Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Babe Black, founder of Collaborative Change, located in Indianapolis, IN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Collaborative Change was established in 2014 after recognizing our community's lack of innovative, accessible, and person-centered services. Our goal is not to “fix” people; instead, we want to provide a safe place and creative opportunities for people to collaborate with our team to create positive change in their lives. Collaborative Change offers a variety of health and wellness services. Our staff is educated in various approaches and techniques to help people reach their individual goals in their own unique way to become the best version of themselves.
Tell us about yourself
As a child, I was in therapy and could never connect with a therapist in a way that I felt seen and heard. This was the drive to become a therapist and try to do things to make changes in the field so that another child didn't have to feel the way I did. I was a contracted therapist at another agency for eight years and realized that the needs of the therapists were not being met, and there was not a lot of room for growth professionally or personally.
I chose to create Collaborative Change as a place for therapists to be valued, given opportunities to grow, and be able to provide services in a way that was true to themselves and who they were as therapists. I also wanted to create an agency that would serve everyone equally regardless of socioeconomic status and a place where everyone can collaborate with a therapist to meet their own needs and place to feel seen and heard in order to impact positive change in their lives.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Creating a team environment where everyone can speak freely and feel that they have an investment in the agency, its culture, and its goals.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being the "face" of a business. I do not like being the center of attention and do not like the accolades that come with the business's success, as I feel that this business is successful because of the amazing team, not because of me. I also do not like being the one who has to burden the brunt of criticism from some who have been dissatisfied with the agency.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find a business you are passionate about so that your passion will carry you through when things are difficult.
- Be open to constructive criticism and surround yourself with people that will be honest and provide this to you.
- Make self-care a priority, so you are not consumed with your business and burn out quickly.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.collaborative-change.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collaborativechange
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/babe-black-lcsw-942bb98/
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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