Interested in starting your own journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Andres Gonzalez, co-founder of Holistic Life Foundation, located in Baltimore, MD, USA.
What's your organization, and who are your members?
Since 2001, The Holistic Life Foundation (HLF) has provided yoga and mindfulness education for underserved communities nationally and internationally. Through a comprehensive approach that helps children develop their inner lives through yoga, mindfulness, and self-care, HLF demonstrates a deep commitment to learning, community, and stewardship of the environment. Since its inception, HLF has facilitated yoga, mindfulness, and environmental-based programs for youth in schools, recreation centers, group homes, detention centers, correctional facilities, and other venues.
HLF has facilitated adult programs in many different settings, including drug treatment centers, mental illness facilities, colleges, senior centers, schools, and wellness centers across the nation. HLF is also committed to developing high-quality, evidence-based programs and curricula to improve community well-being.
Tell us about yourself
The practice of yoga transformed my business partners and me physically, mentally, and spiritually. The benefits of our practice impacted us so much that we wanted to share them with everyone around the world, and this is what continues to motivate us when it comes to providing our services.
What's your biggest accomplishment as an organization?
This is a tough one to choose from. I would say that it is either creating the curriculum for the first-ever randomized controlled trial study on mindfulness/yoga and urban youth, creating our Mindful Moment program, which is proving that we can remove punitive practices of suspensions from schools and replace them with restorative practices of mindfulness, or publishing our first book called, "Let Your Light Shine - How Mindfulness can Empower Children and Rebuild Communities."
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being an organization?
Giving yourself time to relax. There are no set hours. If you own a business, it is on your mind all the time, and you have to remember to take some breaks and recharge your batteries.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow an organization today?
- Do something you love.
- Treat your employees and customers the way that you want to be treated.
- Never give up.
Where can people find you and your group?
Website: https://holisticlifefoundation.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HolisticLifeFoundation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holisticlifefoundation/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hlfinc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/holistic-life-foundation-inc-/
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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