An author, counselor, coach & motivational speaker, Dr. Jada Jackson is the founder and president of Total Life Dallas. What started as giving free advice to peers in the modeling industry has evolved into a thriving coaching and counseling practice. Here Jada shares her story and her advice for other coaches.
Coaching Focus: Jada and her team at Total Life Dallas are committed to providing healing, restoration, and hope for clients searching for answers to life’s complexities. Their goal is to ensure a positive counseling and/or coaching experience for clients seeking insight, direction, and life strategies.
Location: Dallas, Texas, USA
Connect: You can find Jada online at her website as well as on Instagram and Facebook.
Tell us about your journey as a coach.
I began my coaching journey during my time as a runway and spokesmodel. For ten years I worked for Ebony Magazine, one of the largest African American publishing entities in the world. I traveled to 180 cities worldwide and fell in love with mentoring other models who were challenged with self-concept issues. For a decade, I encountered other young women who struggled with some of the same self-identity problems, and I wanted to share my story…so, I did.
I held groups, coaching sessions, and seminars around topics that included experiences from my personal journey: domestic violence, sexual abuse, negative self-concept, relationship insecurities, family dysfunction, and abandonment issues. For years, I coached without pay, and then I realized my clients were willing to pay for what I had to offer. This realization changed the game.
We want to destigmatize talking about money, including how much coaches make. Would you please share with our readers any relevant revenue figures from your business?
My coaching revenue stream is currently my second stream of income and grosses between $100,000 and $140,000 per year. It took me approximately 10 years to stabilize this arm of my business. Now, I train coaches to do what I do. I’m working to increase this revenue stream by 15 to 20 percent this year.
What advice or perspective might you give to a new coach trying to get their first clients?
Reaching your audience means knowing who they are. Your specific demographic has detailed needs, and it’s our responsibility as coaches to meet clients where they are. So, I would begin by first challenging coaches to do the work to know your target audience and develop a strong online presence.
What are your thoughts on “choosing a niche” as a coach?
Niche drama is real. I believe it is important to stay true to oneself and utilize the power of one’s experiences to cultivate a niche. Remember, there is only ONE you. Although there were many self-esteem coaches, there was only ONE Jada Jackson. Leverage your strengths to develop a strong coaching niche to avoid niche drama.
Reaching your audience means knowing who they are.
If you received an extra $10,000 to spend on your business, how would you spend it and why?
I believe marketing is key. If I had an extra $10,000 to spend on my business, I’d focus on the power of direct targeting and SEO. Most of my business comes through online marketing, and it has been extremely successful for me and my team.
When you feel overwhelmed, stressed, or have lost your focus or motivation, what do you do?
- Meditation or mindfulness practice: Taking time to focus on breath, thoughts, and emotions can help bring clarity and calm to a busy mind.
- Exercise: Physical activity helps release endorphins, improves concentration, and reduces stress.
- Time blocking: Schedule specific times for tasks, emails, and interruptions, and stick to the schedule.
- Prioritization: Make a to-do list and prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance.
- Breaks: Take regular breaks to step away from work and recharge.
- Unplugging: Turn off notifications and disconnect from technology at a specific time each day.
- Reflection: Take time to reflect on the day and what I’ve accomplished, and set goals for the next day.
- Collaboration: Work with a colleague to bounce ideas off each other and stay motivated.
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