Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Catherine Donofrio, Founder of CatD Wellness, located in Columbus, OH, USA.

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

I'm a women's wellness coach who guides women entering their 40s and beyond to shed the worn out, stressed out, emotionally drained uniform they've been wearing for the healthy, vibrant, happy life they deserve.

Tell us about yourself

Like many women in the U.S., I spent many years wearing my "busy" badge way too proudly and always taking care of everyone and everything else, with little attention to my own health. And, with that, I've had to deal with some health issues over the years. But the defining moment was when the stress of my job, a really bad boss, and years of neglecting my own needs came to a head, and I ended up the in the hospital with AFib. After that, I made a commitment to myself that my health and well-being had to come first. After all, I couldn't really give my best to anyone if I wasn't healthy and well-rested. I've since become a certified nutrition coach and yoga teacher. I've also trained in herbalism, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and several other naturally-based wellness modalities. All this has led me to a passion, not only for my own health and well-being but for helping other women on a similar path to ensure they are putting their health first as well.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is not really any one event or moment. It's the pride I feel every time a client tells me that, for the first time in their life, they have a healthy relationship with food after working with me. That's exactly the kind of impact I want to make in this world.

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

For me, it's loneliness. As an entrepreneur, I'm a one-woman show. It comes with a level of freedom that's great, and, at the same time, some days can be tough when I could really use someone to bounce ideas off of or to commiserate with when it's a tough day. And it also means that I have to wear a lot of hats, some of which fit much better than others.

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

  1. Be passionate about what you're doing. That will get you through the tough days. That passion will also come through when you're promoting your ideas and will draw the right people to you.
  2. Find your tribe. Being a solopreneur can be tough. I may be an introvert, but I get so much energy being around others, and often my creativity needs a nudge. Plus, being around like-minded people gives you a sense of community, of belonging, that you may not have otherwise.
  3. Expect to fail sometimes. And learn from it. When something doesn't go as planned, take time to look at what happened and identify what went well and what didn't. Write down what you could have done differently and take that information forward in your next program or offer.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://linktr.ee/catdwellness
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catdonofrio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catdonofrio/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catdonofrioohio/

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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