Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Danielle Hughes, Owner of Cultivate Charlotte, PLLC, located in Charlotte, NC, USA.

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

I help women reduce anxiety and live full, authentic lives through mental health counseling, coaching, and yoga.

Tell us about yourself

My passion for helping others, especially women and girls, began in childhood. I witnessed a number of situations where women and/or girls did not have the same access as men/boys to education, healthcare, and general independence. I knew early on that supporting people was important and worthwhile work and that I would be part of it.

Over the years, I've been discerning my place in the helping industry. I've done all sorts of things and worked with all kinds of people - non-profit services, case management, residential care, day treatment facilities, detention center services, hospice care, and, more recently, private practice mental health care. These experiences, along with others, helped shape me and give me a clearer sense of what I'm truly passionate about. And, it always seems to come back to supporting women.

I now specialize in supporting women who are experiencing anxiety. And I get to do it through clinical counseling, coaching, and, most recently, yoga. I absolutely love that I get to support women through a mind, body, and spirit approach. It feels very holistic to me.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I feel a deep sense of accomplishment when I make changes, and the business keeps on thriving. Whether it's service changes, fee changes, or even the big switch to remote services during COVID, I feel proud when my work is able to withstand transitions.

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

Even though I'm connecting with clients throughout the day, I'm not really connecting with coworkers or peers - because I don't have any. It can really start to feel lonely. Early on in my business, I rallied 3-4 other therapists entrepreneurs, and we started meeting once a month to talk business strategies, share wins/failures, and generally just support one another. The group members have shifted over the years, but we still have a strong group text going, and we still meet every month.

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

  1. Talk to other people about their experiences starting, running, and growing their businesses. You don't have to copy them, but it helps normalize a lot of the entrepreneur experience. It also helps you build community!
  2. Figure out what you're strengths are and what you can hire someone else to do. You do not have to wear all the hats unless you choose to.
  3. Grow slow. I believe that slow growth can be more sustainable. I also think it gives you time and experience to grow as a business owner with your business instead of being thrust into a space that you're not ready to manage.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I think it's helpful to view your business as a journey and evolution. It's going to grow and change in different ways over time, and that's okay.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.cultivatecharlotte.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cultivatecharlotte/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/be_well_w_danielle/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-hughes-75940957/

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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