Last updated on January 4, 2024
Coaching focus: My coaching practice helps people reconnect to their joy, passion and happiness through a dedicated practice of things that make your heart soar.
Business name: Life & Laughter Coaching
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Tell us about your coaching journey: I started practicing yoga nearly 20 years ago with Dana Baptiste in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her classes left me feeling enlivened and I wanted to learn how to bring that same energy to the people in my area. I started teaching yoga in 2007, earning my Yoga Alliance certification a few years later, and as I continued teaching, I was drawn to the philosophy of yoga. I incorporated yoga philosophy into my classes and it resonated with my students to the point my classes were selling out. I realized so many people need to learn how to love themselves, accept themselves, be less judgemental, be happier and much more calm.
I’d always been a fan of Martha Beck, Oprah Winfrey and other strong women, so the idea of life coaching seemed like the next logical step. I started Life & Laughter Coaching in 2018, but since I was laid off in 2020 I’ve turned all my attention to increasing my presence and clients. I’ve studied humor and the value of play for many years (I even write a monthly humor column) and was inspired to combine life coaching with humor. I use laughter yoga, improv, humor and happiness in everything I do and with all the clients I work with.
It’s been such a fun journey. I don’t know where it’s going but I love being along for the ride.
What are some courses, programs, or certifications you’ve taken part in? Would you recommend them, and for whom?
I’ve studied with different life coaches including Jen Sincero’s You Are a Badass Coaching program, the Spencer Institute for life coaching and I was recently certified as a Martha Beck WayFinder Life Coach. Holla!!
I’m also a certified yoga instructor and I practice transcendental meditation which I learned at the beginning of the year, before everything fell apart. 🙁
What are some of your favorite mantras or thoughts?
Things are always working out for me.
The universe has my back and is guiding me to my purpose.
Happiness attracts happiness.
Ease is the new wellness.
Be an avocado. Some people love avocados. Some people loathe avocados. The avocado doesn’t care. It just keeps being the best avocado it can be. 🙂
What are your thoughts on “choosing a niche” as a coach?
I think choosing a niche is a valuable marketing tool so potential clients can know quickly if they’ll be a match to what you offer. My decision to be a Happiness Coach stemmed from all the programs I created that help people return to a default of joy. Plus it gives me a chance to play around. I’m tired of taking life so seriously.
What are some of your favorite books?
Books by Pema Chodron, Brene Brown, Oprah Winfrey, the Dalai Lama and Mary Oliver are at the top of my gift-giving list.
I have SO MANY books that have influenced my life. Two books by Martha Beck, “Finding Your Own North Star” and “Steering By Starlight” are full of life observations that I use all the time in my coaching program.
“Ask and it is Given” by Abraham Hicks is another important tool as it offers practices to help keep yourself in alignment with joy.
Mary Oliver’s poetry touches my heart so easily. Her connection to nature and her true love for every living creature reminds me to notice the small things and embrace every good. Can’t quite love snakes yet, but maybe one day…
What recent purchase of $100 or less has most positively impacted your life?
I bought a meditation pillow when I started a dedicated meditation practice in January. I use it every day. It’s a reminder for me to be still for a few minutes. My husband thought it was ridiculous to spend money on a pillow to sit on, but I love it.
What advice would you give to a new life coach?
Don’t think you have to know everything. You don’t. You won’t. As long as you’re practicing your craft and studying and learning every day, you’ll be just fine. In fact, you’ll be fantastic.
Don’t be afraid to charge for your services. People need what you have to offer and are willing to pay for the knowledge you have acquired during your life coaching journey. Your contributions to this world are valuable so don’t undervalue yourself.
Other life coaches are not your competitors. They are your lifeboats.
What’s the biggest challenge you have with your business right now and how are you going to overcome it?
Part of my coaching involves working with groups, which isn’t really possible during social distancing. I work with smaller groups and do one-on-one coaching through Zoom when necessary. I’ve also bumped up my social media and blogging, and I’ll be starting a podcast soon!
If you had an extra $10,000 to spend on your business, how would you spend it and why?
First, I’d buy a super comfortable, flowy top and pair of pants. Maybe I’d make that a signature outfit. 🙂
Then, I’d invest in creating retreat opportunities that would include life coaching, yoga, energy work, happiness practices, outdoor adventures and journaling. I’d spend part of it on a part-time social media marketer to help get my platforms in front of more people.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused or have lost your focus temporarily, what do you do?
I’ve had to train myself to notice when I feel overwhelmed or discouraged. Once I realize my energy has dropped, I engage in several practices to bring it back up. These things include meditation, an appreciation practice, listening to inspirational talks, going for a hike, writing thank-you notes to friends or just sitting on the couch with a book and eating chocolate. All of these things raise my energy until I’m back on track.
In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?
Admitting I have so much to learn has been inspirational to me. It’s allowed me to be kinder to myself as I do life coaching because I learn something from each client I work with.
If you could have a huge billboard anywhere with anything on it—metaphorically speaking, getting a message out to millions or billions—what would it say?
Remembering how to be happy is the best gift you can give yourself.
Connect with Peri
You can find Peri at her website: perikinder.com
You can also find her on Instagram and Facebook.
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