How I became my own first client through coaching

When a life change leads to a new direction

When I left Paris and moved to London a decade ago, I didn’t expect my whole direction to change. I went from job-hunting in communications to discovering my passion for personal growth. Through volunteering with the Professional Women’s Network, I met amazing coaches and realised I wanted to be part of that world - to help people and focus on personal development.

As I navigated a major life change in a new country and considered a new career, coaching became a transformational experience, because I was my very first client!

A personal transformation through coaching

Becoming a coach has changed the way I live and see the world. I’ve learned to slow down and really notice my thoughts, emotions, and actions. I understand people on a deeper level and listen with my whole self. I’ve become kinder to others and, most importantly, to myself. My relationships with family and friends have improved, and I can express my feelings and needs more honestly and clearly. I’ve learned to set healthy boundaries, protect my energy, and honour the connection between mind and body. All of this has brought me more calm, clarity, and a sense that I’m truly becoming the best version of myself.

What I thought would be a career change turned into a personal transformation, and ultimately, a calling.

I began with the Life Coaching Diploma, and as I practiced coaching and discovered new skills, my curiosity grew. I went on to complete an NLP Practitioner Programme Diploma, DISC Accreditation training, and several of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for coaches courses & workshops. I’m passionate about how the human mind works and how coaching helps people grow, find clarity, and live more fulfilling lives.

During my coaching training, I met many people at different stages of their training journey; my advice would be to train at your own pace, but stay consistent and keep the momentum going. 

Building confidence and creating impact through coaching

I worked with a client who was navigating major changes in several areas of her life. She felt lost and almost hopeless. Through our work together that included coaching sessions, assessments, personalised resources provided, support and accountability, she grew more confident, motivated, and optimistic, even her posture reflected it. The highlight for me was when she shared that her husband had noticed the change and said she looked truly happy, motivated, and in a positive space.

I mainly work with people in midlife who feel they’ve lost themselves in their personal and professional roles. They often feel disconnected and stuck, even if their life looks “perfect” on paper. There’s a sense of emptiness, a lack of energy and excitement. Many want to reconnect with the person they once were creative, passionate, and curious about life and the future. After years of focusing on others, they’re ready to focus on themselves and rediscover what truly lights them up, so that they can design a life that feels true and fulfilling. In addition, they focus on their physical health and create a sustainable self-care practice that works for them.

My coaching programme is built around three key milestones:

1. A deeper understanding of yourself - your behaviours, needs, and desires. Results: Greater emotional awareness, more compassion, and less self-criticism.
2. Stronger, healthier relationships - through honest, calm communication and confident boundary-setting. Results: Greater trust in your intuition, and feeling more seen, respected, and understood by others.
3. Rebuilt confidence and clear direction - setting goals that align with who you are now, and creating a practical roadmap for ongoing growth, fulfilment, and purpose. Results: The ability to stay calm and grounded through setbacks, and to express your needs and boundaries with clarity and confidence.

Looking ahead and expanding coaching impact

The pandemic highlighted how important mental health is, and coaching is a powerful way to help people grow, move forward with confidence, and feel fulfilled. The more people experience this, the better the world becomes.

I see it all around me; people who seem successful on paper, yet are quietly struggling. Whether it’s an identity crisis, low self-esteem, people-pleasing and resentment, regrets about past decisions, or unresolved issues, something inside feels off.

I want to contribute to supporting people to live with purpose, find joy, and be compassionate with themselves and others - a better world!

Right now, I am focusing on one-to-one coaching. I have some international clients so online works well. For clients based in London, I plan to add the option of in-person coaching, especially walking in nature. There are beautiful parks in this city.

I’m excited for the future; expanding into group coaching, retreats, and meaningful collaborations is something I’m looking forward to.

Thank you Solange for sharing how coaching has supported your journey and the impact you are creating through your work.