Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Carlos Barata, Co-Founder of Aspire Higher Therapy, located in Fort Collins, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Aspire Higher Therapy provides specialized Music and Speech Therapy services. Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, we offer in-home, facility-based, and telehealth Music Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology services in and around Northern Colorado. Our client-centered services range from speech therapy for adults with stroke rehabilitation and neurological disorders to music therapy for all ages ranging from memory care, grief & loss, hospice, and Health First Colorado’s Medicaid Waiver Programs (CLLI - Expressive Therapy and CES and SLS - Movement Therapy). Aspire Higher Therapy offers collaborative co-treatment of Speech and Music Therapy for adults as needed.
Tell us about yourself
As a first-generation Portuguese-American, I've always been a go-getter when it comes to opportunity, pursuing what I'm passionate about and, hopefully, inspiring change. Thankfully, I met and married my wife and business partner (Christa Barata, M.S., CCC-SLP), who shares a similar level of dedication and drive for life, people, and work. Our business resulted from gaining years of experience in our respective areas of practice and a growing dream of interdisciplinary collaboration and person-centered care. What continues to motivate us in our work is our personal and professional partnership, our patients, our faith, and the many thought leaders that guide us in our work.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
While it may not seem big, I do think that simply the process of starting a business, developing contracts, seeing a first client, etc., is one of the biggest accomplishments one could and should be proud of as a business owner. That's my biggest accomplishment so far. In a society where notions of perfection and more continue to rule, it's important to celebrate the seemingly smallest milestones. We take a similar approach to caring for our patients, ensuring that all progress is recognized and celebrated.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I think one of the myths about being a business owner is that we have a lot of free time. In some ways, sure. In most ways, not really. Owning a business is a lot of work. While we may have greater flexibility, finding work-life balance and fostering healthy boundaries can be increasingly difficult as a business grows.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Ask questions - assume that others know more than you, and be a sponge!
- Be flexible - your ability to adapt to shifting circumstances is crucial.
- Trust the process - business ownership is a journey. Have faith in yourself and keep trying.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.aspirehighertherapy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aspirehighertherapy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aspirehighertherapy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aspirehighertherapy/
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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