In the series of Morning Lazziness that showcases the empowerment of women who have made a significant impact with their ideas, I had the privilege of interviewing Simone Milasas.
Simone Milasas is a renowned speaker, entrepreneur, and bestselling author of books like "Joy of Business," "Get out of debts joyfully," and "Relationship: Are you sure you want one?" After being burdened with $187,000 in debts, Simone utilized the tools of access consciousness to completely transform her finances and her life. She believes that joy, devoid of judgment, is the key to creating more wealth, relationships, and possibilities.
For over two decades, Simone has empowered thousands of individuals worldwide to break free from limitations and create life on their own terms. With her candid and playful approach, she encourages people to trust themselves, embrace curiosity, and choose what truly works for them.
Her latest creation, the "Intimate playing cards for loved ones" deck, brings the same philosophy to relationships, emphasizing that real intimacy begins with play, laughter, and the freedom to be yourself.
In this interview, she reflects on pivotal moments, hard-earned lessons, and defining victories from her journey in establishing thriving online ventures.
What inspired you to venture into entrepreneurship, and how have your personal experiences influenced the concept behind your current company?
Simone shared that she didn’t start at the top; she had $187k in debts and was neglecting her finances. However, her encounter with Access Consciousness® changed everything. She realized that life, money, and businesses didn’t have to be burdensome or challenging – they could actually be joyful. Gary Douglas, the founder of Access Consciousness, played a pivotal role in her transformation by encouraging her to trust herself. Since then, every business Simone has created has stemmed from a place of joy and self-trust. She has authored three books, conducted seminars globally, and ventured into various business endeavors.
Which core problem does your company solve, particularly for women or disadvantaged communities, and what sets your approach apart in today’s competitive landscape?
Simone believes that it’s not about gender but about what individuals aspire to create in the world and the choices they make to manifest their vision. She emphasizes that every choice shapes a different future and advocates for embracing leadership and pursuing one’s desires fearlessly. Simone’s approach revolves around asking empowering questions and encouraging individuals to tap into their unique capacities to contribute positively to the world.
What were some of the most challenging obstacles you faced early in your journey as a female entrepreneur, and how did you navigate through them?
One of Simone’s biggest obstacles was trying to conform to society’s definition of success, which left her feeling drained and dissatisfied. She also struggled with self-doubt and seeking external validation instead of trusting her own intuition. Overcoming these challenges involved embracing vulnerability and owning her story authentically rather than seeking external validation.
When faced with difficulties, what keeps you grounded and motivated to persevere?
Simone highlighted two key strategies that help her stay grounded and motivated during challenging times. Firstly, she emphasized the importance of running her bars to alleviate stress and fear, enabling her to operate from a place of clarity and abundance. Secondly, she emphasized the power of asking questions to shift her perspective and unlock new possibilities.
What daily habits or non-negotiable routines aid your focus, creativity, and balance as a founder?
Simone practices financial discipline by setting aside a portion of her earnings in a dedicated account as a form of self-care. She also incorporates movement into her daily routine to stay energized and centered, emphasizing the significance of physical activity in maintaining balance and mental clarity.
What was the most effective growth catalyst for acquiring new customers or expanding your customer base?
Simone emphasized the impact of testimonials in fostering organic growth and building trust with customers. She highlighted the power of word-of-mouth advertising and the value of genuine enthusiasm in attracting new clientele.
Which branding or marketing decision had the most significant impact on elevating your company and establishing trust with your audience?
Authenticity emerged as a cornerstone of Simone’s branding strategy, as she believes in sharing her raw and unfiltered story to connect with her audience on a deeper level. Vulnerability, according to Simone, is a powerful tool for building trust and fostering genuine connections with customers.
How do you personally define success as a business owner and as a woman leading an intentional life?
Simone shared a profound anecdote about the transformative impact of a simple magnet on a woman’s life. This story exemplified how small gestures can have a profound and lasting impact, transcending monetary value. For Simone, success is about making a positive difference in people’s lives and empowering them to create their own paths to fulfillment.
Can you recount a mistake or setback that taught you a valuable lesson that you still carry with you today?
Simone reframed the concept of mistakes or failures, emphasizing that every choice contributes to personal growth and consciousness. She encouraged embracing setbacks as opportunities for learning and self-discovery, highlighting the importance of introspection and asking empowering questions to glean insights from challenging experiences.
What advice would you offer to women embarking on their entrepreneurial journey, especially those feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about their next steps?
Simone advised aspiring female entrepreneurs not to fixate on perfection but to embrace the iterative nature of business development. She emphasized the importance of self-trust, curiosity, and joy in navigating the entrepreneurial landscape and encouraged women to follow their intuition and pursue ventures that resonate with their authentic selves.
How do you approach risk and innovation, particularly when venturing into male-dominated or rapidly evolving industries?
Simone reframed the concept of risk as a series of choices that lead to increased awareness and growth. In dynamic and male-dominated industries, she emphasized the importance of embracing uncertainty and choosing based on intuition and foresight. Simone encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to challenge conventional norms and explore uncharted territories to drive innovation and stay ahead of the curve.
If you lead a team, how do you cultivate a culture of trust, inclusivity, collaboration, and growth?
Simone emphasized the value of fostering an environment where team members feel empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. She underscored the importance of collaboration and collective creation, ensuring that every individual feels valued and appreciated for their contributions.
What are the top five mindset shifts or personal practices that have helped you overcome self-doubt and enhance your self-confidence as a female entrepreneur?
Simone shared five key practices that have bolstered her self-confidence and resilience as an entrepreneur:
- Asking empowering questions to expand awareness and unlock new possibilities.
- Acknowledging her strengths and embracing her brilliance.
- Reframing her perspective on debt as a neutral choice rather than a failure.
- Embracing the mantra of "money follows joy" and prioritizing joy in decision-making.
- Cultivating self-trust through daily practices and introspection.
If you could spearhead a global movement through your work, what would it entail, and why is this mission meaningful to you?
Simone envisioned a global movement centered around self-trust and personal empowerment, where individuals are encouraged to create lives aligned with their authentic desires. She emphasized the transformative impact of following one’s intuition and choosing joy and fulfillment over societal expectations. For Simone, this movement represents a shift towards individual autonomy and self-empowerment on a global scale.
What guiding philosophy, quote, or core belief informs your daily leadership, creativity, and lifestyle choices?
Simone lives by the mantra, "Imagine what you would do if you knew you couldn’t fail," embracing failure as a stepping stone to greater achievements and personal growth. This philosophy underscores her approach to leadership, creativity, and daily decision-making, encouraging her to take risks and pursue her dreams fearlessly.
Where can individuals connect with you, explore your work, or follow your entrepreneurial journey online?
Individuals can engage with Simone Milasas through her website, podcast "Choice, Change, and Action," and Global Access Consciousness classes. They can also delve into her books, including "Joy of Business," "Get out of debts joyfully," and "Relationship: Are you sure you want one?"
In conclusion, Simone Milasas embodies resilience, authenticity, and empowerment in her entrepreneurial journey, inspiring women to trust themselves, embrace joy, and create lives aligned with their unique visions. Her insights and experiences serve as a guiding light for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to navigate challenges, foster self-confidence, and make a positive impact on the world.