Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Andrea Salvate, Founder of Talk the Talk, Speech Language Pathology, PLLC., located in New York, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a speech-language pathology practice helping others communicate effectively. Our customers are children 12mo. of age and up who need help with their receptive, expressive, and/or social language and articulation skills.
Tell us about yourself
I am the daughter of two business-inclined parents. As a little girl, I always expressed an interest in opening my own business. As I got older and chose my occupation, I knew I would go into it with the plan of forming my own practice one day. I was reinforced after working in the schools for seven years. I started feeling burnt out after year 3. I had 71 children on my caseload, worked long hours to prepare for sessions, complete paperwork, and see success in my students, who I was expected to see in groups of 4-7 at a time, each with their own needs.
It was overwhelming! I decided I wanted to start my own practice to treat children individually and get one-on-one with them with little to no paperwork. My focus became the client, and I was so happy. Not only was I now able to afford my occupation (i.e., paying for materials and supplies while making money), but I was doing what I loved, and families were grateful! As I grew, I wanted to create a community for us therapists and our clients, and that's where we are now. I am motivated every day to work because of my clients and my therapists.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is my product. We've created a system where our families are happy to see us and see results. We love seeing the growth our clients are making, specifically their language development and how this impacts them socially and academically. We also get to see the interactions with their family members increase, specifically their parents.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things for me has been figuring out how to constantly grow and innovate. Times are constantly changing, and as a business, we have to adjust to the changing world. Listening to my client's and therapist's needs has been key in evolving!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know your dream.
- Know that there will be good times and bad times but persist through them.
- Always remember to ask for help from others because we learn best from others, and we all need it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.talkthetalkspc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talkthetalkspc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkthetalkspc/
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3CnxqRu
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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