Clearing the Path to Joy - Alchemilla Wellness

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Katerina Baratta, LAc, MSOM, Founder of Alchemilla Wellness LLC., located in Tigard, OR, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I provide holistic mental health consultations for clients around the world who are struggling with stress and anxiety. Ultimately, anxiety is a response to stress, and stress has its roots in more than just a person's personal history. It can also come from an imbalance in the gut, sleep irregularities, too much or too little exercise, mindset, environment, routine, you name it. So when I meet with a client, we don't focus on their life history as much as a talk therapist might. Instead, we investigate what is leading to the imbalance that is causing stress, and then we make a plan to optimize their diet and lifestyle to heal the root of the issue instead of just talking about the symptoms.

Tell us about yourself

I have a master's degree in Chinese medicine and a license in acupuncture, but my training and experience go far beyond sticking needles in people. What I'm really interested in is teaching people how to recognize the symptoms of imbalance as they show up in their lives and then support and empower them to make the changes that will allow them to heal. When I first graduated, I knew that this was what I wanted to do, but there weren't any practitioners that I knew of working the way I wanted to. So I started out in the clinic, and people would come to me for their headaches, and I would give them a relaxing session that would help them, but what I really wanted to do was spend time talking about what caused those headaches in the first place. I started creating online courses and workshops so I could dive in deeper with clients, and when the pandemic hit, I decided to move my practice entirely online. Now, instead of people coming to my office expecting me to "fix" them, I get to work with clients who are ready to put in the work that leads to real and lasting transformation. Not everyone is ready for this level of healing, but those who are making amazing strides in our time together. I'm inspired and delighted by my clients every day!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Creating online courses that empower people to change their lives.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

No health benefits, paid time off, steady income, or support (especially in the beginning). Starting business costs a lot of time and money, and if you don't have the privilege of financial and logistical support to set it up, it can feel impossible at times.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

1. Experiment before assuming that people will want to buy what you're selling. Do your research first, talk to potential clients about their hopes and fears, and get a feel for whether there's a real demand for your product. Even if there is, if what you're selling doesn't fix a problem in an obvious or expected way, you're going to spend a lot of time educating potential clients, and that can be difficult and time-consuming.
2. Find people to work with. Unless you have endless time and resources, you're going to burn out if you try on too many hats.
3. Learn to write a business plan and stick to it!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://katerinabaratta.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katerinabaratta/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katerina-baratta/

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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