We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Christine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Anything rewarding begins with a risk. I remember the first business planning retreat that I hosted in 2019. I had been dreaming of hosting a retreat for years and I knew the beautiful experience that I wanted to build for the attendees. It wasn’t going to be cheap or haphazard. In fact, I was determined that this retreat would be so incredible that the attendees would be talking about it for years to come. The risk, however, came in the upfront cost. I had to rent the venue in order to properly plan and market the event. It felt like a massive risk at the time because the venue deposit was non-refundable. What if I didn’t sell any tickets? What if I do all this work and the clients don’t gain anything from the experience? The “what ifs” were endless, but my determination somehow exceeded. My budget told me that I needed to sell at least 8 tickets to make a profit. This being my first retreat, I didn’t fully anticipate all the costs and the retreat ended up being much more expensive. I ended up selling just enough seats to break even for the event. Zero profit — ouch! BUT. This retreat ended up being the BEST RISK that I ever took. I learned so much through the experience AND I gained unplanned value such as: incredible client testimonials, marketing photos, insight into the process, & a true knowledge of the cost of hosting. I also felt in pure alignment with my calling as a business coach — my cup was running over with goodness. I took all of this information and hosted a second retreat that made me a little profit. I then hosted a third retreat and made a LOT of profit. I’m planning a fourth retreat now and it all feels easy, doable, and mostly… rewarding! My annual planning retreat for business owners is my #1 requested event of the year and attendees buy their ticket a year in advance. Had I not taken the risk of the first retreat, I would not be where I am today. Some risks are not immediately rewarding, but they are necessary for growth in
both life and business.


Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a business coach and founder of an incredible female entrepreneur community called the Society of Women Business Owners (SOWBO). Our community is unique to others in that we offer an affordable coaching program for women business owners of all levels. We believe in “cross generation” experiences that allow both experienced and start-up entrepreneurs to connect on more intimate levels… ultimately resulting in both fresh energy and wisdom. We also require that all of our attendees and members agree to the “SOWBO Pledge.” This pledge defines the guidelines of our community so that we can continue to provide a safe place for women to share, connect, and be supported. We’ve had many challenges over the last six years, but probably the greatest lesson that we’ve learned is that strong women need designated time and a safe space to process. Business impacts every area of our lives (relationships and health included!) and we spend a lot of time looking at all aspects. I hope that no matter where people experience SOWBO, online via Instagram or in-person at an event, that they return home feeling loved, supported, and empowered.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to give a shout-out to Mandy with Mandy Liz Photography. Mandy has always been there to capture the experience that I provide at my events while also being a sounding board for new ideas, programs, events, etc. Her friendship and support over the years has meant so much. We started off as baby-entrepreneurs together and both grew as business owners alongside each other. If anyone deserves recognition, it’s her!

Website: www.sowbo.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sowbo_official

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SOWBO

Image Credits
Mandy Liz Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.