Short Profile and Interview with Mascha Eckardt
Participant in the "EXIST-Women" program
| Program: | B.A. Social Work |
| Business Idea: | Coaching, training, and mentoring for individuals, groups, and teams in crises, conflicts, stressful phases, and transitional situations |
| Target Group: | Private individuals aged 27-59, teams from social projects and companies, NGOs |
| Year of Establishment: | 2022 (Physiotherapy), 2021 (Yoga) |
| Form of Business: | Sole proprietorship (Freelance) |
| Industry: | Health |
| Contact: | connect@maschaeckardt.de |
| Website: | https://maschaeckardt.de |
How did your business idea come about?
It was a heartfelt desire – I followed my inner calling and discovered my professional potential.
What do you want to achieve with it?
I want to support people and projects in achieving their goals and making the world a more livable place. Doing what is right, working autonomously, doing what I truly want, financial independence, co-creation with other people and projects.
What motivated you to start something of your own? What appeals to you about self-employment?
I want the freedom of choice: planning vacations – when, how long, and where I want. Having flexible time management, true motivation, meaning having much more energy available every day, following my purpose, and helping people and projects in the way they need, not as prescribed.
Which courses/seminars did you take to prepare for your startup?
Further training in systemic coaching, training, mediation, train-the-trainer, startup seminars, networking seminars, various conferences/congresses/project meetings. Inspiring encounters.
Do you have a role model? Who inspires you?
My mentor and healer, Mirca Preissler.
What are you currently working on? What are your next steps?
- Establishing cooperation with new clients, leading training courses, developing concepts, building a website
- Marketing (business cards, etc.)
- Renting premises and building a client base
Where do you see the biggest challenges for yourself and your venture?
Generating regular revenue, filling gaps in orders, implementing a marketing strategy, refining my profile, and building a client base.
How or in what way can people support you with your venture? Where did you seek help?
- A dialogue with already successful role models would be helpful
- I attended various seminars (including at the Career Service of ASH :) )
- Having a mentor by my side
- Research and self-learning
What does self-care mean to you, and how do you integrate it into your daily routine?
My morning ritual is an integral part of my day and takes up to 2 hours. For me, it's part of my work to put myself in a really good state, because only then can I be there for others and fully engage in my work.
Training my intuition and always reconnecting with it. I always evaluate professional decisions on an intuitive level and set boundaries when necessary.
What advice would you give to ASH students for starting a business or implementing a project?
Take the first step, and the rest will follow. It takes courage, trust, and a willingness to take risks to realize your potential. Everything is always new, unfamiliar, exciting, and can be frightening. That’s part of the process. Find a mentor who supports you unconditionally and believes in you.
Interview from 03.05.2024