Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Oyloe.
Hi Andrea, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
I went to college for psychology, and I was still determining what career path to pursue, it wasn’t until my final semester as a senior that I learned about industrial-organizational psychology, and that’s when I knew it was the right fit for me. I went on to earn my master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology with an emphasis on evidence-based coaching from Walden University. I was drawn to the coaching aspect because I wanted to help people reach their goals and improve areas of their lives they aimed to develop while focusing on the present. The industrial-organizational side appealed to me due to my interest in organizational behavior and leadership. I grew up in a small family-owned business, and many of my dad’s friends and connections were entrepreneurs, so I was witness to the struggles and successes of the companies and leaders, that is what drew me to start my own business, and two focus on working with small businesses as a business coach. However, when my mom became ill with triple-negative invasive metastatic breast cancer, my priorities shifted as I became her primary caregiver. During this process, I realized there was a lack of support for caregivers, which inspired me to focus on caregiver coaching for some time. Even though I am still a caregiver, I have rediscovered my passion for leadership and business coaching while combining it with life and wellness coaching. These three areas are interconnected – one cannot be a successful leader or run a thriving business while struggling to set and succeed in personal goals.
Currently, I’m a certified life, wellness, and leadership coach. I integrate all three focuses when working with clients, especially leaders aiming to improve their personal lives and professional skills. Whether someone is a business leader, an entrepreneur trying to grow their company, a caregiver, or simply seeking personal growth, I strive to provide comprehensive support during these multifaceted life experiences.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh, not! Starting my own business came with its fair share of struggles, some of which have been mental, such as self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the challenges of being open and vulnerable on social media for marketing purposes. Those obstacles tend to creep in when trying to succeed and run a business. I began my master’s degree program in 2018, but in 2019, I had to undergo two surgeries, and my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
Oddly, the pandemic became a blessing in disguise for us, as it allowed us to focus solely on my mom’s health, and I could concentrate on my schoolwork. I became her caregiver, taking over all her work responsibilities for the family business and my workload and studies. Although demanding, this busyness kept me occupied and somewhat shielded from the direct impacts of COVID-19.
When I started my coaching business in 2023, I chose to focus on caregivers because I realized through my experience I developed tools to counteract my neglecting myself in some ways. I want to support other caregivers since we don’t sometimes need to recognize the importance of self-care. The focus inherently shifts away from yourself, and you feel guilty for attempting any form of self-prioritization. Had I known about caregiver coaching in that role, I likely wouldn’t have pursued it because the mindset is “it is what it is.”
These days, in addition to my business, I work a full-time job where we are currently concentrating on culture and leadership development. This reignited my passion for leadership and business coaching. I realize now that all three areas – life/wellness, leadership, and business – are interconnected. You can’t be a successful leader or run a thriving business if you’re struggling on a personal level, physically, and mentally.
Let’s gear up and talk business. What should we know?
My business is AOK Life Coaching, LLC. I specialize in life, wellness, and leadership coaching, holding certifications in all three areas. My emphasis on integrating the life and wellness aspects into leadership coaching sets me apart, as these three components are intrinsically connected. You can only be a truly successful leader if you are physically and mentally healthy on a personal level. I prioritize taking a holistic, 360-degree view of life because no matter how hard we try, our work and personal lives inevitably intertwine and impact each other. To thrive as an entrepreneur, business leader, or any professional in a leadership position, you must focus on finding a balance across all life domains. This includes setting boundaries, making time for self-care, and nurturing your overall well-being. Neglecting your health and wellness will ultimately hinder your ability to effectively lead and grow your business. Whether you are an entrepreneur running your own company, a leader within an organization, or simply striving to be the best version of yourself, I provide comprehensive coaching that addresses the entire scope of your life. My approach recognizes that true, sustainable success requires harmony across both personal and professional spheres. What I’m most proud of brand-wise is the name. It is my monogrammed initials, and growing up, I always wanted to own a business that provided my monogram initials because those personalized initials represent the idea that it’s perfectly acceptable not to be perfect. Imperfection is okay if you’re content and at peace with yourself. Those monogrammed letters symbolize being okay, even with flaws and all. I am also proud of what I offer to support others: tried and proper support to women and men stepping into their leadership roles or wanting to improve themselves while supporting their loved ones through a health crisis as a caregiver.
How do you think about luck?
I can’t definitively attribute my journey to luck, but I can attribute it to mental fortitude and hard work. Becoming a caregiver for my mother was not a matter of luck, but that role undoubtedly propelled me towards starting my business focused on wellness for caregivers. Additionally, my involvement in culture and leadership development at my full-time job reignited my passion for coaching, which has been fortuitous. The journey has been a combination of small steps and maintaining momentum that has brought me good fortune in my business endeavors. Indeed, this interview opportunity is a stroke of luck, for which I’m grateful.
Pricing:
- single sessions $150.00
- 3 month package, $475
- 6 month package, $775
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aoklifecoaching.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aoklifecoach/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091416404112
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-oyloe/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@aoklifecoaching?lang=en
Image Credits
Rebecca Roddy Photography, Mary-Ellen Evans
