We had the good fortune of connecting with Imani DaCosta and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Imani, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I decided to start my own business I knew I wanted to have an online business & something that was flexible where I didn’t have to constantly answer phones or feel stuck to my laptop or phone 5 days a week! I wanted to have control over how much money I made, my time and how much I was able to travel.

My business Imani DaCosta Wellness LLC initially was an online health coaching business. Although I have my Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Promotion and years of experience as a health coach / health educator at the end of 2021 I realized health coaching didn’t make me happy anymore and I was actually drained by it. When I began to change course in my business I realized I love wellness and entrepreneurship , but more than anything I LOVED organizing my online business, which many people didn’t. Now Imani DaCosta Wellness LLC focuses on bridging the gap between entrepreneurship and wellness through virtual assistant services and system strategy. Organizing and strategizing comes so easy to me and it allows me to run my online business on my own terms and be present for my family.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business Imani DaCosta Wellness LLC is all about bridging the gap between wellness and entrepreneurship through system strategy and virtual assistant services. What sets me apart from others is that I am not your “typical virtual assistant”. I don’t market my business the same way as others , I really lean into community and I love to educate. My business is about so much more than assisting my clients with weekly to-do’s, I love to create organization mentally for my clients and physically using different systems to help them run their business in a sustainable way.

I am most proud of how I have structured my business. I did not think it was possible to work 3 days a week and still make a full time income. I always thought of entrepreneurship as having to hard work 24/7 and having no days off , but that is far from the truth. I am also proud of the fact that I have created a business that healed me. My business has given me my identity outside of motherhood.

I got to where I am today business wise by investing in myself and prioritizing my healing. It was not easy and took a lot of work, risk taking and really betting on myself and trusting the process. I was able to overcome the challenges by leaning into community. The main lesson I have learned throughout this journey is that you don’t have to have it all together before you start a business, JUST START! Also surrounding yourself with other entrepreneurs is key! Many people don’t get it , won’t get it and may not support you , but other entrepreneurs understand the highs and lows of the journey. Another important lesson is to not expect those closest to you or those that know you to be the first to support you. Strangers may be your biggest supporters , which is odd at first , but then you get used to it. Always remember those same strangers may eventually become friends , family or clients which is amazing!

I want the world to know that I am the first entrepreneur and business owner in my family. I grew up on the east side of Harlem in New York City and never saw this type of life for myself. I never saw anyone around me or in my community that had a successful online business. I now know that my generation especially doesn’t have to work as hard as our parents. We don’t have to work a 9-5 and come home to see our children for 2-3 hours and then do it all again the next day. We are living in a time where we have the internet and that alone gives us 1000+ ways to make and create businesses that are built around our life.

I want people to understand my brand is not only about my virtual assistant & strategy work , its about building a sustainable business, it’s about community, its about family and more than anything it’s about creating a dream life.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to shout out my business mentor Melissa Ruiz. I joined her business mentorship program in 2021 and not only created the business of my dreams , I have created a sustainable business built around myself and my family.

I would also love to shout out a few of my amazing clients: Ashante Fray of Synchronized Souls inc, Kim Saira & Dr. Danielle DonDiego. Truly Amazing people and such a beautiful experience to work with them!

Website: https://www.imanidacostawellness.com

Instagram: imani.dacosta.wellness

Other: Podcast: The Organized Mom Podcast

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