“Resistance is always going to exist, it’s part of growing. Develop strategies to recognise it, understand it and decide on your next step. Then take it.”
Whether it is the ability to create art, write and publish books or even mentor others, every individual has their own creative gift. Yet Siobhan Jones of The Unlocked Creative understands that these creative gifts aren’t always obvious or easy to use.
Despite 11 years of experience in communications and media and executive leadership roles within the federal government, Siobhan faced resistance. In fact, she spent a decade with writer’s block. During that time, Siobhan managed to work out her creative gifts and passions.
Now at The Unlocked Creative, Siobhan helps other successful women who feel disconnected from their creative gifts to uncover and amplify them once again, through virtual mentoring, The Writer Unlocked course and her podcast. As a Creative Integrator, Siobhan believes that unlocking your personal creative outlet can lead to soul restoration and life transformation.
Though she has come a long way, Siobhan still has big dreams for the future of her business. She hopes to continue inspiring and supporting women, through a suite of on-demand writing courses, one-on-one mentoring and writing retreats.
But for now, with her creativity fully unlocked, Siobhan enjoys writing children’s picture book stories, podcasting and long distance running. And during her free time, you may find her sipping on a cup of coffee and reading – preferably at the same time.
Who’s your favourite entrepreneur and why?
Stefanie Gass. She is authentic about her business and what she stands for.
Why did you start your business and what gave you the idea?
I help to women to unlock their creativity, make time for it, and get their stories out into the world. It’s been a messy journey of working out my values, what I’m good at, what I’m passionate about and how that recipe might come together to serve others. After a decade of writer’s block, I started writing again. I started a podcast. I unlocked my creativity, and everything changed. Now I am helping women to unlock their creativity for soul restoration and life transformation.
What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
I love the contribution that The Writer Unlocked course and mentoring is making to writers’ lives. I get a lot of satisfaction out of creating. The whole process of running a business is all about creativity. Hmm I suppose that’s more than one thing!
What three pieces of advice do you wish you’d been given when you started?
- If you have lots of ideas for a business, just decide on the one that you’re most enthusiastic about. Take the leap, stop trying to ‘know for sure’ before you start. You will only know once you try if an idea is for you or not.
- Surround yourself with likeminded women. This is crucial to getting yourself out of your own head when doubt comes a-knocking.
- Resistance is always going to exist, it’s part of growing. Develop strategies to recognise it, understand it and decide on your next step. Then take it.
What advice would YOU give someone thinking about starting a business?
Think carefully about why you want to start a business. If it’s about your client, it’s a business.
What skills and knowledge areas would you recommend those starting out in business get acquainted with quickly?
- Business models
- Mindset strategies
- Marketing strategies
- Sales strategies
- Research masterminds and coaching – how you will invest in yourself which is an investment in your business
- Business planning
- Networking
- Basically everything that HerBusiness has to offer.
What does your IDEAL business look like? Even if you’re not there yet, what would it look like if your business was ideal?
‘We are a heart-centred, globally recognised leader focused on inspiring women to write their stories, enriching lives with understanding and imagination.’
This is the vision.
I will have a suite of on-demand writing courses and a schedule replete with 1:1 client bookings. I’ll also run delicious writing retreats. Our team will be family friendly and performance focused. Our network of other businesses in the creative industries will be focused on valuing the arts and supporting the writing community in particular. I will take on new opportunities to speak and write in service to my clients.
What problem does being a Member of the HerBusiness Network solve for you and your business? And, how?
Just one?! As a new business owner, I have a small and beautiful professional circle, but as a solopreneur, at times doubt can creep in. HerBusiness offers opportunities to grow my network of referrers and allies. Of equal importance is my sense of contribution to the HerBusiness community; I get to be there for others during this beautiful business ride we’ve all chosen.
Learn more about Siobhan and The Unlocked Creative.
