Helping Women Prioritize Themselves

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Anna Schwaiger, founder of Building Connections Counselling and Coaching, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

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

Life can be challenging, and we deserve support. Yet, as women, we feel guilty for prioritizing ourselves all too often. We feel the pressure to be "perfect" and are used to putting others' needs and comfort before our own.

As a Registered Social Worker in private practice, I help women prioritize themselves. Through online and in-person counseling, we work on challenges like anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transition phases, workplace stress, and loneliness.

I provide a warm and safe space for my clients to be heard and connect more deeply with their thoughts and feelings to help them heal and grow, identify what they truly want from life, build the confidence to be themselves, and take gentle steps towards the life they envision.

Tell us about yourself

I started my business in 2021 during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic because there was a huge need for mental health professionals. I draw my motivation out of every single counselling session with my clients, and I feel honoured to witness their progress, strengths, and accomplishments.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

To have made it through the first year :-) It has been more challenging than expected, with many ups and downs, setbacks, and self-doubt, but even more learning and accomplishments.

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

The hardest thing was to give my business the time it needed to grow and to keep believing in my vision of being self-employed. I often heard from others that building a thriving business takes time, but I still set very high and unrealistic expectations for myself.

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

Get support! There are great Facebook communities, online resources, peer groups, etc. Share your challenges and struggles openly, and you will see that others are in the same situation. You are not alone.
Be nice to yourself! It is super challenging to start a business, and there might be times when you have difficulties believing in yourself and your goals. Be mindful of it and practice self-compassion and kindness.
Give it time! Set realistic goals and give yourself and your business the time needed to build up and grow.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.connections-counselling.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BuildingConnectionsCounselling
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connection_counselling/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-schwaiger-014779204/

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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