Bring Forth Life - Birthway Co

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kami Schwartz, Founder of Birthway Co., located in Syracuse, IN, USA.

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

My business is called Birthway Co, and I provide Fertility, Birth, and Lactation education and doula support. Starting in the adolescent/teenage years, I provide mother-daughter cycle health classes to teach young women about their bodies and how to support them for optimal health. Next, I provide classes on the Fertility Awareness Method so that women can learn to understand their fertility in order to achieve or avoid pregnancy naturally and effectively.

For clients who are having trouble getting pregnant, I offer fertility doula services where I provide deeper support as they learn about their medical and non-medical options to increase their chances of conceiving. In pregnancy, I teach a 4-session course on childbirth, postpartum, and breastfeeding. And then lastly, I also offer birth doula services and lactation support.

My birth doula clients are local to northern Indiana, my childbirth classes are mostly filled with members of the Amish community where I live, and my fertility work is done mostly online, so clients can be from all over the place.

Tell us about yourself

I have always been interested in birth work ever since I found out about doulas in high school. It is such an honor and a privilege to walk alongside families as they work to bring forth life. There is nothing like witnessing a birth! I started my business just as a birth doula in 2017 and have continued to grow it while navigating my own fertility, pregnancies, births, and lactation journeys. I’ve had 3 little daughters and 2 miscarriages in the last 7 years, so I have continued to walk through the very same challenges that my clients face.

This has made it extra special while also bringing extra obstacles. I have taken an extended maternity leave after each birth which has certainly affected my growth, but to this day, my passion for supporting families through these incredible transformative processes has only multiplied. I live to empower women with scientific research, alternative approaches, and plenty of spiritual encouragement and support. There are so many misconceptions and horror stories surrounding fertility, childbirth, and breastfeeding, so instead, I aim for truth, resources, and hope.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I think my biggest accomplishment so far has been building my own unique brand that has been filling a gap for many families in my area. It has certainly evolved over time and continues to evolve, but more than anything, I am simply grateful that I get to serve my community in an important way.

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

The hardest part about being a business owner is the time commitment. I currently do not have any employees, so if something needs to be done, I’m the one to do it! It has taken so much learning, research, and ambition, but passion for this week is what drives me.

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

1. Pick something that you’re really passionate about and build your career around it. My job feels like a hobby because it is so very precious to me, and that’s what gets me through all of the hard work.
2. Don’t be afraid to really zero in on your own strengths, goals, and passions. Your unique personality will draw ideal clients to you, so think about serving them rather than trying to serve everyone.
3. Don’t underestimate how much work it’s going to be. There is so much to running a successful business, from your quality product to marketing to having a personable demeanor with clients. Learn what parts of the business you enjoy and do them really well. And then, if possible, hire out the parts of the business that you need the most help with! It’s so hard but so worth it!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://birthway.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birthwayco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birthwayco/

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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