Friday interview | Kelly Gaston on following her dreams to set up her own business out of a passion for helping others

How would you describe Aspirational Living?

We are a training, coaching and wellness business that helps organisations and individuals to move from where they are now to where they want to be.

What was the turning point in you setting up your own business?

Three reasons:

1.I felt like something was missing. I had a job I loved but I felt slightly lost and stuck. I decided to enrol on yet another course and trained to become a Life Coach and Personal Performance Coach, I wasn’t quite prepared for the journey I embarked on.  I learned so much about myself and coaching strategies, I knew then I wanted to help others in the same way. I’d moved from feeling lost and stuck to feeling focussed about what it was I wanted to do. All my background and career had led me to this point.

2. During my last year of study I fell ill and was diagnosed with M.E. I was shocked, scared and overwhelmed.  I learned more about the condition and felt lucky it was mild and I could still go about my everyday activity. I turned to mindfulness and meditation recommended by my GP.  I gained so much from it. I learned strategies, techniques and tools that helped me to relax and take some time out for me.  I loved it so much I then trained as an Advanced Mindfulness and Meditation Teacher.

3. As a Mum of two I felt overwhelmed by life, I was trying to do it all but, something had to give. I’d always dreamt of having my own business and I knew it was time.

How do you measure success?

This has changed over the years, prior to children it would have been to progress in my career, have a fantastic job earning a decent salary. Nowadays it’s maintaining a good work/life balance and having work I love and I’m passionate about.  The most important role in life is being a good Mum and wife and building in quality time with my family. That’s my measure of success.

What’s been Aspirational Living’s greatest achievement?

When I started, if I could help just one person in the same way that I have been helped, that would be a great achievement. Now nearly four years on I’ve worked with over 1000 people and I’m pleased to say many of them have moved forward with their own lives too and are living a life they love.  That’s what gets me out of bed in a morning and that’s my greatest achievement so far!

What techniques do you use to switch from work to mum?

Patience, kindness and compassion – life is a juggle and a struggle at times.  Living in the 21st century can be hard and as adults, we take on a lot so I try to practice patience and kindness to the boys and I try to remember every single day that we’re all trying to do our best!