Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Linda Weiskoff, Director of Heartwork Counseling Center, located in Decatur, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Heartwork Counseling Center is a place where people receive counseling and psychotherapy. We've been around 20 years, and we work with individuals and couples, adults and adolescents. We're also affiliated with a preschool where we work with little ones. Service is important to us. As a result, we offer a sliding fee scale and are open seven days a week. We provide psychotherapy to people throughout the metro Atlanta area.
Tell us about yourself
I've been a psychotherapist, and a clinical social worker, since 1981. Before that, I was a teacher, and I had a real love of both teaching and psychotherapy. I decided to open a center in which I could combine my two loves. At Heartwork, I do psychotherapy and provide workshops and training to the therapeutic community. I also supervise a group of bright and eager psychotherapists who are newer in the profession. They provide counseling and psychotherapy to our clients. I'm motivated by the excitement of the work and am energized by my staff and my clients.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
A big accomplishment is taking the Heartwork Counseling Center through various stages of growth. In its infancy, that meant finding office space and making contact with people, letting them know we were open for business. We also made connections with possible referral sources. After getting on our feet, I have kept up relationships with people who could refer clients to us as well as continuing to learn about innovations in counseling and psychotherapy. In addition, I interview potential staff members for positions at the center. It's a pleasure to see that the center is thriving.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the biggest challenges of being a small business owner is the need for flexibility. For example, we were hit with the pandemic and, as a result, began counseling clients online. Now we do a hybrid system, seeing some clients online and others in person. Currently, our building has been sold and, as a result, we are moving. Even with the move we are available to our clients and look forward to seeing them at the new location.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- When challenges arise, focus on the one most important thing. Staying focused will help you keep moving forward.
- BREATHE! Help yourself stay calm. It will help you think better and feel better.
- Remember that you can do this! There will be challenges as well as rewards.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://www.htwcc.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartworkCounseling/
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.