Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stephen Stearman, Founder of Elevate Holistics, located in Austin, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Elevate Holistics is an online cannabis clinic helping patients navigate the confusing process of getting a medical cannabis card in their state. We serve anyone that is over 18 and able to get online to visit with our physician team.
We've served someone as old as 101! If a person lives in a state that we operate in and has good enough service to see the physician on a video call, then we will serve them.
Tell us about yourself
I received a call from one of my best friends about starting a business at the intersection of cannabis and telehealth. I was naturally intrigued because I saw firsthand how my grandmother benefited from cannabinoids during her bout with cancer.
It was really at the opportune time because I was on the way out of a non-profit I was working with. Without many other options, I jumped headfirst into this opportunity and never looked back. What motivates me daily is that I have built a badass team of humans that get to help thousands of patients a month live a better life.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Hmmm, good question. My greatest accomplishment is that we boot-strapped a technology company to now be able to serve 50,000/patients/year. I wouldn't be able to do this without my team and our ability to stick to the mission.
My greatest accomplishment is bringing together the team that we have.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Layoffs. Without a doubt, when the going gets tough and hard decisions have to be made..that's the hardest thing about being an entrepreneur. We're going through this right now as an attempt to preempt some stormy weather on the horizon. It's brutal when we have to look someone in the eye and tell them they're no longer a member of the organization.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Give people more time off than you think is necessary.
- Document everything so you can standardize processes more effectively.
- Outsource as much as you can as early as you can.
- GET A THERAPIST.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
People don't like to think about the fact that being the founder has all of the risks. If shit hits the fan...who's accountable? If an employee does something reckless...who's accountable? And to expect an employee to play like an owner is foolhardy.
Find a community of founders that you can go to when the going gets tough. OH YEAH - GET A THERAPIST.
Figure out your mission, vision, and belief statements as early as possible and come back to them at every company meeting. Hire based on them. Fire based on them.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://elevate-holistics.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elevateholistics1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevate.holistics/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elevate-holistics/
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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