Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Colette Mrazek, Registered Clinical Counsellor of Colette Mrazek & Associates, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

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

I have a clinical counseling practice where we provide psychotherapy to youth, adults, couples, and families, as well as clinical supervision/consultation with other therapists and counseling students. We are also beginning to provide workshops/groups to the community on topics such as self-regulation, parenting, disordered eating, interpersonal skills, etc. We help our clients increase self-understanding and self-compassion, improve intimacy and communication, become more securely attached to their loved ones, heal from trauma, and overcome anxiety, depression, addictions, disordered eating, and other coping strategies that no longer serve them.

Tell us about yourself

I never imagined being an entrepreneur. I was drawn to counseling because of my desire to help people. I was thrown a number of challenges in my childhood and was lucky to land on my feet and discover my own strength and resilience. I developed a lot of compassion and empathy for others and curiosity and hunger to listen to people's stories. Life's circumstances – becoming a single mother in the very expensive city of Vancouver - encouraged me to expand my practice. I'm fortunate again to say it's become a huge blessing in my life. I love the collaboration and community that comes with working alongside my colleagues, and I love being a mentor to new therapists.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Hmmm, my biggest accomplishment may seem to others a downfall - I'm entirely self-made. I haven't had a business coach or any formalized support in how to run a business. I have had a lot of supportive colleagues who have informally mentored me, but up until now, it's really just been me. I like that I'm independent and do things my own way. I may one day need a business coach, but I want to always hang onto my own values, ideals, and humble vision rather than turning my practice into a money-making enterprise.

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

The hardest thing about being a business owner is something I'm coming to enjoy: the constant juggle. There is always work to be done – from my own professional development, case notes and treatment planning, supervision and consultation, marketing, accounting, and administration. And there is always something you can do to move your business forward. Being a counselor also means that we must do our own therapeutic work and have regular self-care practices. Fortunately, this aspect allows me to constantly reflect on my work-life balance, which is especially important for me as I am also a parent of two boys with special needs.

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

  1. Don't make decisions when you're anxious. You may want to get going on something, but it's important to pause and check in with yourself. Is urgency, panic, or fear guide your decision? Or is this a decision you have come to when you are feeling relaxed and in a grounded place? You should feel some excitement and enthusiasm about your decision, but that is a different feeling from anxiety.
  2. Check-in with your gut. You definitely need to have a business plan that makes sense logically, but that can't be everything. Sometimes what looks like the right decision on paper doesn't feel right. A good decision will make sense and feel good intuitively.
  3. Delegate as much as you can as soon as you can. Hand over any tasks you don't need to do so you can focus on what you love and are skilled at. I felt a huge amount of relief when I hired my first administrative assistant and bookkeeper. It allowed me to funnel that energy into my clinical work with clients and become creative with ideas for expanding my business.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.colettemrazek.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057066956999
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colette-mrazek-47621338/

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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