We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Imani Tutt. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Imani below.
Alright, Imani thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
My journey from idea to launching my business began with heartbreak and pain. I’ve come to realize that often, it’s heartbreak and pain that lead us to redemption and purpose. It all started with a painful realization triggered by the end of a toxic relationship I had been in for several years. After being forced to walk away from that relationship, which left me shattered into a million pieces, I was confronted with a stark wake-up call to address my own insecurities and emotional wounds.
The subsequent steps unfolded organically as I embarked on a journey of grief, self-discovery, and healing. Therapy and deepening my relationship with Christ became my sanctuary, providing me with the space and support to navigate through the layers of my past and unravel the patterns that had kept me stuck in unhealthy relationships for so long. I came to the realization that this pattern didn’t merely begin with that specific relationship but was a cycle ingrained in my entire life.
As I immersed myself in therapy and self-reflection, being able to transform my pain into purpose began to take root. Encouragement from a close friend, who suggested I share my experiences to help others, particularly because of my studies in becoming a therapist, spurred me to action. I started to translate my journal entries into tweets, offering insights from the perspective of someone who had emerged on the other side of their pain with newfound wisdom gained from relationship experiences.
Upon completing my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2020, I felt emboldened to take the next step in realizing my vision. Starting an Instagram page felt like a natural progression—a platform where I could share my story, insights, and expertise with a broader audience.
In the days, weeks, and months that followed, I dedicated myself to building my online presence. I conducted research, crafted content that reflected my experiences and resonated with the struggles of those I sought to assist.
However, establishing my business required more than just social media posts. I had to navigate the practical aspects of entrepreneurship—from branding and marketing to filing for a business and establishing systems and processes. Despite encountering numerous challenges and setbacks along the way, my determination to succeed propelled me forward.
Over time, my efforts began to yield results. My audience grew, and I started receiving messages from individuals who resonated with my message and sought guidance. It was a humbling experience, realizing that my story was making a difference in the lives of others. Although my initial posts were inconsistent and often struggled to gain traction, I persisted, gradually finding my voice and niche within the realm of relationships.
Today, my business transcends being merely a platform—it’s a corporation and a community dedicated to healing and transformation. I’ve had the privilege of working with thousands of individuals, aiding them in breaking free from the cycle of dysfunctional relationships and reclaiming their sense of self-worth. Each day serves as a reminder of the power of vulnerability and the significance of accompanying others on their journey to healing.
In retrospect, launching my business was about more than just turning an idea into reality—it was about embracing the pain that birthed purpose and utilizing it to inspire change in others.
Imani , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My journey into the realm of healing stemmed from my natural inclination to be the helper in my relationships. As a child, people constantly sought my advice, so it’s not surprising that I found myself in a field where I assist individuals in processing the pain associated with unhealthy relationships.
After personally overcoming adversity in my early to mid-twenties, particularly in toxic relationships, I developed products and services tailored to those grappling with similar challenges. Through classes, workshops, and seminars, I aid individuals in navigating their emotional wounds and achieving genuine healing and transformation for healthier relationships. I offer 1:1 coaching services, group courses, and a membership community where I conduct biweekly classes on codependency, trauma bonds, and strengthening one’s relationship with Christ.
My integration of faith into my work distinguishes me from others in my field. Instead of solely advocating for self-reliance in healing, I guide individuals in building their relationship with Christ, fostering faith and trust in His plan for their lives. This holistic approach enables individuals to relinquish control, connect with their true identity, and find purpose in Christ.
I take pride in the impact my work has had on the lives of others. Whether helping individuals break free from toxic relationships or guiding them to a deeper self-understanding, witnessing the transformation and growth of my clients is immensely rewarding.
Ultimately, I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that healing is within reach. My platform serves as a safe haven for individuals to explore their emotions, find support, and acquire the tools needed for meaningful change. Whether grappling with past trauma, navigating challenging relationships, or seeking personal growth, I am dedicated to supporting every step of their journey.
Have you ever had to pivot?
One significant pivot in my business journey occurred when I made the decision to integrate faith into my work about a year ago. It stemmed from a growing frustration as I witnessed my clients grappling with recurring issues in their lives and relationships, despite the guidance and support I provided. Deep down, I knew that faith held the key to their transformation, but I hesitated to incorporate it fully into my practice.
Fear and uncertainty held me back initially. I worried about how others would perceive my faith-based approach and feared potential criticism or backlash. Moreover, I was still navigating through my own past traumas related to faith, which made it challenging for me to fully embrace and share this aspect of myself.
However, as I embarked on a journey to strengthen my relationship with God, I couldn’t ignore the profound impact it had on my life and work. I realized that my faith in Christ wasn’t just a personal belief system but a transformative force that could bring healing and wholeness to others as well. With renewed conviction and confidence, I made the decision to pivot my business towards a faith-based approach.
This pivot involved various actions, including increasing my posts about integrating faith into my work, establishing a faith-based community, and launching a dedicated faith-based page. Despite my initial apprehensions, the response to these changes exceeded my expectations. The faith-based aspect of my business resonated deeply with my audience, and the community grew rapidly.
Today, this pivot has proven to be incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally. Not only have I witnessed profound transformations in my clients’ lives as they embrace faith-based principles on their own, but I’ve also found a sense of alignment and purpose in my work. Integrating faith into my business has allowed me to serve others more authentically and holistically, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share this transformative journey with others.
Any fun sales or marketing stories?
One of my most memorable experiences in marketing and sales occurred when I decided to increase the pricing for my one-on-one coaching services. It was a pivotal moment for me, as it required not only a shift in my business strategy but also a profound internal journey of self-worth and financial empowerment.
Before making the decision to raise my prices, I found myself undervaluing my services and undercharging clients. Deep down, I knew that the value I provided far exceeded the rates I was charging, but fear and self-doubt held me back from taking the leap.
Nevertheless, I recognized that in order to truly honor my worth and create sustainable growth in my business, I needed to make a change. I spent time revisiting my coaching packages, refining my offerings, and ensuring that they provided substantial value to my clients.
The real challenge, however, lay in overcoming my own limiting beliefs about money and self-worth. I had to confront the notion that there wasn’t “enough” to go around and acknowledge my own worthiness of charging higher rates for the transformational work I offered.
As I prepared for my first consultation after the price increase, I felt a mix of nervousness and excitement. There was a lingering fear that clients might push back or reject the new pricing structure. Yet, I also knew deep down that anyone who couldn’t recognize the value of my services at the new price point wasn’t the right fit for me.
During the consultation, I presented the updated pricing with confidence and conviction, highlighting the enhanced value and benefits clients would receive. To my relief and delight, the client not only accepted the new pricing but expressed gratitude for the opportunity to invest in themselves at a higher level.
That moment was a turning point for me, both professionally and personally. It reinforced the importance of valuing myself and my expertise, and it challenged me to step into a new level of confidence and abundance mindset. From that point on, I approached marketing and sales with a newfound sense of empowerment, knowing that I was offering something truly valuable and worthy of the investment.
Looking back, that experience taught me the power of aligning my pricing with my true worth and the importance of challenging limiting beliefs that hold us back from achieving our full potential. It was a risk worth taking, and it ultimately paved the way for greater success, growth and fulfillment in my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: imaniintouch.com
- Instagram: @imani.intouch @loverootedingod
- Twitter: imani.intouch