For some entrepreneurs, the drive to succeed stems from a desire for freedom or innovation. For Lillia Sanders, it was survival. From humble beginnings as a single mother rebuilding her life, Lillia has grown into a sought-after financial strategist for high-revenue service-based businesses. Her journey from scraping by to empowering others with financial clarity offers a roadmap of resilience, adaptability, and mindset mastery.
Building a Business from Scratch
Lillia’s entrepreneurial story began in her 20s, but it was a life-altering situation in her 30s that truly defined her path. “I came out of a domestic situation with nothing—literally homeless with tiny babies—and I thought, ‘What can I do to rebuild my life and provide for my girls?’” she shares. This urgency drove her to create a business that combined flexibility with financial opportunity.
Her consultancy focuses on helping small teams in high-revenue service industries identify where they are losing or making money. “I show clients their financial position, whether to scale, sell, or grow,” she explains. “The goal is to create strategies so they can be in the best financial position possible.”
Lessons in Humility and Connection
Over seven years, Lillia’s business has evolved significantly, but some values have remained constant. Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, she identifies three core lessons that have guided her growth:
- Stay Teachable:
“I’ve always been teachable,” Lillia says. “I ask myself, ‘How can I be the best at what I do, and how can I serve my clients better?’” For her, learning is a two-way street, and being open to her clients’ pain points has helped her refine her approach. - Build Genuine Relationships:
“Creating a connection with clients is key,” she notes. Lillia emphasizes the importance of understanding not just the numbers but the person behind them. “Listening to their background, their story, and their desires creates a foundation for trust and effective solutions.” - Stay Humble:
“Confidence is important, but so is humility,” Lillia advises. “When you lose humility, you stop listening and stop improving. Staying humble keeps you open to new ideas and feedback.”
Shifting to Abundance
Like many entrepreneurs, Lillia’s early days were marked by a scarcity mindset. “I would take anyone as a client at any price,” she admits. “It was all about keeping the revenue flowing.”
However, she soon realized that not all clients were the right fit. The turning point came when she invested in a business coach. “Surrounding myself with people who think bigger helped me shift to an abundance mindset,” she explains. She began focusing on ideal clients—those who valued her expertise and aligned with her goals.
Practical steps like keeping a gratitude journal, reading mindset-shifting books like We Should All Be Millionaires, and daily affirmations helped her reinforce this new outlook. “I started to believe, truly believe, that abundance was possible,” she says.
The Role of Coaching
Lillia credits much of her growth to working with a business coach, despite the initial financial and emotional hurdles. “As a single mom during COVID with toddlers, I was desperate for change,” she recalls. “Investing in a coach was terrifying, but I knew I couldn’t stay where I was.”
This leap of faith paid off. “One suggestion from my coach tripled my income,” she says. “Good advice from someone who thinks bigger can have a profound impact on your life.”
She encourages other entrepreneurs to overcome their hesitations about coaching. “It’s about sowing into your future,” she explains. “You can’t reap big returns without making significant investments in yourself and your business.”
Facing Challenges with Confidence
Lillia’s biggest piece of advice for entrepreneurs is simple: “It will work out.” In her darkest moments, this mantra carried her forward. “As entrepreneurs, we’re wired differently. We have to trust that even when things feel out of control, they will come together as long as we’re doing the work.”
To stay motivated, Lillia keeps a record of her wins, no matter how small. “Documenting what you’ve overcome is powerful. It’s a reminder of your strength and resilience,” she says.
Embracing Growth
Looking ahead, Lillia is preparing for another pivotal year of growth. “Every new level requires a different mindset,” she says. She’s focused on becoming comfortable with new revenue levels and the responsibilities that come with them.
Her goals for the next 12 months include taking on higher-tier clients and continuing to refine her processes. “Growth is always uncomfortable, but it’s necessary,” she says.
Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs
Lillia’s story offers valuable lessons for anyone striving to build a business from the ground up:
- Invest in Yourself: Coaching, books, and other resources are essential for growth.
- Focus on Ideal Clients: Not all revenue is good revenue. Work with clients who align with your values and expertise.
- Shift Your Mindset: Embrace abundance and surround yourself with people who inspire you to think bigger.
- Document Your Wins: Keep a record of what you’ve overcome to stay motivated.
- Stay Humble: Confidence and humility go hand in hand. Be open to learning and improvement.
Final Thoughts
Lillia Sanders’ journey from survival to scaling her business is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and strategic growth. By embracing discomfort and committing to excellence, she has transformed her life and the lives of her clients.
“Entrepreneurship is a journey of faith,” she says. “Trust yourself, take action, and know that it will work out in the end.”
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