Mina Irfan, widely known as The Universe Guru, is a distinguished life coach and spiritual mentor from Houston, Texas. Combining her academic background in Communications, Anthropology, and Evolutionary Psychology from Northwestern University with profound spiritual teachings, Mina has developed a unique approach to personal and spiritual growth. Her journey into life coaching began in 2011 with a YouTube channel she created to cope with the loss of her mother to cancer. The channel quickly grew in popularity, leading Mina to establish her company, The Universe Guru, in 2016.
Through her company, Mina has created over 80 digital courses and authored books like “Lady Balls” and “Contained in Love”. Her courses, which focus on themes such as inner work, feminine energy, and balancing personal goals with family life, have reached women globally, including CEOs, scientists, and other influential figures. Mina’s personal experiences of overcoming childhood abuse and bullying have instilled in her a deep resilience, which she channels into her coaching to empower other women.
Married for 15 years and a mother of three, Mina’s family life significantly influences her teachings. She advocates for a life of abundance and joy without the necessity for sacrifices, promoting the integration of feminine energy and mindfulness in achieving a fulfilling life. Mina’s work emphasizes the ease and beauty of living a balanced life, inspiring countless women worldwide to connect with their inner strength and take control of their lives.
Mina Irfan’s dedication to helping others find peace, joy, and success makes her a respected and influential figure in the realm of personal development and spiritual mentoring.
How did you get started in this business?
My journey into this business began as a deeply personal endeavor. In 2010, after the devastating loss of my mother to cancer, I started a YouTube channel as a way to heal and connect with others. Sharing my personal growth and spiritual journey resonated with many, and my channel quickly grew. My subscribers encouraged me to take on the role of a life coach, seeing value in my insights and guidance. In 2016, I formally launched my company, The Universe Guru, to provide structured support and resources to those seeking personal and spiritual development. This platform has since evolved, offering over 80 digital courses and helping women around the world achieve inner peace and success.
How do you make money?
I make money through various streams within my business. The primary sources are my digital courses and coaching programs, which cater to high-achieving women looking to balance their professional success with personal and spiritual growth. Additionally, I generate income from book sales, including my popular titles “Lady Balls” and “Contained in Love”. We also offer exclusive masterclasses, VIP coaching sessions, and bundled course packages. Each of these offerings is designed to provide comprehensive support and transformative experiences for my clients.
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
I started my YouTube channel in 2011, but it wasn’t until I launched The Universe Guru in 2016 that I began to see significant financial returns. Because I spent so many years nurturing my audience before launching anything, my company was instantly profitable by the time I started selling. By November 2017, when I launched my first digital course, the business started to gain traction and generate substantial revenue.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
Absolutely, there were moments of doubt. Starting The Universe Guru was a leap of faith, especially after transitioning from a YouTube channel to a full-fledged business. The fear of being seen by more and more people and online harassment by some made entrepreneurship difficult at times. During these times, I relied heavily on my spiritual practices—meditation, journaling, and prayer—to stay grounded and focused. I also drew strength from my community and the positive feedback from those whose lives were transformed by my teachings. These reassurances kept me moving forward, even when doubts crept in.
How did you get your first customer?
My first customer came through my YouTube channel. After sharing my personal journey and insights on spiritual and personal growth, I built a community of followers who trusted and valued my guidance. When I announced my first digital course in 2017, many of my subscribers were eager to sign up. The strong relationship I had nurtured with my audience over the years played a crucial role in converting viewers into paying customers. Their belief in my work and their desire for deeper transformation made the transition to offering paid courses a natural step.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
One effective marketing strategy I use is leveraging the power of social media to share valuable, engaging content. By consistently posting insights, tips, and inspirational messages on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, I can reach a broader audience. I also use email marketing to stay connected with my community, offering exclusive content and updates about new courses and events. Collaborations with other influencers and thought leaders in the personal development space have also been instrumental in expanding my reach and attracting new clients.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
One of the toughest decisions recently was whether to expand the team and delegate more responsibilities or to keep operations tight and personal. Expanding means potentially losing some of the personal touch that clients value, but it also allows for growth and the ability to serve more people. After careful consideration, I decided to expand the team but with a strong emphasis on training to ensure that the quality and personal touch of my services remain intact. This decision was challenging but necessary for the continued growth of The Universe Guru.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
I believe my success stems from a combination of authenticity, resilience, and a deep commitment to my mission. Sharing my personal experiences and struggles openly has created a strong connection with my audience. My academic background, combined with spiritual teachings, provides a unique and effective approach to personal development. Additionally, my unwavering dedication to helping others and continuously improving my offerings ensures that I stay relevant and impactful. The consistent positive feedback and transformative results experienced by my clients further fuel my drive and commitment.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
One of the most satisfying moments in my business was when I received heartfelt testimonials from women who experienced profound transformations through my courses. Hearing how my teachings helped them overcome significant challenges, find inner peace, and achieve their goals reaffirmed the purpose of my work. Another memorable moment was being recognized as Thinkific’s #1 course seller for two consecutive years. This acknowledgment highlighted the impact and reach of my courses, bringing immense satisfaction and motivation to continue growing and helping more women worldwide.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
The future of The Universe Guru is incredibly exciting. We plan to expand our offerings, including new courses and masterclasses that delve deeper into advanced topics of personal and spiritual growth. I’m particularly excited about developing more interactive and immersive experiences for our clients, leveraging technology to enhance learning and transformation. Additionally, we’re exploring opportunities for live events and retreats, providing more in-person connections and community-building experiences. The continuous growth and evolution of our content and community are what excite me the most.
What business books have inspired you?
One book that has significantly inspired me is “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle. Its teachings on mindfulness and living in the present moment have deeply influenced my personal life and coaching methods. Another influential book is “Outwitting the Devil” by Napoleon Hill, which offers timeless principles on success and achieving one’s goals. These books, among others, have provided valuable insights and frameworks that have shaped my approach to both business and personal development.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to trust the process and be patient. Every challenge and setback is an opportunity to learn and grow, not a detour from your path. It’s crucial to practice self-care and set boundaries early on, as they are vital for long-term success and happiness. Embrace your unique qualities and don’t be afraid to stand out. Persistence and integrity will pay off in the long run. Lastly, always act from a place of love and authenticity, and remember that great things take time.
Are you willing to be a mentor? If so, how should someone contact you?
Yes, I am open to mentoring. I believe in the power of sharing knowledge and guiding others on their journey. Those interested in mentorship can contact me through my official website, www.theuniverseguru.com, where they can find more information about my mentorship programs and how to apply. Additionally, I occasionally offer special mentorship opportunities through my courses and masterclasses, so staying connected through my email list and social media channels is a good way to stay informed.