Alissa Boyer’s Self-Built Career Of Mentoring Empaths
Why is your work so important to you?
Because it's deeply personal for me. I mentor highly sensitive people (HSPs) and empaths. These are the deep-feelers; the caretakers; the ones who wear their hearts on their sleeves. They tend to be the kindest, most gentle souls AND many of them grew up believing that the way they were is wrong. They were told that they're "too sensitive" and that they need to "toughen up" or "stop being so emotional".
As a result, many HSPs and empaths end up suppressing their true nature and feeling alone because they don't feel like they can be themselves. It's deeply personal because this has been my experience. As an HSP and empath myself, I understand firsthand how painful this journey can be... and I know how beautiful it can be when we truly love and accept ourselves. So, I'm passionate about helping other sensitive souls get to this place of deep self-acceptance and learn how to use their sensitivity for the strength it is.
What makes your work unique?
I approach high sensitivity through a really empowering, positive lens which isn't necessarily the norm! When I first found out I was an HSP, I was eager to find communities of other HSPs to connect with. While there were plenty of communities out there, most of them drained me. I found that people were always talking about why it was so hard to be sensitive rather than looking at any of the things that were great about it! Of course, I think it's incredibly important and healing to share openly about the challenges we've experienced, but with my work... we don't stay stuck there. We're open and honest about where we struggle AND we focus on why it's a beautiful thing. I wanted my HSP community to be one people felt super proud to be a part of! I want sensitivity to feel like this thing that's cool, like it's a club that you want to be in. I also LOVE color, so, if you look at my Instagram vs. most other HSP accounts, you'll see they look vastly different.
What has been the biggest obstacle you've had to overcome?
Learning how to trust my unique way of doing things has been my biggest obstacle. When I first got started, I devoured all of the business podcasts I could get my hands on but then I'd judge myself because I didn't do things the way they suggested. For instance, people would always say that you need to batch your content and schedule your Instagram posts. I've never been one to do that! All of my posts are intuitively shared at the moment I feel inspired. I used to think that was wrong like I was going to be held back because I wasn't as "organized" as I thought I "should" be. Honestly, learning how to remove the word "should" from my vocabulary has been so helpful! Each time I just lean into my own unique way of doing things, things not only work out better, but they feel better, too. At this point, I love being able to create my own blueprint instead of following the status quo.
What have you learned through your experience as an entrepreneur that can be used by aspiring business individuals?
There is so much I could say here. Honestly, starting your own business is some of the deepest personal development work you'll ever do. So, I want to share that it's completely NORMAL and expected that you're going to come up against your edge sometimes and feel totally uncomfortable! I can't tell you how many times I felt so embarrassed, defeated, and upset because something didn't work out the way I'd hoped. However, strength is in the way you get back up. If you're going to put yourself out there in the world, you're going to get knocked down a few times. Expect that AND don't let it keep you down, but rather let it be an opportunity to build your resilience and keep going! □
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Website: lifebyalissa.com