Featured Friday: Raven Waterman of Raven Wings LLC

This week we talked with Raven Waterman of Raven Wings LLC. Raven is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Life Coach, and Certified Executive Leadership Coach. Ravens Wings LLC supports women in making sustainable life enhancing changes. They work with female leaders and entrepreneurs looking to improve their self-care routine, break through the fear of failure, and achieve their goals through the processes of life coaching and counseling.You can find her online at https://ravenswingsllc.com/.

Tell me about yourself!
I grew up in the Bronx, NY and currently live in Westchester. I'm a wife and mother who currently has a full time job and has started my own business.  Over the past 20 years, I have worked as a clinical social worker and 

currently am in an Executive leadership role in a nonprofit organization. What I found over time was that I both enjoyed direct clinic practice as well as leadership development and this drove me to create my own business where I could focus on providing those services to other women. 

I started Ravens Wings LLC one year ago.  I provide coaching as well as mental health therapy to women who are in leadership roles within organizations or entrepreneurs. Coaching services benefit women who are trying to balance their personal and professional life while therapy helps women who are dealing with issues such as anxiety and depression. One unique feature about my business is that I facilitate the session using audio/video conferencing which makes it even more accessible to busy women. ​

What made you decide to start your own business?
I decided in College that I wanted to work in social services primarily with children and families. I was very interested in understanding family dynamics, in part because of my own chaotic family life. Working as a Social Worker, going to therapy, being mentored and my own professional development all contributed to my current business. I understand what it is like to be both a high achieving person but still need mentorship and emotional support.

What's the hardest part about being an entrepreneur?
The hardest part is balancing my full time job and my business which is truly my passion. 

What's your favorite part?
The work I am doing as a coach and therapist so the most satisfied I have felt professionally in a long time. I feel inspired and I appreciate each small success. I have also had the opportunity to teach my kids about business development. 

What advice would you give to women either working in business or starting their own?
Have a business plan can be very helpful in keeping you grounded, but you should be prepared to revise it as you figure out what your vision/goals are. Don't look for support from people who can't understand the path you're on (friends/ family). Instead, get into spaces where other's can understand your vision and there can be mutual support provided. 

What's your favorite quote?
 Ayn Rand once said "the question isn't who's going to let me, it's who's going to stop me."