Lady Bosses I Love: Fallyn Smith
Fallyn was my roommate in college and general partner-in-crime. When we graduated, Fallyn debated going to law school, but instead followed her heart and moved out to San Francisco, where she found a job as a nanny to a young boy on the autism spectrum. It was through her work with him that Fallyn discovered her love of working with children. She went back to graduate school to get a Master’s in Social Work and has now been working with children in a professional capacity for over 10 years.
Although Fallyn serves as a social worker for an elementary school district in the San Francisco area, she is a serial entrepreneur at heart. So it’s no surprise that in addition to her full-time job, Fallyn also runs a successful coaching business for children and parents. Mindful Kids Coaching focuses on social emotional learning, providing people with the tools they need for greater self-control, building stronger relationships, and establishing a mind-body connection. I strongly recommend signing up for the Mindful Kids emails and following @MindfulKidsCoaching on Instagram. Fallyn has helped me on my own parenting journey over the years, and I have been grateful for the wisdom, insight and guidance she has provided my family.
Fallyn Smith: Mindful Kids Coaching
What is the name of your company and what do you do?
Mindful Kids Coaching. I am a family and children's coach. I specialize in the development of social-emotional skills for children and families as well as parent education.
How long have you been in business?
I originally started my business, Social Success, in 2010 where I led individual and group social skills classes for children in NYC. It's since evolved into Mindful Kids Coaching which officially launched in 2018. I have a bigger focus on teaching both parents and children how to identify, label and manage emotions as well as how to communicate to feel more connected. I now serve children, parents and families all over the world.
How did you decide to launch your own business?
I have always had the entrepreneurial spirit and am lucky enough to have my friends and family support my endeavors and my big ideas.
What challenges did you face in the process of launching your business?
Self-doubt is probably the biggest consistent challenge. Then, getting clear on what I wanted my business and brand to be.
Did you feel as though there were resources available to you, specifically as a woman business owner?
Yes. I have been lucky enough to go through multiple entrepreneurial workshops, seminars and classes in NYC (FastTrak) and SF (Renaissance Center). I also am part of great supportive networks of women. It's really inspiring and I'm so grateful for these networks.
Do you have a mentor?
I don't have a specific mentor. I would like to get a business coach in the next year to help me focus and grow my business.
Books you recommend?
The Success Principles by Jack Canfield.
You Are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth by Jen Sincero.
What do you love most about running your own business?
I love seeing my clients improve and feel more connected to their families. I love utilizing my skills and being an expert in my field while knowing that I am able to have multiple streams of income.
What is your least favorite aspect of running your own business?
Figuring out how to scale and where to allocate funds.
What is your best piece of advice for other women who are thinking about launching a business?
Go for it! I support starting your business as a side hustle so you can learn how to run a business while having income. Running a business is such a great opportunity to learn about yourself and what works and doesn't work for you. It helps you appreciate all the business owners out there hustling their hearts out while bringing something awesome to the world.