Q&A with Spark Escapes founder Faith Hill

During our Q&A with Spark Escapes founder Faith Hill, we asked her about quitting her 9-5 routine in favour of starting her own business. Spark Escapes helps people discover what it is they really want to do and set specific goals to work towards achieving their dream career. With the help of vocation expert Marrietta Birkholtz, Faith regularly runs Spark Escapes events and workshops to inspire people to kickstart new careers and lifestyles.

What was it about that first workshop with Marietta Birkholtz that made you want to make changes to your lifestyle?

Initially, I had signed up to the workshop in the hope it would help me identify a new career. I had been in media for 15 years and wanted something less corporate, something that ‘gave back’ a bit more. But Marietta’s exercises and the insightful group discussions she led helped me uncover a new business idea which could fulfil all of my goals: to help people, to organise events, to travel and to learn. The concept for Spark Escapes, unnamed at the time, felt so good and powerful inside, I vowed to start changing my life to make it happen.

What is it about the Spark Escapes events and workshops that have proven to be beneficial to so many people?

I think it’s our mixture of ideas and inspiration, self-exploration, support and sharing that people love. We encourage vulnerability at all times… there is no need to hide behind a façade; we’re all here to help each other succeed. We like to help people set an action plan to make change happen; it goes a long way to ensuring people act on their words!

How do you and Marietta motivate people to make positive lifestyle changes at the events?

People sign up because they already know they want to make a change but are looking for guidance to uncover their true vocational passions or want to create an action plan for change. Throughout the events, we help people keep sight of what they want to get away from and of what they want to gain.

Why do you think there are so many people who stay in careers or situations that don’t make them happy?

The main reason is fear, and most fears can be really debilitating. Fear of not having enough money to live on. Many people I meet through Spark Escapes are at the top of their game, they’ve spent years getting there and are earning a good salary. Switching to a new career or starting their own business may not reap such an income immediately. However there are many ways to cut living expenses while making a transition and I ask each person to explore all of their options; what expenses are essential, which can be eradicated or heavily reduced? Another is the fear of failure. This evil monster is a combination of our mind working overtime and what society tells us is possible. I love showing people this very powerful video to give them impetus to make a change at work.

What advice would you give people who feel unhappy with their choices or current situation?

Explore all your options and ideas. You don’t have to make a big, risky leap straight away, but exploring alternative paths and meeting people who do what you want to do or have what you want will give you strength and confidence.

Why do you think is it so important to enjoy the career that you have chosen?

Because we spend so much of our lifetime at work and we owe it to ourselves to do something we enjoy. We only have one life and we should live it! A recent survey by Investors in People found that 60% of people in the UK are unhappy in their current jobs which is terrible.

What has been the most challenging aspect of your big career change from publishing to founding Spark Escapes?

Getting over the fear of losing my monthly pay packet was huge. Like most people, I have bills and commitments and running into debt scared me. To save money, I rented out my flat and moved in with my sister for a while. I also transitioned from full time to part time which gave me the finances I needed at the time.

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to start up their own business?

• Do your research
• Believe in yourself and your idea
• Plan financially… and but don’t be crippled by planning
• Don’t let your mind be overcome by fears; have faith
• Enjoy the journey!

What is your favourite way to unwind after a stressful day?

Luckily I rarely have a stressful day now like I used to have; I’m doing work I love and I’m in control of my schedule and the projects I get involved with. But I do love a night on the sofa with a good book or a nature documentary!

Who or what inspires you the most?

Interesting, uplifting people. I love being surrounded by them, working, learning and sharing ideas with them; they give me energy and make me love my work even more.