Lisa Zahiya is on a mission to help other entrepreneurs reach the million-dollar benchmark.
Lisa Zahiya is a business strategist and life coach who has grown three seven-figure businesses and is now on a mission to help other entrepreneurs reach the million-dollar benchmark. She weaves traditional coaching technics promoting an organization’s overall financial health with a unique leadership approach anchored around the mind-body connection.
Drawing from her background as a professional dancer, Lisa helps her clients focus on their inner transformation and the relationship between body positivity, mental resilience, and success. As such, self-acceptance paves the way for self-celebration, which translates to success in every facet of life—including a business’s bottom line.
Can you start by introducing yourself and telling us in your words, about your inspiring story?
After earning a BS and an MBA from the University of Maryland, I did a stint in the corporate world as the Director of Marketing at Sylvan Learning Centers. But, I soon realized that my heart was elsewhere—I had big dreams of being a dancer ever since I was a child.
So, I took a leap of faith and quit my job to do exactly that. I created the award-winning Studio Zahiya as a sanctuary of self-expression through dance, where I eventually found the community that resonated with my vision. Like so many other business owners, the 2020 pandemic disrupted my plans. I was left with a studio space I couldn’t use, and I needed to get creative. I wanted to figure out how to serve my clients in new ways. So, I decided to take what I had learned from building my own business from the ground up and channel it into a coaching business. This pivot not only sustained my business but took it to new heights. I doubled my profit and gained clients from all over the world.
To this day, I’ve never looked back. I’m now trained as a Certified Coach (Coach U), Advanced Master Coach (CTI), Infinite Possibilities Trainer and Trailblazer (Mike Dooley), Brene Brown Coaches Training, and Tony Robbins Leadership Training. I help mission-driven entrepreneurs maximize their impact, many of whom have grown their businesses to over $1 million in revenue.
We all face challenges, but looking back, what have been some of the biggest challenges and pitfalls you’ve had to navigate?
One of the biggest obstacles I faced was the need to overcome my own self-limiting beliefs. As I embarked on my journey of personal and professional growth, I struggled with the idea that I needed to cater to everyone’s needs at the expense of my own well-being and the financial health of my business. This mindset led me to bend over backward, sacrificing my values and priorities in a bid to please others.
Over time, I came to realize that to have the business I want, with the clients I want to work with, I can’t put other people’s needs above my own. This shift not only transformed my approach to business but also the caliber of clients I attracted. By staying true to myself and my values, I fostered connections with others who shared my commitment to personal growth and genuine collaboration.
How do you set your business apart from others in your industry?
What sets my business apart is my focus on holistic transformation, as I dive deep into the relationship between body positivity, mental resilience, and overall success. Unlike traditional methods, I guide my clients through an inner journey of self-acceptance, which paves the way for self-celebration. I take a trauma-informed approach to my coaching, which allows clients to feel a sense of safety that will then allow them to start the healing process. From there, they can embark on their journey into professional development with confidence and clarity.
What can you tell our readers about what’s next for yourself and your company?
One area of focus that has emerged from my conversations with clients is the challenge of implementing the strategies we talked about during our coaching sessions due to time constraints. Recognizing this need, I decided to address it head-on by launching Scale Up Support, a staffing company dedicated to sourcing executive administrative personnel and tech specialists. We not only match businesses with highly skilled professionals but also provide comprehensive training in our proven methodologies. These methodologies, honed through years of experience, have not only driven success for me but have also proven instrumental in empowering my clients to achieve their goals. Our mission is to alleviate the burden on business owners by equipping them with the skilled support they need to grow sustainably.
On a personal note, I’m eagerly anticipating the opportunity to expand into speaking engagements on a larger scale. I hope to inspire audiences worldwide and ignite within them the confidence to pursue their dreams fearlessly.
If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out, what would it be?
As I’ve navigated my own journey as a small business owner, I’ve learned that it’s crucial to “do it scared.” This means stepping into challenges even when fear is present, recognizing that action breeds confidence and courage. By facing what scares us, we not only overcome our fears but also unlock new levels of personal and professional growth. This approach has not only transformed my life but has also empowered many of the entrepreneurs I coach to push beyond their limits and achieve greater success.
Want more inspiring interviews?
We love spotlighting amazing women! Check out these interviews (plus so many more) on She Owns It.
Get the scoop on Courtney Bagby Lupilin the go-to talent manager for reality TV stars. Or, do you love Shark Tank? Check out our with SoaPen Co-Founder Shubham Issar. Next up, DOMI Founder and Designer Chloé D. Next, get to know entrepreneur and peacebuilding environmental planning expert Somia Sadiq. Want more? Meet Zeljana Babic, the CEO of Xenios Academy. Then get inspired by entrepreneur Deanna Slamans who made over $10 million last year selling on Amazon.
All of these and more are part of our interview series spotlighting successful women in business.
Melissa Stewart is the founder of SheOwnsIt.com. She is a Purveyor of Possibility, Entrepreneur Advocate and Coffee Addict. She believes that behind every successful woman is her story. What’s your story?
