Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Meghan Watson, Founder of Bloom Psychology & Wellness, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own a Toronto-based group therapy practice and boutique consulting firm called Bloom Psychology and Wellness. At Bloom, we help people and organizations achieve mental health and wellness through connection, intentional presence, and collaborative learning. As a collective of licensed BIPOC therapists, we are committed to inclusive, anti-oppressive, non-pathologizing care and education that drives folks toward personal growth, strong relationships, and sustainable wellness.
We offer psychotherapy and counselling services to individuals, couples, and teens, with a specific focus on meeting the needs of intersectional identities and communities of colour. On the consulting side, we work with companies and organizations looking to develop mental health communications and content that support thoughtful and growth-focused engagement. We've been very lucky to work with clients with a global and national presence who share our passion for diverse mental health education.
Tell us about yourself
I was in solo private practice as a therapist and was inundated with requests for therapy that I couldn't fit into my schedule. As a Black female therapist, I had clients looking specifically for a provider that understood that lived experience, and so Bloom was born out of that need. I'm motivated by my passion for supporting folks who struggle with their mental health but haven't felt safe enough to do so. It's an amazing feeling to align my values and passions in my work, so showing up as a therapist and educator is really fulfilling.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment was being able to hire a full-time administrator and operations director to support me as the business grows. Finding people you trust to follow the vision is key.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Time management and emotion regulation. Learning what to prioritize and when is incredibly important when there are lots of different things that are demanding your attention. Similarly, emotion regulation is difficult because things will go wrong. Being able to maintain emotional stability and focus on responding mindfully instead of reacting impulsively is important. Running a business is a marathon, and managing your internal resources appropriately is fundamental to longevity and success, in my opinion.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- You don't need to be an expert before you start. It's easy to talk yourself out of pursuing a vision because of imposter syndrome. Success in business is all about learning lessons along the way.
- Focus on sustainability and longevity over fast growth. Decisions you make early on that prioritize super speed over a steady pace can lead to burnout and mistakes rooted in impulsivity.
- Let your values guide the way. Use them as your north star, and integrate them into your business from the day-to-day processes to the products or services you offer.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://bloompsychologyto.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrive_withmeg/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thrive_withmeg
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghanwatsonrp/
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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