Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Grant Henry, Co-Founder and CEO of House of Flow, located in Brooklyn, NY, USA.

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

We offer live and on-demand classes, virtual retreats, yoga and meditation challenges, charity classes, workshops/trainings, and classes for children ages six months - 8 years old. We are bringing the best teachers that we can find regardless of their number of followers or what they look like. At House of Flow, we believe that representation matters. We believe that we can have a platform where an 80-year-old grandfather can take classes and meditations geared for him with teachers who look like him, while his daughter takes more advanced classes and workshops with teachers who look like her, and his grandchildren take kids' classes that make them excited to take yoga and meditation.

We are building a community of people who are looking for a home where they feel like they belong.

Tell us about yourself

I actually have worked in early childhood education for most of my career, which is why my kids' yoga program (Yogie Land) has always been what I have been most excited about creating. When I finished my undergraduate studies at the University of Arizona, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness called ulcerative colitis. To say it changed my world would be an understatement. I was hospitalized routinely over a two-year period in my early 20's and, frankly, started to lose hope. This illness is exacerbated by stress and depression, which brought me to yoga. While it was a slow introduction as I had many preconceived notions about the practice, once I fully took that leap - I never looked back.

After finally getting into remission, I started to do things that I never thought were possible before my diagnosis. I started running marathons, completed an Ironman triathlon, went to graduate school twice, and moved to New York City, where I took yoga teacher training and met my future wife. I have had a chip on my shoulder after so much was taken from me after my initial diagnosis. This illness did the opposite, as it gave me the drive and determination to reach for the farthest stars knowing that anything can come true if you truly believe.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is finally taking that jump. I could have gone down a much safer path, but I would have always regretted not knowing what could have been. Coming up with an idea for a business with my wife and best friend that means so much to both of us was the cherry on top. While there are obviously some mundane tasks that come with starting a new business, most of the time, it doesn't feel like I'm working. And that is a feeling I hope to sustain for the rest of my life.

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

There are so many things that are difficult with being a business owner, but I'd say the biggest is suffering from imposter syndrome. There are so many things that I don't know, from legal to accounting to social media, that it can be overwhelming a majority of the time. Having that additional feeling that tends to creep in from time to time where you feel like an imposter as you don't have the expertise always makes it that much harder. But I have learned every day through my own actions, and listening and reading about what other successful entrepreneurs have done has allowed me to understand that there is nothing wrong with imposter syndrome. It's just whether we let it stop us from accomplishing our goals or we choose to acknowledge it and then work our way through it. I have learned to choose the latter every time.

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

  1. Follow your passion because starting a business is a grind with so many good days and so many bad days… and so many days where you don't make any money. If you don't love what you are trying to build, then the chances of being successful are almost impossible.
  2. Ask for help. I am doing this every day and will do so as my journey continues. It's amazing what people who have been here before are willing to share and how gracious they can be to answer questions or give advice. I've reconnected with some old friends from middle school and high school as a result, and it's been wonderful to get their insight as their careers have always been an inspiration for me.
  3. Understand that failure is a part of the game. I have already failed more times than I can count, and this is coming from someone who was a perfectionist for half of my life. It can be hard sometimes to fall flat on your face, but you have to find a way to get back up and start again with a fresh mind and heart.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

If you would like to join our growing community at House of Flow, use the discount code below for one free month off any of our three membership plans: WELCOMEHOME

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.houseofflow.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/houseofflow.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houseofflow.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantalanhenry/

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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