Client Success: Ina's Strengths-Based Journey Through a Crossroads

Personal and professional growth often occur together, as was the case for Ina Vigilato.

An accomplished tattoo artist, Ina dedicated years to honing her craft and building her tattooing business. In recent years, she has also devoted more time to practicing yoga, nurturing her holistic wellness, and investing in her passion for teaching.

This journey led her to consider a new professional direction—teaching yoga. However, this path required a set of skills different from those she utilized to succeed as a tattoo artist.

Ina's story underscores the importance of expert guidance through significant changes, whether it's entering a new field or aligning one's job with an evolving sense of self.

A Crossroads Between Wellness + Career

As Ina devoted more time to her yoga practice, she experienced the benefits of increased strength and a deeper appreciation for wellness practices, such as healthy eating and nurturing relationships—essential for her longevity and happiness. She recognized that the solitary hours spent running her business and tattooing were impacting her physical and social well-being negatively. She yearned for work that both aligned with and nurtured her holistic well-being, which her current circumstances were not providing.

So, she invested in her yoga teaching skills—having completed a 200-hour teacher training, committed to a regular practice for years, and adapted her lifestyle to a much healthier one—and started teaching, initially offering classes to friends online for free.

However, as she prepared to take the next step towards launching a paid online yoga platform, she hesitated. Was this the right move? Was she ready to make this transition? This lack of clarity and moment of hesitation prompted her to seek guidance on how to proceed in the right direction.

Discovering the Need for Coaching

Ina had completed her 200-hour teacher training with Kelly and had closely followed her journey from yoga teacher trainer to business owner and coach. A pivotal moment came when Ina, at a crossroads, saw a post on Kelly’s Instagram that read, “You don't need another training; you need a coach.”

Sensing serendipity, this insight deeply resonated with Ina. She viewed Kelly not just as a coach but as a consistent guiding light through her previous moments of uncertainty. Ina reflects,

"I specifically wanted Kelly as my coach. Why? When she shows up, she means business. She is there to teach, strong with just enough softness. I'm drawn to people who advocate for growth and change, supporting learning and discovery about oneself! I respect her as a leader passionate about teaching. Now she was coaching? I get one-on-one time with her? Yes, please!”

Insights, Breakthroughs, and Transformation

Aiming to navigate her crossroads confidently, Ina's coaching sessions with Kelly delved into holistic wellness, strength-based development, self-efficacy, and confidence building.

Utilizing the CliftonStrengths assessment, Ina and Kelly worked together to understand her dominant talents. They unpacked how these talents had fueled her success in creating and maintaining her tattooing business, explored how they could empower her in teaching yoga if applied differently, and practiced using strengths in new ways to build skill and advance her yoga teaching. This process shifted Ina's perspective from thinking, "I don’t know enough, have any experience, nor the right skills," to realizing, "I already possess the talents, experience, knowledge, and skills to succeed in this new venture.”

Embracing Strengths to Overcome Self-Doubt

Ina's coaching journey led to significant revelations, including recognizing the impact her strengths had on both her relationships and professional life.

A critical breakthrough came when she realized she possessed the strength, experience, knowledge, and skill necessary to succeed in teaching yoga—it was self-doubt that halted her just as she was primed to invest in this new direction. She shares,

“I realized I was judging myself too harshly in my yoga teaching, assuming my students would think the worst because that's what I thought of myself. That moment was a profound realization—my self-doubt and judgment were the real obstacles in my path.”

A New Perspective

Through strengths-based development, Ina's perspective on herself and her ability to succeed in this new venture changed. The coaching equipped her to navigate her path with clear awareness and the ability to articulate her strengths, skills, and experience—instilling confidence in both herself and her students.

The barriers that once restrained her have been removed, making her ready to face the future with openness and curiosity. She shares,

“I am different now in every conversation I have with anyone. It began with how I spoke to and appreciated myself, reflecting on how I engage with others. These aspects are now balanced. The deeper we understand and accept ourselves, the more we can extend that understanding and acceptance to those around us. The work is always internal first. I've also conquered my irrational fear of teaching in a studio... Now, I hold a powerful key to discovery about my teaching experience and am ready for whatever teaching path lies ahead, with the perfect coach to support me."

The Power of Coaching

Ina's journey underscores the profound impact that coaching can have on an individual's mindset and life path. Coaching can be an incredibly beneficial ally at personal or professional crossroads, where the individual needs to make decisions for themselves but requires assistance in sorting through their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to gain clarity.

Ina's narrative isn't just about a career change; it's a story of personal transformation. It addresses the challenge we all face when we've grown beyond our own limitations and find ourselves facing new opportunities.

Ina concludes with a strong endorsement of coaching as an investment in one's own growth,

“Invest in yourself. It's worth it. You're worth it. This work is applicable to anyone, at any stage of life. I highly recommend it—with Kelly. She's solid, full of integrity, punctual, clear, and organized. Beyond her professional qualities, she's down to earth, fun, funny, relatable, and keeps it real—a rare combination. With Kelly, you feel at ease, both with her and within yourself... Leading Light coach is my beacon of choice. I'm excited for you to discover your strengths and experience your transformation!”

Ready to take the first step towards your transformation? Schedule a free 30-minute call to explore how coaching can benefit you. Whether you're contemplating a career change, looking to enhance your personal growth, or simply curious about what coaching can offer, this call is your opportunity to learn more and see if coaching is the right path for you.

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