Meet Dawn Gagye | Business Coach & Marketing Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dawn Gagye and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dawn, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
From the outset, my journey into business coaching was sparked by a pivotal moment when I witnessed a brilliant entrepreneur struggle to articulate their vision to potential clients. It was a stark realization that having a groundbreaking idea isn’t enough if you can’t convey its value effectively.

This observation was underscored by the fact that many entrepreneurs, despite their passion and innovation, were stumbling at the marketing hurdle, unsure how to present themselves and connect with their ideal clients.

The frustration on their faces was consistent from each person who sought counsel with me, and it resonated deeply.

I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling and clear communication as tools to bridge gaps between people and ideas. Observing these entrepreneurs, I saw a gap I felt compelled to fill.

My approach wasn’t just about providing marketing strategies; it was about empowering them to find their voice and articulate their vision in a way that resonates deeply with their audience. I incorporated techniques from various disciplines, including storytelling, behavioral psychology, and strategic marketing, to develop a unique coaching methodology.

The joy in an entrepreneur’s eyes when they finally ‘click’ with their audience is incredibly rewarding. For me, there’s no greater satisfaction than seeing a client break through their barriers and connect with their ‘perfect’ client. This passion for facilitating such connections was the driving force behind my decision to start my own business. It’s not just about marketing; it’s about creating meaningful connections that empower entrepreneurs to thrive.

In addition to helping entrepreneurs find their authentic voice and connect with their ideal clients, a cornerstone of my coaching practice is laying a robust foundation for long-term success. This involves going beyond surface-level strategies to deeply integrate their core values into every aspect of their business operations. It’s about creating a business that’s not just successful in the market, but also true to the entrepreneur’s vision and values.

One of the first steps in this process is helping my clients articulate and outline their core values. These values then become a critical filter for decision-making—whether it’s in service delivery, hiring and firing, or choosing the right partners and vendors. This alignment ensures that every facet of their business reflects their truth, fostering a culture of integrity and purpose.

Understanding the importance of data and the insights it can provide is another key area we focus on. I guide entrepreneurs through the process of knowing their business numbers intimately—not just for the sake of having metrics, but to understand what these numbers signify about their business health and trajectory. By developing a tailored scorecard, they can make informed decisions that steer their business toward sustained growth and resilience.

Finally, we tackle one of the most critical yet often overlooked aspects of entrepreneurship—creating balance to avoid burnout. The entrepreneurial journey is as much about sustainability as it is about success.

I work with my clients to implement strategies that promote a healthy work-life balance, ensuring they can enjoy the fruits of their labor without sacrificing their well-being.

This bespoke approach, focusing on voice, values, data-driven decisions, and balance, equips entrepreneurs with the tools they need not just to launch their business, but to thrive in the long term. Ultimately, we set the stage for a business that is not only successful but also sustainable and aligned with the entrepreneur’s vision and values.

What should our readers know about your business?
My entrepreneurial journey began in 2002, following a significant life pivot that made me reassess my future. Amidst learning I would never be able to have children while attending law school, I faced a critical crossroads. This period of reflection led me to leave law school, a decision that propelled me into the world of photography through an unexpected opportunity—assisting a friend with dog care while capturing candid moments of the dogs I encountered. What started as a gesture of friendship evolved into a 20-year career in photography, branching into commercial work and, eventually, marketing for small businesses. This diverse path wasn’t just a series of jobs; it was a masterclass in entrepreneurship, marketing, and resilience.

Each step of my journey, from navigating the dot com boom and bust to adapting my business model to meet evolving market needs, taught me invaluable lessons about the essence of entrepreneurship. The key takeaways? The importance of resilience despite what industry, the power of data-informed decision-making, and the value of closely listening to the customer’s journey. These experiences have deeply influenced my coaching and consulting philosophy. I have had a range of gathering expertise across multiple industries: from financial services, law, retail, startups, architecture/design, and even restaurant surveillance systems.

Today, my brand embodies these lessons. It’s about more than just business coaching; it’s about walking hand-in-hand with entrepreneurs as they navigate the complexities of building a business that’s not only successful but also fulfilling and aligned with their deepest values.

My journey—from law school to photography to marketing—mirrors the adaptability, creativity, and resilience I foster in my clients. It’s a testament to the belief that with the right support and strategic guidance, any entrepreneur can overcome adversity and thrive.

I want the world to know that my story is one of transformation, resilience, and unwavering support for those looking to make their mark. My clients aren’t just building businesses; they’re embarking on journeys of personal and professional growth, and I’m here to guide them every step of the way, ensuring they never have to ‘go it alone.’

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First stop the local coffee place with latte art and all the different non-dairy options to suit any diet – caffeine shouldn’t come with dietary consequences!

Next is a relaxing main/pedi at the local spa.

A light lunch of local fare and outdoor seating to take in the ambience of town and appreciate good food, good energy, and sunshine.

Next we are off to explore a little walk along the water front as we work our way towards the local shops where we hunt for vintage or consignment thrifting as we talk about life and business.

Off to dinner next after a quick change into fresh clothes and a sweet tea. Dinner is at a small women owned restaurant where farm to table food is served with delicious custom crafted cocktails and gluten free dessert – chef’s choice.

Lastly we head over to the waterfront for live acoustic music where the locals gather to listen on a grassy area seated on blankets or around a series of fire pits.

Sunday is “ladies who brunch” and an offering of the best sweet and savory foods and lots of coffee/espresso drinks or mimosas with OJ or pineapple juice.

From there it is off to walk the stalls of the town Farmer’s Market to support the farms and other businesses. We connect with people and watch the families and dogs enjoy the beautiful weather and welcome slow-down of a rest day.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The Women’s Entrepreneur Group where freshly minted mid-life women entrepreneurs go to gather, share, and support one another at the edge of their success.

Website: https://tracerstrategicmarketing.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracerstrategicmarketing/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawngagye/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracerstrategicmarketing/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dawngagyeTSM

Other: Podcast: The Entrepreneurial Edge Website: https://tracerstrategicmarketing.com/podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TGrsYmWALYWJYaspoSWs8?si=48875603f2574e85 iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-entrepreneurial-edge-w-158659008/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-entrepreneurial-edge-with-dawn-gagye/id1735743259

Image Credits
All photos are copyright Dawn Gagye or courtesy of the client behind the scenes.