Vasavi is a passionate, dedicated coach who is ready to transform the way people think about themselves. She’s committed to helping people grow and develop personally and professionally and we’re happy to feature her here!
Name: Vasavi Kumar
Location: Originally from Long Island, NY. Moved to Overland Park, KS a year ago.
Education: Masters in Special/Elementary Education; Masters in Social Work from Columbia University
Professional Background: Certified Coach from Accomplishment Coach- an accredited International Coach Federation school
What you wanted to be when you grew up: I first wanted to open up my own restaurant and serve vegetarian dishes from all over the world. As I got older I wanted to be an international speaker that would motivate and inspire others to use their full potential.
What you are: a transformational coach and speaker
Summary of your Start Up: I started my coaching and speaking business in August 2010. I work with individuals and organizations to go deep into their core live their truth, and take actions that are in line with their purpose and vision
Where you are located: I am located in Overland Park, KS and all of my coaching sessions are done over the phone. However, if I am requested to speak out of state I work out the budget so that I can travel to other cities
Company Website? http://www.vasavikumar.com
What inspired you? When I was a child I travelled to India with my parents and I could see all the suffering that existed. I knew as a child that my purpose was to heal others from the inside out. Having gone through quite a bit of pain and suffering myself I realized at a young age that no amount of pain and suffering can stop you from living your best life unless you allow it too. I was also inspired by the happiness and peace that existed among people who seemingly had nothing. I knew from a very young age that happiness and peace was a way of being and was not dictated by how much one had or did.
How long have you been in business? 1 year and 3 months!
How did you fund it? The financial support of my parents, and any income that I made from my business I just put it right back into my business
Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? I am blessed to have three amazing coaches who support me in different areas of my personal and professional life.
Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? I am a member of National Association of Women Business Owners, the Managing Director of Connections Club (a local Kansas city networking group), the Asian American Chamber of Commerce, the Heartland Coaches Association, and a member of the International Coach Federation
Current Business Challenge? Current business challenge is to educate the importance of personal growth and self-development as access to professional success. Many people think that they just need to focus on their business and do not have the awareness that the only thing stopping them from moving forward both personally and professionally is themselves!!!
What are you doing about it? I always offer people a 60-minute complimentary coaching session with me so that they can experience the power of transformational coaching. My goal is for people to have the breakthrough that they need to stop the pattern of self-sabotage and overwhelm and to take control of their lives, as opposed to letting life happen
Favorite motivational quote: I decided to start anew, to strip away what I had been taught. - Georgia O’Keefe; I also love “Get busy living, or get busy dying.” (Shawshank Redemption)
Family? I am newly married to my wonderful husband and best friend Ashish Patel
How do you balance family and business? I am very conscious of the fact that I have a tendency to put all of my energy into my work. So I have asked my husband to hold me accountable. I shut off my phone and leave it in the other room when we are together. I schedule personal well being time as well as relationship time. We also set aside time every night to ask each other what worked today, what didn’t work today and how we can improve upon what didn’t work. We have made it a practice to acknowledge one another daily, even for the “smallest” things.
Favorite book? The Dark Side of the Light Chasers by Debbie Ford
What do you do to relax? Go to the park with my puppy, Laney; Sit and do nothing (literally), cooks, read, and simply be.
What do you want to change most about your world? What I want to change most about my world is the conversation that people have with themselves and each other. I think if we can transform the face of communication, to come from a place of love and kindness, as opposed to fear and unkindness, we would actually move forward and be able to transform our world, as we know it.
What are you most proud of? I am most proud of my “bounce back” muscles. As I said before, I have gone through a lot in my life; things that could have knocked me down and kept me there. I am blessed to have an awesome support system and a resilient way of being.
What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Quiet the chatter in your mind, follow the whisper of your heart, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do what you want to do, and the minute you start to second guess yourself, take a breath, get centered offer gratitude to the Universe, and take ACTION!!!! Also, definitely seek the guidance of a mentor or coach. Being an entrepreneur can get lonely so I would highly recommend working with a coach to keep you on track with your goals/
Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? My bestest friend Stevi Speller
If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Black diamonds and sapphires
Your business is a manifestation of your passion and purpose. If your business doesn’t look the way you want it to look, or if you are having a “bad day” just reconnect with your Source and take it from there.
