Jess Pilgrim has a degree in interior design, but after a stint in an architecture and design firm and years in marketing leadership at multiple levels, she became a certified life coach. The Greenville Journal caught up with Pilgrim to see what a day in his life looks like.

What were you doing before you became a life coach?

I’m vice president at Arbonne and before that I interned in the interior design department at Craig Gaulden Davis. Now I help people design their lives rather than their homes.

You have a degree in interior design … why did you choose to get into life coaching instead?

I had been doing this for years… helping people get off the ground, find their worth, gain self-confidence… long before I knew “life coaching” was a profession people did.

Do people understand what a life coach does?

Not everybody. It’s a simple conversation to help them understand that I am serving them where they are; help them achieve their goals, help them understand their value. I don’t think they understand the importance until they start coaching and see how much they can grow through coaching.

Let’s talk about “growing through coaching …” what does that mean?

It’s like when you get a personal trainer. You know they are going to help you lift the weights and do it right… but when you consider the time you spent with this trainer, you realize how much you’ve grown. It’s the same with a life coach – people don’t realize how much growth can happen when done right.

Who needs a life coach?

Those who feel stuck. Those who run after a goal or a dream that has not come true. For others it starts a new chapter in life as an entrepreneur or maybe an empty nest and they don’t know what to do because their identity has been in that old job or parenting role. Sometimes it’s a CEO or business owner looking to grow or change the way they do things.

How is a coach different from a mentor?

Mentors are sometimes there to listen and advise whereas with coaching there is more responsibility and planning. As a coach, I listen, but I will also help chart a course.

What does a coaching session consist of?
A session lasts an hour, maybe more. Everyone is different, the sessions are personalized. I have clients who fill out a questionnaire to get an idea of ​​where they are and where they want to go. Then I help them understand the importance of going through the process – and I meet them where they are.

What does a life coach need to be successful?

Watch others flourish. When you get those text messages or those phone calls and they’ve had this success for the day or achieved that goal that they’ve been working on for years, but after a month of coaching they’ve actually achieved it? It really enlightens me.