Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Erin Oberlander, Founder and Owner of Arcadia Holistic School and Prairie Soap House & Apothecary, located in Mott, ND, USA.

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

My business is comprised of aromatherapy, herbalism, holistic classes and coaching, and an online sound bath subscription. My customers are people who are looking to stress less, find more natural ways of living, and who want to enhance and elevate their well-being and health.

Tell us about yourself

I got started in aromatherapy because I was disturbed by all the toxic chemicals I found in body care and household products. Over time I have come to offer additional services such as sound baths and holistic lifestyle coaching. I want folks to be empowered with information that helps them to make healthier and more earth and body-honoring decisions for themselves and their families. As we connect back to Nature, the cycles of Nature, and more natural ways of being, we find a lot of unexpected leverage for our wellness and quality of life.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment was launching my online holistic school and online sound bath subscriptions during Covid.

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

For me, as a Certified Holistic Aromatherapist, the hardest thing about being a business owner is dealing with the massive amount of misinformation out there regarding essential oils. There is so much abuse of plants happening in the aromatherapy industry. There are so many people teaching unsafe and unethical practices with essential oils. I spend a lot of my time putting out these fires.

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

  1. Be an early adopter of new social media platforms.
  2. Start building your email list... like yesterday.
  3. Run your business authentically in your own way, but also realize that it is easy for your ego to get in the way of ways you need to adapt in order to be successful.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I started out as a classical musician with a doctorate in Voice Performance. Sound baths and sound therapy are a way for me to encompass all of my varied experiences and training into one incredible service for customers and clients looking to relax deeply and let go.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://arcadiaholisticschool.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arcadiaholisticschool
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcadiaholisticschool/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/apothecary_erin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-oberlander-80490a1b/

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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