget – if you’re a lover of yoga and are looking for a little getaway, she’s also hosting a 5 day retreat in freakin’ SANTORINI. Like hello, I would do that in two seconds if I had the vacation days!!!!
Thank you so much for stopping by and hope you have a beautiful day?
xo Jordan