Can you tell us the story behind the founding of your business? What sets your business apart from others in the community?

I have had quite a dynamic life experience facing many challenges and life events. Together with my family, I have lived, worked, and travelled to more than 25 countries in Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania. I spent one year living in North Korea. I lived and worked for three years in India and in South Korea. I've seen the war in Bosnia. I met so many people - rich and poor, happy with their lives, and struggling in pain; young and old, healthy and sick, people fighting for their lives, for their faith, for their country and family.

I possess over 20 years of international business experience in various roles and industries, including education, teaching, and consulting.

We are living in a challenging time and we are all far more aware that many people are more fragile, and the impacts of weather events and other natural disasters are having long-term implications for those affected. 

So, combining my diverse life and business experience with the professional methods of education and coaching, I decided to open my Life coaching business. I love helping people, and I believe that everyone can achieve their dreams and goals. I have a passion and strong beliefs in family values, love, and nature.

What challenges have you faced as a local business owner, and how have you overcome them?

As a business mentor, I understand the challenges of starting a new business.

One of the key factors is recognizing that New Zealand is a relatively small market. Establishing myself as a Life Coach and building a solid client-base can be particularly challenging. Additionally, enhancing visibility in today's fast-evolving technological landscape is an ongoing struggle.

Economic pressures and low confidence within the business sector present significant obstacles as well.

However, it’s important to remember that without taking the first step in your journey, you cannot expect to make progress. It is incredibly rewarding to witness a struggling business evolve from humble beginnings. Seeing owners become fully engaged, implement positive changes, and enjoy the rewards of their efforts after previously facing difficulties is truly fulfilling. And having witnessed others do it, as well as having done it before myself, I gain strength and energy to keep going.

How do you engage with and give back to the local community?

I volunteered (2 years) as a Business Mentor with Business Mentors NZ in Wellington. My interest in giving my time, knowledge, and experience to support small business owners, whether established or emerging, or social enterprise executives is what makes me valuable to our business mentoring service.

What plans do you have for the future growth or development of your business?

My plans focus on raising public awareness about carbon coaching, a relatively new but crucial area in the coaching field. With global warming already impacting our world, it is more important than ever to address this issue. One of the primary goals of carbon coaching is to help individuals reduce their carbon footprint, which is the total amount of greenhouse gases—such as carbon dioxide and methane—produced by our activities. This training equips people, businesses, and society with the knowledge needed to live in harmony with nature.

Currently, the main areas of work for 'Victory Life Coaching' are:

- Relationship Coaching

- Business and Time-Management Coaching

- Cultural Diversity Coaching

- Carbon Coaching

Why did you join the Porirua Chamber of Commerce?

There are many reasons to join the Porirua Chamber of Commerce, but the main reasons for me are:

  • Networking, socialising, and relationship building: The chamber offers a variety of networking events that help me connect with like-minded individuals. Regular activities such as mixers, breakfasts, and groups provide opportunities to meet other local business owners. This interaction fosters partnerships, collaborations, and referrals.
  • The chamber provides support for business growth by connecting companies with expertise and information, facilitating collaboration among businesses, and introducing them to potential clients for showcasing their products and services. 
  • My business has the opportunity to obtain a stronger presence within the business community.

What role do you think the Chamber of Commerce should play in Porirua

Nowadays, the Chamber of Commerce in Porirua plays a crucial role in supporting local businesses by highlighting their value to the New Zealand economy. The Chamber provides opportunities for business owners to learn and grow, supports its members, shares valuable business information with the local community, and fosters a socio-economic foundation that benefits the entire community.

Contact

Vanya Petkova

LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanya-petkova-a3890014/

Victory Life Coaching Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/Vanya5kova