We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Valerie Ihsan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Valerie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

Funny thing. While coaching writers (whether through the outlining process, giving feedback on pages, or being the accountability partner they needed), I found that, so often, life bled into their work. Interrupted the work. Messed with the work. And sometimes—lots of times—the book coaching organically morphed into life coaching. Often enough, in fact, that I decided to become an accredited and certified life coach, as well as an editor and story analyst. Now I coach people in many creative fields: writers, activists, naturopaths, fire walkers, coaches, body workers, and people in the non-profit industry.

In a sort of parallel way—much like my clients—my editing and coaching business converged with other life interests and, for seven years, I was also a licensed massage therapist and a Level Two Reiki practitioner (alongside a robust yoga practice). As a healer and body worker, I reveled in being able to bring comfort and ease to my clients. Seeing them leave my office better off than when they came in gave me purpose and peace.

More and more, I converge the two fields—editing and healing. For instance, I host an annual writing retreat that combines yoga, forest bathing, healthy gourmet meals, and workshops on craft, mindset, and marketing. (In 2024, I even added an exercise with tarot/oracle decks to a character lab we did, and created affirmations out of our limiting beliefs to help with writer’s block.)

Instead of the writing and publishing industry’s expectations of writing fast and hard, publishing a book a year, and our society’s penchant for hustle culture, I want to help writers and other creatives create sustainable practices that afford them wellness within their careers. Provide transformative processes that bring them from stuck and suffering to whole and fulfilled, using writing, listening, and accountability to support them.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a serene, strong, savvy, and creative businesswoman who inspires and nurtures professionals to find their purpose, get unstuck, grow in confidence, and get stuff done. My coaching addresses both strategic planning and personal growth, helping clients align their actions with core values.

I have three rescue dogs, two adult children, and a Turkish husband. I’m an accountability coach for creatives, a published author, a story analyst, and a podcaster.

I like to think of myself as a friendly manager—a cheerleader with a bit of a kick in the pants. I don’t think I have all the answers, and I don’t think there is one right way to do anything (especially a creative process), but I do have experience with story, with coaching, and with seeing people get distracted. I value a willingness to change and grow, and of authentic connection with my tribe. I aspire always to stay focused on my values, and choose actions that align with my life and business.

My background in editing and memoir writing adds depth to my coaching, offering comprehensive service from project conception to completion. I emphasize customized coaching and meeting clients where they are, ensuring a tailored experience for each individual.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I love giving book recommendations! (I also work in an independent bookstore part-time.)

The books, resources, and mentors to which I gravitate are the ones that help me become the best version of ME—not someone’s else’s version of perfection.

Books:
Essentialism (Greg McKeown);
Better Than Before (Gretchen Rubin); Running Down a Dream (Tim Grahl); Slow Productivity (Cal Newport);
Redefine Wealth for Yourself (Patrice Washington);
Big Magic (Elizabeth Gilbert);
Money Magic (The Money Witch); Wintering (Katherine May); and Profit First (Mike Michalowicz).

Podcasts (and therefore mentors, since they all have some sort of coaching programs, as well):
Promote Yourself to CEO;
Hello Seven; Redefining Wealth; Make Shift Happen; Money, Magic, and Manifestation;
Just Glow with It;
The Quitcast.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I kind of hate to say it, but Word of Mouth. I mean, that’s a beautiful thing, obviously. Your work is so great that more and more people are talking about you and your expertise, and who want to know and work with you. But it takes a long time and some entrepreneurs don’t want to hear that. There aren’t a lot of Get Rich Quick versions of sustainable success. It’s more about building relationships and hanging out where people need you and your services.

Getting in front of other people’s audiences is key, also. I speak at writing conferences and am interviewed on podcasts, which gets eyes on me and my website.

Also, just being helpful. Other testimonials have said that I am easy to talk to, that I explain things in ways folks can understand, and I don’t put people in boxes. I meet them where they are. (Thus, the Bespoke part in my business name: Aligned Action Bespoke Coaching.)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://valerieihsan.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/valerieihsan
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/valerieihsan
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerieihsan
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/valerieihsan
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@valerieihsan
• Other: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
  https://patreon.com/valerieihsan

Image Credits

Tamra Callahan