Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Aimee Elsner, owner of Balanced Beeing Occupational Therapy and Connecticut Power Yoga, located in Stamford, CT, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own Balanced Beeing Occupational Therapy and Connecticut Power Yoga, both in Stamford, CT.
Balanced Beeing OT combines traditional and holistic occupational therapy approaches to help people of all ages live happy, well-rounded life. We provide tailored services and programs for people of all ages who are experiencing mental health disorders, including anxiety, stress, developmental disorders, ADHD, and ADD.
Connecticut Power Yoga is an infra-red hot yoga studio, and our goal is to get people connected to their own bodies through movement, meditation, and self-discovery, so they are able to connect to others.
Tell us about yourself
I have been an occupational therapist for 25 years and have mostly worked with the pediatric population. Fourteen years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to reevaluate my whole life. Yoga played a huge role in that. Occupational therapy, yoga, and meditation are so connected. Through my own experiences for myself, I discovered how powerful the modality of yoga and meditation could be for my occupational therapy clients.
Since I am a typical New Yorker and a Type A personality, why open one business when I could open two? Seeing people thrive in their lives motivates me every day. It is such a gift to be able to share my passion with my profession.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
In the current state of the world, my biggest accomplishment is seeing both businesses survive and now thrive through COVID. This would not have been possible without the community and connections I have made throughout the years. I always say give back and get back. They go hand in hand. If you want to make something happen, you have to stand for what you want and go get it.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest part of being a business owner is knowing when to put all of the stuff down and take a breath. Stepping back and really seeing what is working and what is not, AND being able to let go of the things that are not working.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- WRITE IT DOWN, put on paper what you want and what you vision, and keep it posted so you can see it every day. Writing long-term and short-term goals and crossing them off as they happen.
- Get yourself out there. Connections and word of mouth are the best sources of new clients.
- Don't give stuff away for free, AND don't be afraid to charge for what your product or service is worth.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.balancedbeeingot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CTPowerYoga/
Instagram(Therapy): https://www.instagram.com/balancedbeeingot/
Instagram(Yoga): https://www.instagram.com/ctpoweryoga/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimee-elsner-8965a910/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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