Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ellen Patrick, a certified yoga therapist, and mindfulness meditation teacher based in Boca Raton, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I have been practicing yoga and meditation for over 40 years and teaching both for over 20 years. In addition, I owned a yoga studio in New York, The Yoga Sanctuary, for 12 years. Currently, my core customer is over 50. I am traditionally trained and certified as a yoga therapist, so my specialty lies in working with clients who have physical injuries or limitations, chronic disease, and/or mental health issues. My work is to use the tools of yoga, i.e., poses, breathing techniques, and meditation, to empower students to gain strength and confidence while making peace with the challenges of the human condition.
Tell us about yourself
I originally trained as a professional dancer longing for a career on Broadway. During my early adult years, I suffered a painful back injury and had to give up my dream. I used yoga as a means of rehabilitation from my injury and to help me accept the loss of this dream. I first started my studies to become a yoga and meditation teacher after a 10-year stint in the corporate world, where I felt so very much out of place. I replaced my dream of Broadway with one of helping people therapeutically through my studies.
Each time a student learns to move in a pain-free way, adapts their yoga practice to accommodate limitations, or frees themself from the struggle of anxiety or depression, I feel I've done something to make this world a better and less stressful place for someone. That makes my heart glad.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment was owning and directing a yoga studio for 12 years. It was truly a labor of love in which I got to share what I love with a wide audience. In addition, it was the opportunity to create a community of like-minded individuals who were also looking to find peace in their lives and make the world a better place.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
For me, the hardest part of owning a business is doing the marketing and sales. At this point in my career, I want to just focus on creating content and teaching. I have learned to ask for help with marketing and sales and have found myself working with wonderful people who want to see me succeed. I am not alone in overcoming my challenges.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do what you love.
- Ask for help with aspects of your business that you are not good at or don't like. Work with people who complement your skills.
- Make sure your business does not overwhelm your life. Teach yourself a good work/life balance.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.ellenpatrickyoga.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellen.roehrigpatrick
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenpyoga/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindfulEllen
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-patrick-16269336/
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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