By Leah Crump, Principal Consultant at Leah Crump Consulting

Recently, Leah Crump sat down with Staci Flores, Spa Director at The Plaza San Antonio and a close friend, to discuss the value of working with a specialized consultant as a business owner. 

Staci Flores: Leah, as the founder of Leah Crump Consulting, you’ve earned a reputation for helping hospitality professionals and creatives build thriving consulting businesses. But you also work with a business consultant yourself. What led you to that decision?

Leah Crump: To be honest, I’ve always believed in staying open to new perspectives. No matter how much experience you gain, there’s always something more to discover or refine. Working with a consultant gives me the opportunity to explore different angles and approaches that I might not have considered on my own. It’s not about fixing problems but about inviting fresh insights that can help me grow and adapt in a way that feels natural and aligned with my values.

I think there’s a certain freedom in being able to admit that you don’t have to do it all alone. Bringing in someone who can challenge your thinking and offer a different viewpoint is such a valuable way to keep evolving.

SF: It sounds like it’s made a real difference for you. How has your consultant helped you uncover those blind spots?

LC Oh, absolutely. We all have areas where we get a bit stuck, and it can be easy to overlook them because they’re so familiar. For me, there were certain habits and ways of doing things that I’d held onto just because they’d always seemed to work. My consultant helped me see where I could let go of those old patterns to create more space for new possibilities.

For example, we worked on diversifying my services in a way that didn’t require a big leap in effort but still provided significant value to clients. It wasn’t about reinventing everything; it was more about adjusting the approach slightly to make it feel more effortless and impactful. Those gentle shifts opened up new pathways for growth that felt very organic.

SF: For those thinking of leaving their roles to start a consulting business, how can a business consultant help make that transition smoother?

LC: Transitioning into consulting can be quite an adjustment, especially if you’re used to the security and predictability of a traditional role. A business consultant can provide not just a strategic framework, but also the kind of support that helps you step confidently into a new identity as a business owner.

When I first started Leah Crump Consulting, I didn’t have a business consultant in the beginning. I was figuring it all out through trial and error, learning as I went. Those early experiences were valuable, but looking back, they were a bit of a learning curve. Bringing on a consultant later helped me revisit some of those foundational elements and refine them. It was about taking what I had built so far and finding ways to make it more intentional and aligned with my vision. That guidance made the process smoother and gave me the confidence to continue growing my business with a bit more grace.

SF: You’ve mentioned the power of small adjustments. Can you share more about how those have shown up in your journey?

LC: Definitely. I think sometimes we underestimate how much impact small changes can have. We get caught up in the idea that transformation has to be big and bold, but often, it’s the little tweaks that bring about the most meaningful shifts.

For instance, my consultant helped me look at how I communicate my services. It wasn’t that I was doing it poorly, but with a few subtle changes in language and presentation, I found that clients were engaging in a deeper way. It’s like polishing a gem—it may already be beautiful, but a bit of fine-tuning can really make it shine. Those kinds of adjustments have made my business feel more like an authentic extension of who I am, rather than just a set of tasks I need to manage.

SF: For someone who’s hesitant to invest in a business consultant, what would you say to encourage them?

LC: I would say that it’s worth considering the value of having a trusted sounding board. It’s not about needing help or being unable to do it alone; it’s about having someone who can provide clarity, challenge your assumptions, help you see things in a new light while growing faster than you would on your own!

Investing in a consultant isn’t just about the immediate results—it’s about setting yourself up for long-term growth and fulfillment. It’s about creating a business that feels not only successful but also sustainable and nourishing. For me, it’s been a way to explore new ideas in a safe space and let my business evolve naturally. If you approach it with an open mind, you might be surprised by just how much it can enrich your journey.