Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Bailey Massey, Owner of Speech Therapy CO LLC, located in Castle Rock, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own a pediatric speech therapy and corporate speech coaching company in Colorado. I am an ASHA-certified, licensed speech-language pathologist in Colorado and California. Despite repeated advice to find a single ideal client to market to, I continued to follow my passion and do what I love and what I excel at. As a result, my practice grew perfectly in two different directions. I work with pediatric clients ages 18 months to 18 years with speech, language, fluency, and voice disorders. I also offer coaching and training to professionals, executives, corporations, and performers, supporting their speech and communication clarity, accent modification, dialect acquisition, vocal projection, public speaking, presentation skills, cross-cultural communication, and non-verbal communication.
Tell us about yourself
I have been a Speech Therapist for over 15 years providing services in private practice, public, charter, and private schools, home health, hospitals, corporate offices, as well as the entertainment industry. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was primarily working in schools which led me to start my practice. I made the decision when I truly recognized what I was capable of and that I deserved to be appreciated for what I could offer. I have never felt more appreciated as a professional than when working with clients who have chosen to work with me and truly trust and respect my knowledge and experience. The relationships and trust established with clients and families motivate me to keep going because I know we are truly working toward success as a team.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is not one big accomplishment but all of the individual accomplishments my clients share with me. It doesn't matter if it is a 4-year-old that says their name clearly to friends at school or an executive that confidently presents at a conference to hundreds of people. Each client's success is important to me and motivates me to keep adding to my bag of tricks and finding any way possible to help them reach their goals. Even with the responsibilities of being a business owner, it is important to me to continue to be a great clinician and coach to my clients.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, I think the hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is all the behind-the-scenes things that take up so much time. As a speech therapist, I never received any formal business training. Everything I have accomplished as a business owner has been through the help of people I trust with a background in business. I have asked so many questions and asked for a lot of advice and help. None of this has necessarily become easier, but I think I have been able to establish a network of support to keep me going and to continue to point me in the right direction.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Go for it, and keep going. Even when it feels like the universe is sending you every sign to quit. The good is coming.
- Know what you don't know. Ask questions, ask for help, and ask others who have been there before you.
- Find ways to support and work with other businesses in your area instead of competing with them. I continue to feel supported, advised, and encouraged by people I could easily view as my competition. I believe teaming up, sharing knowledge and resources, and having a community to confide in are essential to maintaining a business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://speechtherapyco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpeechTherapyCO
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speechtherapyco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/speech-therapy-co/
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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