We had the good fortune of connecting with Frandasia “Frannie” Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Frandasia “Frannie”, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I had one goal when I graduated with my undergrad degree, find a way to be happy. I was surrounded by people who admittedly hated their careers/jobs, but continued to do it out of necessity and comfort. I knew a corporate career or traditional path did not feel aligned for me. I desired more freedom and autonomy. When I did not see what I wanted in the job market, I knew my only choice was to create it. It took me awhile to figure out the specifics of what it is I wanted to do; however, when I had an idea I acted on it. If I said I was going to do something, I did it. It was more worth it to me to try and fail then to not try at all. After trying many things, I found my path in entrepreneurship.
What should our readers know about your business?
I created Guided Surrender LLC originally has a travel blog. I went on a solo trip for multiple months, and I would blog about my experiences. However, I realized this wasn’t quite the right path for me. Soon I switched to writing more regarding my healing journey and sharing my experiences with spirituality. Through these messages I realized so many women felt alike me; yet we all felt so alone in it because none of us felt safe to speak openly about it.
This realization led me to begin creating safe spaces for women to heal collectively on a soul and spiritual level through my business, Guided Surrender LLC.
Guided Surrender is a home for healing. A safe space for women to be vulnerable while receiving guidance, support, and comfort on the journey towards healing.
It started with virtual yoga classes for women and students during the pandemic. Now my offerings have expanded to virtual and in person private, intuitive healing services: chakra balancing, reiki healing, intuitive readings, group class offerings, public speaking, and events.
In 2024, my business will turn 4 years old which is a major accomplishment! I am excited to see how things grow and continue to expand this year. It has not at all been an easy journey. I have spent countless hours crying in the bathroom and feeling like this was a terrible idea.
However, I didn’t stay crying…
I would allow myself to cry and feel the feels, then I would get back to work. If one idea did not work out, I tried another. I continued to create and bring my vision to life. I improved my mindset work, discipline, self-motivation, and worked very hard to gain consistency to be my own boss.
In more traditional settings, someone tells you what needs to be done and sets deadlines for you. As an entrepreneur, you do it all and you are the lead in every department. This is challenging at times but putting the proper systems in place will help manage it. Once the foundation is built it will begin to feel easier.
I would not have made it this far without making mistakes that taught me lessons. I over invested financially, lost my vision by taking too much direction from others, became overwhelmed with comparison, lost confidence in myself, triggered abandonment/rejection wounds, and felt like quitting many times.
What did I do to stay focused on my dream? Lots of self-talk and self-care…
It is important to consistently remind yourself that everything will work itself out. I truly felt called to do this work, I did not choose it. So, it will not fail unless I stop believing it is possible.
When I feel down, I move my body through yoga and somatic movement. I practice reiki healing on myself. I exercise, journal, dance, and meditate as a daily routine to keep my energy elevated.
I am still learning and definitely do not have all the answers, but what I do know is that I must keep putting myself out there even when I do not see an immediate result. The greatest wins in my business came from being brave and making calls to pitch myself. Hearing “no” many times just to get the one “yes”.
My business benefits me, but I created it to benefit you. We all deserve to be free. Your intentional healing journey will set you free. Guided Surrender is here to help you chart and step into your healing journey.
I want you to know, you’re safe here.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am more of a homebody who would be happy at home with a good movie and food. Going out takes a lot of effort for me… however if I have a guest, I’ll do my best to be a good host.
I live in Charlotte, NC area. I personally love small towns and would show them some of the nuggets of charm located on the outskirts. We would definitely walk through downtown Davidson, sit outside, and visit the shops. Maybe grab tea, coffee, or ice cream. We could have lunch at one of the local spots!
I also enjoy Camp Northend. They almost always have an event or festival going on. We could grab food at any of the spots on the grounds. I love Leah&Louise and Babe&Butcher for charcuterie. I LIVE for charcuterie.
At night, I would most likely reccommed going to uptown or Southend. There are many amazing restaurants depending on what we have a taste for and live entertainment.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Although I am a solo entrepreneur, I have not done this alone. I thank every friend, family member, client, and mentor that has supported me along the way.
Website: https://guidedsurrender.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guidedsurrender?igsh=Y3p0YmtqeXVtc2xi&utm_source=qr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frannie.williams.31?mibextid=dGKdO6
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@guidedsurrender5094?si=S8pgHuOCNOE_Kn-4
Image Credits
Sydney Leigh Photos