Shine Your Unique Light - Firefly Community
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Carrie Lehtonen, Owner of Firefly Community LLC, located in Evergreen, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I believe that what the world needs most is for each person to shine their unique light. That's what led to Firefly Community's motto of "Ignite. Thrive. Shine."
Firefly's clients are busy professionals on the verge of burnout who are ready to take back control of their lives. I help them on their path to healthier, happier lives by offering a holistic wellness coaching program, online wellbeing courses, individual and group yoga classes, and yoga and wellness retreats around the world. Firefly serves the corporate community by offering onsite and virtual yoga classes and wellness workshops and programs.
Tell us about yourself
Firefly was born from my own transformation from a stressed-out human resources professional climbing the corporate ladder to someone who lives each day with intention, connected to my purpose.
My wake-up call came at 31 years old when I survived a heart attack. I thought I was doing the right things, but even though I was in good physical shape as a triathlete, I felt disconnected from myself. I was caught up in the common belief in our society that success is measured by how busy you are and how accomplished you are in your career.
My near-death experience opened my eyes to the fact that I needed to change. After learning more about heart disease, the #1 killer of all Americans and 80% preventable with lifestyle changes, I was inspired to do whatever I could to reduce the impact of heart disease. Too many people die from heart disease, and I believe we can change that.
I embarked on a long journey that included education in nutrition and life-coaching methods to become a holistic health practitioner and training to become a yoga teacher. Along the way, I picked up tools and resources that helped me connect to myself, find my way, and stay on track. I started my own business as a side project in 2013, but in 2018, I finally left my corporate job to focus full-time on operating Firefly so that I could help more people and stop splitting my energy.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
While it's not always easy being a solopreneur, seeing my clients light up when they have an "aha" moment or challenge themselves beyond what they think they're capable of keeps me going. Also, seeing the transformation that happens for people on retreat is incredibly rewarding. The kind of things that I hear from people at the end of a retreat is that they experienced healing for body, mind, and soul and that being on retreat is a life-changing experience.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
It was challenging making the transition from being an employee to running my own business. I have a background and education in business, but what I struggle with the most as a solopreneur is making all of the decisions about every detail of the business.
With any new venture and starting over, you're faced with the inner critic filling your head with doubt. When operating your own business, you put a lot of yourself into it, so any perceived failure feels personal. I'm lucky to have a great support system. When I start questioning myself, my husband reminds me of the difference I'm making in others' lives.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Keep your expectations reasonable. It takes time to build a business, and there are always things outside of your control that come up. You may take one step forward and two steps back at times. Breaking down your goals into attainable steps can help.
- Running a business requires resilience. As we all learned with COVID, things can change in an instant. Be flexible so that you can pivot if things don't go exactly as intended. Have self-care practices in place to support your mental wellbeing.
- Remember the importance of community. None of us can do everything alone. It's important to cultivate a support system and surround yourself with people who lift you up. I recommend seeking a coach. The business coach I worked with early on helped me develop a leader's mindset.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
One thing that has been critical in my own journey is continual learning. I'm a lifelong student. It's important to me to expand my mind, be open to new ideas and continue to grow my skill set. Cultivating a beginner's mind is helpful for entrepreneurs.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.fireflycommunity.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fireflyyogacommunity
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fireflycommunity/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fireflyretreats
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/firefly-community/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.