Female Founder Feature: Marlene Bekker

Female Founder Name: Marlene Bekker

Business Name: InterSoul

Website: www.intersoul.net

Tell us about your business. What products or services do you offer?: InterSoul is a holistic and spiritual subscription platform designed to connect Souls in the Digital Age. We bring together a global community of service providers and Seekers, offering a range of soul-nourishing experiences from energy healing, intuitive guidance, and divination to mind-body therapies, spiritual coaching, and beyond.
Our platform makes it easy for individuals to discover and book sessions with spiritual and wellness practitioners from around the world. For service providers, InterSoul offers a professional space to showcase their offerings, connect with new clients, and grow their spiritual business through custom-built tools. Whether you're seeking support on your personal journey or you're a practitioner ready to share your light, InterSoul is where your inner world finds connection and community.

What inspired you to start your business?: As someone who has walked the path of personal growth and spiritual awakening, I saw how fragmented and overwhelming the wellness space could be. I wanted to build something that felt grounded, heart-led, and truly inclusive — a platform that honours both the ancient and the modern, the seeker and the guide.
InterSoul is my way of weaving together community, consciousness, and technology to support a global shift toward deeper awareness and connection. It’s not just a business — it’s a soul mission.

How long have you been running your business?: InterSoul is in its early stages, with our soft launch taking place in 2025.
While the platform itself is newly launched, the vision behind InterSoul has been in development for eleven months, shaped by years of lived experience and a deep passion for conscious entrepreneurship and spiritual growth.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a woman in business, and how did you overcome it?: One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a woman in business has been navigating the pressure to “do it all” while staying true to a heart-led, intuitive way of working.
In a world that often values hustle over harmony, it took time to honour my own pace and redefine what success looks like — not just in numbers, but in alignment, purpose, and impact. As a founder building a spiritual platform, there were also moments of doubt around how to blend the unseen with the practical — to merge the soul with strategy.
I'm overcoming these challenges by leaning into community, trusting my inner wisdom, and allowing myself to lead from a place of wholeness rather than perfection. InterSoul itself became part of that healing — a reflection of what’s possible when feminine leadership, authenticity, and vision come together.

What has been your proudest moment as a business owner?: Since we are still in the early stages, my proudest moment so far has been stepping into the live environment for the very first time.
After so much planning, building, and visioning behind the scenes, seeing InterSoul come to life as a functioning platform was incredibly fulfilling. It marked the moment where a dream became real — not just an idea on paper, but a space ready to welcome people on their journey of healing and self-discovery.

What strategies have helped you grow your business?: I’ve focused on building strong foundations — from a clear and soulful brand message to thoughtful platform features that truly serve both Seekers and service providers. I’ve also prioritised organic relationship-building over rapid scaling, reaching out to aligned practitioners, engaging with spiritual and wellness communities, and using social media mindfully to create connection, not just content.

What tools or resources have been game-changers for your business?: AI tools have been an enormous help to me, especially as I’m still working full-time while bootstrapping InterSoul.
Since I don’t yet have the time or resources to dedicate to InterSoul full-time, tools like ChatGPT and other AI platforms have been game-changers — helping me with everything from drafting content and planning social media, to organising ideas and even refining business strategy.

They’ve allowed me to move forward efficiently, stay creative, and keep momentum going — even when my schedule is tight. As a solo founder, having that kind of support at my fingertips has truly made a difference.

Can you share one key lesson you’ve learned about managing finances as a business owner?: Plan for delays in launches!

How do you balance the demands of your business with your personal life?: By staying balanced! Living a balanced lifestyle is a core part of my life. Which of course, is not always easy, but I've learned to be aware of when the wheels are starting to come off, and then pulling back and resetting.

What leadership qualities do you believe are essential for running a successful business?: Authenticity, empathy, vision, and lots of patience!

How do you motivate and manage your team?: As a solo founder, I manage most things myself at the moment, but when I do work with collaborators, I prioritise open communication, alignment with our shared mission, and mutual respect.

What role does mentorship or networking play in your business journey?: Networking has been key in creating a sense of community — not just for myself, but for InterSoul as a whole. The connections I’ve made have opened doors to collaborations, partnerships, and opportunities to learn from others. It’s reminded me that entrepreneurship isn’t a solo journey; it’s about supporting and being supported by others who share similar values and dreams.

What trends do you think will shape your industry in the coming years?: The wellness and spiritual industry is rapidly evolving, and I believe several trends will shape its future in the coming years.
Personalisation and Integration: As more people seek holistic, personalised solutions for their well-being, platforms like InterSoul will continue to evolve, offering tailored experiences that integrate various modalities — from energy healing and intuitive guidance to mind-body wellness and spiritual coaching.
Technology and AI: The intersection of technology and spirituality will continue to grow, with AI tools playing a bigger role in supporting personal growth, from personalised guidance to automated bookings and scheduling. These tools will help enhance the user experience, making spiritual support more accessible and efficient.
Community and Collective Healing: The desire for authentic community spaces will increase, as people seek deeper connections with like-minded individuals and healing practitioners. Online platforms that foster genuine, supportive communities will be crucial, as individuals look for safe, inclusive spaces to explore their spiritual and personal journeys.
Sustainability and Conscious Living: As more people embrace holistic lifestyles, sustainability will become an even more important factor in the wellness industry. Practitioners and platforms will need to be mindful of how they source and promote products, services, and practices that support not only individual well-being but also the well-being of the planet.

How do you stay ahead of the competition in your industry?: By building a custom-built platform that is more advanced, capable, and flexible than the average cookie-cutter wellness directories currently on the market. We thrive on innovation and keeping up to date with the latest tech.

Who or what inspires you in your business journey?: The small business wellness providers that are out there, leading with their hearts.

What books, podcasts, or resources have had the biggest impact on your professional growth?: I love reading, here are but a few books that have impacted me.
Conversations with God by Neale Donald Walsch
Love Money, Money Loves You by Sarah McCrum
Letting Go by David R Hawkins
Destiny of Souls by Michael Newton

I'm also a yoga teacher, and doing yoga regularly has been an invaluable resource.

What’s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t know?: I LOVE Fantasy Fiction!

What’s one thing you wish more people knew about your business?: Gosh, too early to say since we haven't properly launched yet.

Reflecting on your time in business, what is one piece of advice you would give to another woman to help her on her business journey?: Join a women's business group.

How can people connect with you or learn more about your business? (e.g., website, social media, etc.): www.intersoul.net