We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mariesa Moore-Gentry a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Mariesa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The idea for my business stemmed from my first book, “Are You Living YOUR Best Dash?” I wrote the book over several months, not knowing a business would be birthed out of it. As the book approached finalization, the Lord spoke to my heart about becoming a life coach. I did not have much prior knowledge of what life coaches did, as they were not popular, nor was the market saturated with them. As I looked into it, it became apparent I’d already been practicing life coaching with loved ones for much of my adult life. Sometimes, when things come naturally to you, they are a part of your gifting, but you don’t recognize them as such. They’ve always been a part of your life, so you may discount or think very little of your impact.

God confirmed this call, I went through the certification process, and each time I sat to complete coursework, I thoroughly enjoyed it! It did not feel like work, but rather a polishing of my gifting. After my certification interview, a fire was lit under me to help as many people as I could to live their best dashes. One of the biggest ways I’d do this was through my book and accompanying study guide. God set all of that up in His perfect timing. From there, “Your Best Dash, LLC” was born. God had brought me from a place of mediocrity and just existing to a place of His best and thriving. I was passionate about helping encourage as many people as possible from existing to thriving, too.

I knew this endeavor was worthwhile because God called me to it. My obedience to His instruction equaled success. There were a few life coaches at that time, but because we are all different, I knew my impact would be different, too. I was not a general life coach, but a faith-based (in Jesus Christ) life coach, so that right there was the biggest difference-maker. We all need to be pointed (back) to Christ, so the problem I was solving was doing just that. It’s easy to forget Who He is and who you are when the pressures of life are intense, or the contractions of life kick in. I come alongside individuals, hold their hands, remind them to slow their breathing, remember who God is, remember who they are, and hold them accountable as they outlast each contraction.

What got me most excited was knowing God would be glorified through my service to others. Even if someone was not a believer in Jesus, I hoped they would come to know Him because I extended His love to them. I also loved seeing the breakthroughs and lightbulb moments with my clients.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

Firstly, I am a believer in Jesus Christ. Beyond that, I am an author, educator, faith-based life and writing coach, book publisher, speaker, and Bible teacher.

Today, the resources I offer clients are my books along with their accompanying study guides or workbooks. I love helping people break out of a rut so they can finally do what they were born to do. For many, that means bringing a hidden book to life—which is why I coach, edit, and publish to help them share their stories. I also love connecting with audiences online and in person, speaking on everything from everyday thriving to the power of journaling and writing.

I want potential clients and followers to know that they are not dealing with someone who does not genuinely care for them, but rather someone who will pray with them while holding them accountable.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for me has been word of mouth. Prior and current clients regularly send people my way. I understand it because I am more moved to use someone’s service if a friend or family member recommended them.

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

I sell my books and offer my services on my website, but I also offer my books on Amazon. I think offering products on more than one platform is essential for exposure and connection that may not otherwise be.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://yourbestdash.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourbestdash/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourbestdash
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@yourbestdash

Image Credits

First photo credit: Marcus Whitner