Tara McCausland, Life Coach will be speaking Jan 23rd at the Provo, Utah Startup Princess lunch, please join us! Michelle McCullough Startup Princess Business Development Manager writes the following about Tara:
I love it when fabulous people from my past resurface and enter my life again. I met Tara eight years ago when she had been elected Girls State Governor for the State of Utah. If you don’t know what Girls
Name: Tara McCausland
Hometown: Mapleton, Ut
Current Residence: Salt Lake City, Ut
Education: B.S. Family, Consumer, Human Development from Utah State University; Certified Life Coach through Mission Ignition Inc.
Professional Background: Before becoming a coach, I was employed with the Utah Youth Village as a Families First Specialist where I taught at-risk families life skills. 
What you wanted to be when you grew up: A concert pianist. However, when I was a junior in high school, practicing a 21 page concerto for several months rid me of that aspiration. I also realized that I was far too social to spend my college days behind a set of ivories. I’d probably have gone mad before long. What you are: I’m a life coach and speaker. Through a relationship of trust and accountability, I help people whip their personal and professional lives into shape so that they can do all and be all they can be.
Brief Summary of your Start Up: After leaving the Youth Village, I realized I wanted to continue to help people succeed in their personal and professional lives, but I wanted to be able to do it from home so I could be with my son. I heard about life coaching and decided that was the perfect fit for me since I could continue to help people and work from my own abode. Within a month of learning about coaching, I’d signed on with a coach to become certified and here I am – the owner of my own coaching business, Joy Quest Coaching. I love it! How long have you been in business? A whoppin’ 5 months.
Company Website? www.myjoyquest.com
What inspired you? My love for people and my desire to help them succeed was the primary motivation for getting into coaching. When I worked at the Youth Village, I loved watching families grow together and make positive changes in their lives. I found the work difficult, but incredibly rewarding and, to be honest, a little addictive. I get a serious high from watching people realize solutions to problems and find more joy in their lives.
How did you fund it? You’ll laugh, but it was actually student loans that funded my business venture. My husband is a grad student in Physical Therapy at the University of Utah and we just took out an additional loan to pay for my training. Yes, I have an amazing husband to allow me to do that. Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? No, but I’ve had many people cheering me on from day one. I’ve found that incredibly motivating during this process.
Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? BNI (Business Networking International). BNI is all about word of mouth referrals and in the coaching business, that’s the very best kind of referral (and Startup Princess!)
Current Business Challenge? Getting my name out and establishing myself in the coaching world.
What are you doing about it? As I already mentioned, I joined BNI. I am also writing and posting articles on the web (Knol, Ezine, and Article Base) to help me get my name out and to build credibility. I am also actively looking for opportunities to speak in a number of different settings, again, to establish credibility, give me more experience and to get my name out.
Favorite motivational quote: Never, never, never give up. –Winston Churchill
Family? I’ve been married for almost 4 years to my high school sweetheart (note: he was my sweetheart, but I wasn’t his sweetheart till after we graduated☺). We have a 10 month old son named Rockwell. He’s a bundle of hyperactive joy.
How do you balance family and business? I capitalize on nap times and bed times when the little man is snoozing. Planning is a big one, too. I’ve found that if I plan my days according to my priorities, I’m much more likely to accomplish what needs to be done.
Favorite book? I have lots of “favorites”, but based on the fact that I’ve read it the most times, I’d probably have to say Pride and Prejudice. What can I say? I’m a hopeless romantic.
What do you do to relax? Go on walks with my family. I also love to snuggle up on the couch and watch a movie with my husband.
What do you want to change most about your world? I want to help people see the abundance of opportunity around them and the tremendous potential that lies within each of us to achieve our dreams.
What are you most proud of? My incredible family! I have been blessed with a phenomenal set of parents, wonderful siblings, and a husband and son who treat me like gold.
What advice would you like to offer other Startup Princesses? Don’t ever forget the power of the persistence effect. If you persist, success is imminent. History is evidence of that fact.
Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? I’m not sure you can call him a tool, but I’d have to say my husband is my favorite resource for comfort and encouragement. If ever I’m feeling discouraged, he’s always there to pick me up. He’s my biggest fan!
If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Diamonds. I know, I know. Very creative, huh?
Thanks, Startup Princess Tara for the interview!
