Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Tanya English, CEO of Healing With The Blues, located in Coralville, IA, USA.

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

I inspire women who have ever experienced pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or loss of a loved one through death, divorce, or lifestyle to go from grief to grace and find the treasure in tragedy.

Tell us about yourself

In 1994 while I was in chiropractic college learning how to help people heal, my first child, my son Edward Oliver, was stillborn. It was very sad. My husband and I were so much in love, and we had endured some really tense and overwhelming situations before, but nothing like this. How could I have this happen? I had been doing massage, chiropractic, and nutrition for years. What had I done wrong? And I asked myself – did I really believe everything happens to the highest good? And if so, God, show me the good!

The first good I saw was the loving way my husband cared for me. My sister-in-law, my mother, father-in-law, and family and friends cared for us and helped me and my husband grieve. I asked God to put me anywhere that healing would happen. I was at the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival that summer and had amazing healing with The Blind Boys of Alabama. I left that performance changed. I had an idea how much love there was for me, for all of us.

I practiced healing in my office and at home. I learned from many wonderful mentors. Then another gift came, and in my 50th decade, I was called to unleash the blues singer in me. With The Tanya English Band and trio, we witnessed many healings through our music. Blues is a healer. And it healed me. We went on to open in venues small and large, play at premier blues clubs in Chicago and Davenport, and meet and play with amazing musicians and friends. A few years ago, I met the last original surviving Blind Boy of Alabama when my mentor in blues introduced me to him, and we had dinner together before their show. It all came around full circle. And in our 10th year as a band, another full-circle moment occurred when we performed at the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival in the tent and delivered Healing with the Blues. More healing for everyone!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Staying in business for 30+ years as a healer.

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

The most difficult thing as a business owner is staying out of the general public's fear. People want to commiserate, and it's really my job to stay walking in love and not in fear.

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

Get your vision and mission set, and then allow it to flow. Always infuse Light into every relationship, looking for the good in all challenges. Surround yourself with people you want to be like.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

There are so many things I'd like to share! Self-care is THE most important thing we can do, and being happy is a good enough goal.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://healingwiththeblues.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Healingwiththeblues
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingwiththeblues/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtanyaenglish/

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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