Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Carleena Lara-Bregatta, Holistic Wellness Facilitator, Master Yoga Teacher & Usui Reiki Master, based in Audubon, NJ, USA.

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

I own a holistic healing business and am of service to people who are on a spiritual journey. I work with anyone who resonates with my approach of mixing science, spirituality, philosophy, and energy work in their healing process. My clients are open-minded and curious and love to learn more about themselves and the world around them!

Tell us about yourself

I first discovered yoga in 2012 while recovering from the emotional and physical impacts of an abusive relationship. I experienced first-hand the power of yoga, meditation, and energy work during one of the darkest times of my life. Curious, I decided to enroll in yoga teacher training two years later, which began a complete shift in the trajectory of my life. At the time, I had just graduated from my Master's program in International Non-Governmental Organizations and had plans to create my own non-profit or NGO. Life had another plan, however!

I took a deep dive over the years that followed, studying 800+ Hours of various styles of yoga and becoming a certified E-RYT (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher). Since then, my offerings have evolved to include reiki energy healing, hypnotherapy, past life regression, and one on one coaching. I also am a yoga teacher training facilitator, writing curricula for spiritual expansion, emotional transformation, and conscious leadership.

I stay motivated by remaining connected to my WHY. The WHY behind everything I do is to create a golden age on Earth. To me, the Golden Age is a period of humanity where we live compassionately, creatively, and in unity. I believe that in order to have harmony, we have to reintegrate the connection between the heart, the mind, and the body. We also need safe spaces for people to gather in the community to see that we are not alone in our human experience. I love creating spaces where people can feel belonging, get vulnerable and feel supported in their emotional exploration. My favorite thing EVER is seeing someone have a breakthrough and fall in love with themselves a little bit more. This is the energy that heals the world!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner was trusting my gut and leaving behind my stable, well-paying job, taking the leap to be an entrepreneur, and doing what I love full-time. There is no better feeling than freedom!

I find that the best thing I can do is support and listen to the people I work with, so they can turn the light switch on and feel empowered. I am most proud to be a witness of people doing amazing things in the world, inspiring them to have the courage and confidence to then follow what they love! I have coached many people into leaving behind jobs, homes, relationships, and life circumstances that no longer serve them and moving into a more aligned life. Being a part of someone feeling genuinely joyful and happy and loving themselves a bit more feels like the greatest gift I receive each day from working with my clients!

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

The hardest thing for me is trusting that the momentum I have will keep going. I think in the beginning; I'd always get worried if I'd be able to make the next month's rent, even on months that were super prosperous. I feel that there is so much self-trust that is developed while owning your own business, and it's an amazing skill to keep growing. I think if I could go back to the version of me who was first starting out, I'd say as long as I stay connected to my WHY, success is imminent. You can't go wrong following what you love, especially if it is supporting your community with the intention of love and positivity.

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

  1. Do things with intention! Make a plan and organize your time, money, and visions clearly. I would have saved a lot of time if I had slowed down and gotten organized first. Having quarterly, semi-annually, and yearly goals are super important and things to look forward to. All in all, I'd suggest scheduling a weekly CEO meeting where you have at least 1 hour to have a meeting with yourself and address anything you need to, whether that be emotionally, logistically, financially, etc.
  2. Depending on your industry, I'd suggest putting 60% of profits into paying yourself, 20% into reinvestment for your business, and 20% away for taxes. Nothing is worse than unexpected taxes as a blossoming entrepreneur with self-employment rates!
  3. Be clear on your WHY, your mission statement, your values & your ideal client. I consciously know that I am not for everyone. I think having an ideal client in mind increases my impact, as I can be as authentic and honest as I wish to be. Nothing is worse than trying to pretend I'm someone I'm not. Having a clear WHY and a clear vision also lets me make tougher decisions in my business, as I know what my Brand is and what we stand for.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.carleenalarayoga.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carleenalacurandera777
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carleena.la.curandera/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CuranderaLeena

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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