I first met Àjíké around five years ago at a Give ‘n Take Networking event in NYC. She has spoken at one of our very first Own Your Power events (when it was just a workshop in NY). As the founder of Spiritry™ , she’s been coaching others for the last 15 years. Her knowledge is enlightening and I am happy to introduce her to you, so you can find out why she LOVES WHAT SHE DOES!

ajike
What does your business do? Spiritry™ is a unique coaching and consulting business through which I provide individuals and organizations with cutting edge, spiritually-based leadership development services through life coaching, spiritual readings, courses, and retreats. My coaching is rooted in the principles of women’s spirituality and the law of attraction; I teach people how to use tools like affirmations, symbols, and spiritwork to help bring lasting, positive change.

Any interesting fact(s) you can share about your industry? Spirituality is no longer relegated to one’s personal life, but is spilling over into businesses and the world of work. People are surprisingly open to bridging the gap between their spiritual and professional lives. They are also recognizing the need for someone to be accountable to voluntarily (i.e. a coach); that it is healthy and beneficial to have someone witness and affirm their development.

Most popular problem you help people solve? Most people want to lead a more integrated life: one that includes room for the creative expression of their most authentic self, their truest passion in life, and their unique spiritual beliefs.

How do you stay motivated? I make it a point to do what I love to do as often as I can: Reading, meditating, and writing. I also listen to the success stories of others.

Biggest pet peeve in business? People using big words to convey a simple message.

What’s a bold move you took that turned your business around? Ignoring ‘the rules’ and bringing my full self to my work instead of compartmentalizing the various aspects of my identity and my beliefs. In order to be truly effective, I had to be willing to take the risk early on of being myself and articulating my unique perspectives. People responded very favorably to me and my work, and encouraged me.

One thing that you would change if you could?
How some people use religion and spirituality to oppress themselves and others.

What’s your favorite area on www.ownyourpower.ning.com? The Blog. I love to hear what people are doing and thinking.

What’s a unique talent that you have that might surprise us?
I can spiritually read people without using any divination tools.

Last time you laughed until you cried?
Watching a funny movie last week: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation-I love silly movies.

It’s sadly time for your last meal on earth…what would it be? Sashimi, beef tataki, and and spicy olives.

Have you used Social Networking to gain new contacts/business? If so, what have been any results? I met a few people and together we formed a mastermind group. It’s great having people to be accountable to regarding my business goals.

If you could do it all over again, what is the biggest mistake you’d avoid next time around? I would have focused on marketing from the very beginning.

Most exciting moment that you got your time to shine? When I was honored as an elder by my spiritual community in a ceremony on August 14, 2007. It was enlightening to hear what people thought of me who’ve known me since I was child and witnessed my growing into adulthood.

What’s in your cd player/ipod right now? Alaakoso by Ama Mcken (Orisa music), Commissioned (Gospel), and Mariah Carey.

If you could have superpowers, what would you want? I do have superpowers, lol. I would be able to convey important messages telepathically.

Do you want to reach out to Àjíké? Add her as a friend in our network and contact her here: info@spiritry.com, 347.451.4328.