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Imagine walking into a bank with six-figure revenue, 30% year-over-year growth, and impeccable financials—only to be told you can’t get a business loan unless your husband co-signs. Sounds infuriating, right?
For Shelagh Cummins, this moment wasn’t just a hurdle; it was the spark that ignited a mission to rewrite the rules for women entrepreneurs. In this episode of Coaching with Impact, I sat down with Shelagh in which she shared her journey from “accidental entrepreneur” to powerhouse business coach, funding advocate, and founder of The Road to Seven.
If you’ve ever struggled with scaling, finding the right clients, or simply believing you can build a business on your terms, this is your blueprint for success.
Accidental Beginnings: From Teacher to Trailblazer
Shelagh didn’t grow up dreaming of entrepreneurship. She was a teacher, navigating the cost of daycare in Toronto while juggling the desire to stay home with her kids. When necessity knocked, Shelagh answered—but her path was far from smooth.
From blogging and tutoring to corporate training, Shelagh embraced trial and error to discover what truly lit her fire. Her big break? Emceeing a women’s entrepreneurial conference, where her bite-sized training segments caught the eye of her first coaching client.
Breaking Financial Barriers for Women Entrepreneurs
Shelagh’s turning point came in 2019, when she sought a business loan to expand her brand. Despite hitting every metric of a successful entrepreneur, the bank denied her. Their reasoning? Her credit score—and the outdated notion that her husband’s signature could “solve” the problem.
Rather than let the system define her, Shelagh built her own solution: a debt fund tailored to women entrepreneurs. This fund helps women make strategic investments—think websites, ad campaigns, and product development—without the predatory interest rates of traditional loans.
Shelagh’s Financial Hacks
- Ask Hard Questions: Is that “small business loan” affecting your personal or business credit score?
- Get Ahead of the Curve: Apply for funding before you need it, so you can seize opportunities when they arise.
- Invest Intentionally: Focus on what will directly grow your business, not the shiny objects everyone’s hyping.
The Power of Mindset: Are You Coachable?
Shelagh emphasizes that scaling isn’t just about systems; it’s about mindset. She’s worked with countless women, and here’s the truth: not everyone is ready to grow.
Red Flags in Clients
- “Yeah, but…” Syndrome: If someone deflects every suggestion, they’re not ready for change.
- Coach Hoppers: If you’re the fifth coach they’ve hired to solve the same problem, accountability might be the missing ingredient.
- Resistance to Action: Growth requires doing the work. If they’re not ready to act, they’re not ready to scale.
Pro Tip: Set clear boundaries. Not every client is your client, and saying no can open the door to the right opportunities.
Scaling Smarter, Not Harder
If you’re stuck in the time-for-money trap, Shelagh offers this game-changing advice: leverage your time. Instead of relying solely on one-on-one coaching, consider creating scalable offers that allow you to serve many at once.
Ways to Scale Your Business
- Leverage Offers: Develop group programs or memberships where you can support multiple clients simultaneously.
- Raise Your Rates: Reflect the true value you bring in your pricing.
- Expand Strategically: Whether hiring support staff or other coaches, find the model that aligns with your goals.
Shelagh’s own model—The Scale Collective—blends leveraged programs with targeted one-on-one coaching for maximum impact.
What Coaches Get Wrong About Marketing
Here’s a reality check: It’s not about you—it’s about your clients. Many coaches focus too much on their own story and forget to highlight the transformations they deliver.
Shelagh’s Marketing Musts
- Share the Journey: Highlight where your clients started, what you did to help, and the results they achieved.
- Create Case Studies: Testimonials are nice, but detailed success stories build trust and credibility.
- Focus on Results: Your audience wants to know what’s in it for them. Be crystal clear about the outcomes you deliver.
Rewrite Your Own Rules
Shelagh’s journey proves that the challenges women face in business aren’t roadblocks—they’re stepping stones to success. Whether you’re struggling to find funding, attract the right clients, or scale without burnout, her story is your reminder that you can build a business—and a life—on your terms.
What’s one bold move you can make today to take your business to the next level?
May it be refining your offer, writing your first case study, or exploring funding options, take that step. The future you’re building is worth it.
About Shelagh
Shelagh Cummins is a teacher at heart, but most of her clients know her as a Business Coach, Growth Strategist, and Speaker. After teaching for 12 years, she transitioned into entrepreneurship, starting with a parenting blog and tutoring business. It wasn’t until she emceed a business conference that she discovered her true passion for facilitating women’s business training. With an M.A. in Education and certifications in Effectiveness and Strategic Intervention Coaching, she combines experiential education and corporate leadership training to deliver life-changing results. Having faced financial struggles and imposter syndrome herself, Shelagh created The Road to Seven™ system to help women entrepreneurs achieve their goals efficiently. Over the last 12 years, she has transformed her one-woman coaching business into an empowering global enterprise—and she’s just getting started.
Discover The Scale Roadmap
Shelagh’s latest resource, The Scale Roadmap, is a 15-minute training designed for women entrepreneurs ready to scale their businesses to $30,000+ months. It’s not just a guide—it’s a proven framework for creating a sustainable, impactful business that pays you what you’re worth.
