Specialized Counseling Services - Harbor Site Counseling
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health & wellness counseling but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Addie Brown, Business Owner of Harbor Site Counseling LLC., located in Woodbridge, VA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Harbor Site Counseling provides specialized counseling services to individuals and couples. Most of my clients are looking to improve themselves, improve their relationships, or let go of past emotional pain resulting from traumatic experiences. I am a certified EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapist, and while most people associate trauma with big life-threatening events, that isn't always the case. In fact, most of the EMDR therapy I provide is helping people work through other types of emotional pain that still affect them in various ways.
Tell us about yourself
I am a Navy veteran and a Marine Corps spouse, so I have intimate knowledge of the stressors faced by our country's military members and their families. As I transitioned out of the Navy, I wanted to use my skills and abilities to stay connected and continue working with the military. It is really motivating to work with this population and help make a difference in their lives. Fun fact: my husband came up with the name for my business. He is a Reconnaissance Marine and told me that a 'Harbor Site' is the term used to describe a safe place where Recon Marines rest and recover. I can’t think of a better way to describe my vision for Harbor Site Counseling.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I didn't realize how challenging it would be to start and grow my own business. I didn't go to school for business, so I had to learn a lot on my own through research, networking, and mistakes. It is very much like having two jobs, and I feel a lot of accomplishment for finding a balance that works for me right now. There is something special about having a business that came from you, and knowing that all your work and effort goes back into that is really rewarding.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
As a service provider, I'm not selling a particular product or item. I'm providing a service which means there is a limit to how much I can "produce." There are so many people who are in need of counseling, and finding the balance between my own self-care and helping others can be really difficult at times. Plus, it can be challenging to balance owning and running a business, providing the service, and managing family life. I'm constantly working on making adjustments depending on the needs of all three of those areas.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- If you are still in school, take business classes! This will help prepare you in so many ways. If you are not in school, do a lot of research beforehand. This will help you know when you are ready to take the first step.
- Find someone you trust who can be a mentor. It is very reassuring to have someone who can guide you, answer questions, or just be a partner on your journey.
- Have faith in yourself! It takes a lot of hard work, but owning your own business can be so rewarding. You can do it!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Yes - there is a lot I could share! But I'll just mention that it is important to take time for yourself when you are able. You will be dedicating a lot of time to starting and growing your business, so don't forget to build in vacation time and sick days for yourself. You will perform better in all areas of your life if you don't stretch yourself too thin for too long.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.harborsitecounseling.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harbor-site-counseling-llc/
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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