Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in language education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dorothy Train, Owner of Clear Communication Therapy, located in Jacksonville, FL, USA.

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

Clear Communication Therapy provides compassionate speech, language, and literacy therapy to support pediatric and adult clients to improve their quality of life through improved skills. Specializing in dyslexia and other learning disabilities with experience successfully treating a variety of speech-language disorders.

Tell us about yourself

I have a passion for helping others! I genuinely love my career and supporting my clients. Working in a variety of settings, I knew I could better support my clients in the way they deserve by opening my own practice. Other agencies valued the paperwork or billing processes above client care. I flipped the script and am able to put the client first! Today, I am creating a Language Experience book for one early communicator with a history of hearing loss, delivering online therapy to a little man with dyslexia and speech and language delays, and assisting an adult client who stutters to increase his confidence and smooth, forward flow of speech.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My clients’ gains! My little guy with hearing loss spoke a word for the first time in our 2nd session. His teachers actually applauded. My clients improve! I have two families that have chosen me to care for the younger sibling after their parents saw the growth of their older child.

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

Learning the ins and outs of business logistics. For example, learning how to set up and keep my books. Learning to put myself “out there” in marketing attempts. Making the time to network and market when my passion is for therapy!

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

First, be realistic about your expectations. I was part of a FB group run by a business coach. So many people are cheering you on and telling you how easy it is to start. It has NOT been easy. Second, find a mentor. I met a businesswoman who has been amazing through a networking group. Third, look for resources to support yourself and grow. A fellow entrepreneur shared a free business certificate course through Cornell. My mentor encouraged me to look at SCORE or the SBA. And don’t give up! You CAN do it!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.clearcommtherapy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clearcommtherapy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorothy-train-5648a863/

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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