Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michelle Caron, Founder of Harmony Way, located in Wilbraham, MA, USA.

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

My business, which opened in 2009, is Harmony Way, a mind-body-spirit practice, where I offer training programs and individual healing sessions for Usui Reiki, Core Shamanic Healing, Western Herbalism, and holistic health coaching, as well as guided meditation, Yoga, dance fitness/Group X classes. The customers that I work with are from all over the country and world since I switched from in-person to virtual programming and sessions. I work with people specifically on healing their emotional and spiritual/energetic trauma and health issues or goals that they want to improve holistically. While most of my clients and students are women and those identifying as from the BIPOC/AAPI and LGBTQIA2S+ communities with intersectionality in their traumas and challenges, any people who are open to growth, healing, and positive changes in their lives are welcome. My business is inclusive, trauma-informed, and a safe space for anyone. Everything I do is also offered financially on a sliding scale, which ensures affordability and a way to access care and education, regardless of inflation/the current market.

Tell us about yourself

I was a secondary education classroom teacher for ten years before opening my business. Back in the early 2000s, I saw an enormous need and interest (but a lack of businesses and information) in my own inner-city community for alternative/holistic healing practices due to the huge amount of trauma among my students, fellow staff, and families that I met. Everyone has some type of trauma, but not everyone knows how and where to get help or is able to find affordable support to heal from it. This began a journey of research and planning for me. However, where my own personal healing journey started in my childhood since I had my own trauma and multiple autoimmune diseases, for which I was tired of being over-medicated and not receiving the support and answers to my questions about what was causing my body to have these health issues. Now, I help others to focus on healing the root causes of their emotional and physical issues. Every day, so many things motivate me, but mostly having the privilege of working with those who can benefit from support and education and how empowered, relieved, validated, and healed this makes them feel. I love seeing that and hearing everyone's stories and reasons for doing what they do!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My students are definitely my biggest accomplishment, along with the ways I have been blessed to give back to the community over the years. I am so proud of and grateful for all of the empowered people that have taken my classes and have worked with me on their healing. They have taken what they learned, plus any healing work they included in their lives with me and/or via other modalities, to create lives they love that also make a positive difference. Educating others from all walks of life and assisting them on their healing paths has truly been an honor and a joy for me.

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

The hardest thing as a business owner, in my opinion, is the daily administrative work (phone, text, email, social media, writing newsletters, maintaining a website, etc.). Since I am perpetually creating class content, working with private clients, and instructing students, I do not have a lot of extra time to do administrative tasks each day, especially since work-life balance is extremely important to me.

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

  1. Focus on giving back to your community in whatever way(s) you are able to do this with your unique gifts and talents.
  2. Start now, even if you are scared or have anxiety about starting/running, or growing a business.
  3. Create multiple streams of income when just beginning your business. This is helpful anytime, of course, but especially when just starting.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.harmonywayhealing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonywaymcaron/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonywayhealing/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichelleCroze
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-caron-rmt-ch-cyt-98371025/

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.