Interview with a Founder - Stefanie Lethbridge

In a series of interviews, we have rapid fire question rounds with some of our users who are all inspiring founders of thriving, creative businesses.

In this interview, we talked with Stefanie Lethbridge, the founder of CS Planners, the how-to guide for mindset, business, and soul.

(This article has been edited for brevity)

1. What is your company’s purpose and mission?

We are your go-to guide for your mind, business, and soul. We are on a mission to inspire others to heal their mind and soul while building their business so they can live their dream life. We do this through courses, videos, podcasts, blogs, and programs.

2. What inspired you to start your business?

After my son passed away, I realized that life really is too short. He is a huge inspiration to why I started my business. I was also told by doctors that I couldn't have kids, yet I have a healthy 3-year-old daughter. From the moment I held her in my hands I knew I wanted to start a business to inspire others and to create that freedom I've always wanted.

3. What is your favorite brand and why?

I love Shaun T Fitness because he really brings his personality into his brand! He creates different workout programs, but makes them fun! Even on Instagram he makes working out seem fun, always dancing, and really being himself into his brand.

4. What did you do before starting the business?

I planned events for students, such as Prom and Canada's Wonderland trips.

5. What is your biggest challenge as an entrepreneur?

My biggest challenge by far was taking the first leap. I was scared of going from a full-time job that I had for 5 years to an entrepreneur.

6. Share your top 3 tips for success with fellow entrepreneurs and people thinking of starting a business.

I have three tips that I would like to call out.

1. Face your fear and do it anyway.

It's normal to be nervous to start a business, but focus on taking small steps every single day. Know that it's okay to be afraid, but if you truly want it, focus on the rewards that you will get from taking the risk. I ended up getting my first client within the first week of launching because I took that chance on myself.

2. Don't let others tell you what's best for you.

Before I even started a business I had so many opinions of things I should and shouldn't be doing (most have not run a business either). They told me I couldn't do it. My biggest advice is to not let other people discourage you from starting a business. A product that someone said I shouldn't sell ended up selling for double what I was asking!

3. It's okay to not have everything planned out.

Just focus on little steps you can do every single day that will help you achieve success in your business.

7. How do you spend your time when you are not at work?

I spend my time with my 3-year-old daughter and husband. During COVID we have done a lot of hiking and different adventures. I love being able to be at home with my husband and daughter, it's everything I've always ever wanted.

8. What do you love to do most in your daily life?

I love being able to help people through writing and recording! From creating programs, courses, challenges, podcasts to blogs, I love being able to inspire people to live their dream life.

9. How do you continue to educate yourself?

I am constantly taking courses and programs to continue to learn. I feel like learning is a key part of owning a business!

10. Any recommendations of books, podcasts, blogs, etc. for fellow entrepreneurs?

I definitely recommend checking out our podcast and blog at CS Planners.

Another huge inspiration was the High-Performance Habits book by Brendon Burchard.

11. Tell us about your logo design and what message it carries.

Our logo design is simple and feminine. We really were going for a message that makes people feel calm and peaceful. We really want others to be able to find their true self and live their dream life.

12. What were some obstacles in determining the brand identity?

The biggest challenge was making sure that the colors we chose matched our message of our brand.

13. What are the key elements to building a brand that matters to your customers and how do you implement them into your day-to-day business activities?

The key elements to building a brand are color, messaging, mission, and consistency. Making sure that the logo, website, blog, YouTube, and social media match each of those key elements. Creating a brand is like an experience for the customer. You are taking them on this journey every time to learn more about you. It creates this like, know, and trust factor that helps increase your sales! Branding is also the key way to outselling your competition, so making sure that those key elements are included on all platforms is important.

Find out more about Stefanie Lethbridge’s business, CS Planners here.

Thank you for a great chat, Stefanie, and we wish you the best for your venture!