Stephane Maia in "Feature Your Story"

Stephane Maia is an aromatherapist with a degree in business administration. She works at a multi-level marketing company in the health and wellness industry, dōTERRA, empowering people to take care of themselves and their families in a natural way and build their financial independence.

1. To what do you owe your success?

Undoubtedly, several factors influenced me to be where I am today. The support of my family and friends, my dedication, the focus I have on where I want to go.

But none of this would have any significance if I hadn't had the courage to start. The courage to face the stones on the way that I already knew I would encounter (apart from the ones we don't expect!) and that courage came from the work I did with myself. Therapy, coaching were the basis for sure.

2. What was your biggest challenge and how did you learn from it?

My biggest challenge has always been myself. And that's why I believe therapy and coaching were the foundation of everything.

I managed to work on my self-confidence and believe that I could. And once we believe in ourselves, nothing else can stop us!

3. Are you happy and what would you change in your life?

I learned that happiness is not a constant. She comes and goes and that's okay. I'm happy with my progress, but I still have plans to go much further!

And what would I change? Well, I keep doing the work on myself. So I'm always looking for more personal growth.

4. Have you ever had imposter syndrome and how do you deal with it?

I think it's very common to have this syndrome whenever we start something new. Nobody becomes a reference on the 1st. It takes time and dedication.

The best way to deal with this syndrome for me was to ignore it and stay focused on my construction - “Fake it until you make it!” - And I knew that one hour I wouldn't have to pretend anymore!

5. What are some tough choices you've had to make to get where you are?

The time I dedicate to other things, people or activities had to be reduced. And that was the hardest. Having to keep keeping everything else running and still growing my business.

6. Is there anything you would have done differently?

It would have started sooner.

7. Who is the entrepreneur who is your biggest example and inspiration?

My parents, without a doubt. They had nothing when they started and no one of influence to help them. It's inspiring to see what they've built!

8. What was the most difficult moment in your business journey? How did you get through it and move on?

Multilevel Marketing is also known as Relationship Marketing. It's a very people-dependent business and that can be quite a challenge at times.

In these cases, I'm inspired by Dory from Finding Nemo: “keep swimming” - that things end up getting back in gear. We can't let the giving up of others influence our journey.

9. Is there any popular business advice that you agree/disagree with? Why?

"Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right." – Henry Ford

I very much agree. We cannot make happen what we do not believe in.

10. What has been your biggest 'A-ha' moment so far?

When I finally realized that the perfect time to start was never going to come.

We need to start anyway.

11. Is there something that is simply non-negotiable for you?

Time with my family. I still have small children, they are my priority. I build my business around that.