Meet Iva Ballou | Certified Cleft Confidence Coach and Motivational Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Iva Ballou and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Iva, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Being a risk-taker is often defined as a person who is willing to do things that involve danger or risk to achieve a goal. When I left my corporate job in DC to start Realsophisticatedjoy (RSJ), I had no idea what I was doing or what RSJ would look like. I easily could have stayed at my job, with my comfortable pay and apartment. Doing what I was doing, traveling and twirling in the wind. I could have done Realsophisticatedjoy as a side hustle. But I had to bet on myself and see what would happen if I fully committed myself to RSJ. Because I knew there was something more significant at stake than my current comfort level. With Realsophisticatedjoy, it is bigger than achieving a goal. Every speech I give or group coaching session that I facilitate, I do it all nervous and scared! But, I know that the message and helping someone rewrite their life’s pain far greater than any case of nerves. That is how I have always approached life. So, yes, I may be a risk-taker or wild, but one also has to say she lived in her Realsophisticatedjoy!

What should our readers know about your business?
I’ve been in business since 2018. I get to see raw energy transform into progress. I use workshops, speeches, and custom programs to spur both craniofacial affected and those who lack the self-esteem to tap into their inner power and develop the drive of RealSophisticatedJoy. I have been officially coaching for two years. The first year of my business, I spent doing the “boots on the ground” work. Now I operate solely in my niche of cleft, craniofacial, and confidence-building. I have designed coaching programs that enable my clients to embrace their inner strengths and lead purpose-driven lives. I’ve made it my mission to equip teens and young adults with the necessary life skills to make positive life changes. This is something I excelled at personally, with my journey. I coach thru a three-part system Phase one: stripped down and getting real. Phase two: Add a little bit of spice (sophistication) polish up your thoughts—lastly, Phase three: Managing the shift. I teach directly from my experience and research (I love to read!). I am numbers motivated. Such measurable goals and data tracking will be a MUST when we work together!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, I have to say thank you to my mom! When I decided to jump out of the corporate plane and skydive into entrepreneurship, she was my parachute. She fully supported me and was like, “I have been waiting on you to make this jump.” Now, my mother is old school and believes in keeping a good job and checks coming in. So, for her to fully back me, let me know that she saw something in me that let me know I would be okay. That means the world to me to have that type of love and support. Then I have to say thank you to my team! Dominique, Sam, and Udeme, thank you for going on this crazy ride that has been RSJ! You have believed and supported my vision from day one! And, you protect and push Realsophisticated to go to new heights. To Fantastic Four: Courtney, Kristin, and Lauren. Thank you for giving me the love and space to grow into my RSJ. My sisters! I love you! To all my family and friends who have supported, who have shared my story, and opened a door for me, I say thank you.

Website: www.realsophisticatedjoy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realsophisticatedjoy/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iva-ballou-39573aa0/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Realsophisticatedjoy