Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amy Nelson, Founder and Director of Emotional Milestones, located in Kansas City, MO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
At Emotional Milestones, my mission is to improve children's social and emotional well-being by building the capacity and confidence of early childhood programs and providers to address behavioral health needs.
Tell us about yourself
Growing up, the oldest of 5 girls, I WAS the high-needs child. My sensory seeking and hyperactivity drove my parents and just about every other grownup bonkers! It wasn't until I started working with young children that I realized my neurodivergence was a gift. You see, I'm fluent in two languages- adult and child. I use this fluency to translate, educate and advocate for kids like me!
I'm passionate about motivating and inspiring professionals to do it differently. I help professionals learn to lean in, developing the knowledge and strategies to better support neurodiversity and inclusion in the classroom.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
In 2022 I supported approximately 35,000 children by building caregiver capacity and providing high-quality insightful workshops to over 2,600 educators and mental health providers. Every time a teacher learns how to support the needs of vulnerable children, the ripple effect continues. I have walked into programs that I trained in two years ago to see those therapeutic practices being applied to children in the present moment. That is the kind of legacy that I not only want to leave but to live!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Having the hustle and heart to do the work but needing more experience and knowledge to scale my business. It's certainly not something I learned in graduate school, and I am constantly working to stay on top of the business aspects of my business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Get clear on your WHY – when the going gets tough (and it will), this will be your lighthouse in the storm.
- Hustle hard for your clients. Pay attention to those that show up to support the things you do, from sharing on social media to purchasing repeated services. These are your people, and they should be your priority.
- Create intelligent systems to automate as much as possible, wherever possible. As a solopreneur, you can do anything! But you can't do everything. Know what your time is worth and find ways to streamline or hire out when possible.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.emotionalmilestones.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/a.nelson.lcsw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emotionalmilestones/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emotionalmilestones/
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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