Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Megan Brain and Shana Fairbank, Founders of Ikigirl Wellness, located in Edmonton, AB, Canada.

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

We are wellness educators who specialize in creating wellness planners and resources suited for schools and workplaces alike. We also host workshops and seminars on social-emotional learning, staff wellness, and finding your ikigai.

Tell us about yourself

Megan:

My background in mental health, wellness, and physical education was the inspiration behind creating Ikigirl Wellness. I am a physical educator, fitness coach, mom of three boys, and long-time advocate for whole-school health promotion. My hope for Ikigirl Wellness is that we inspire school communities, workplaces, and individuals to expand their well-being through our work creating wellness planners and resources as well as offering meaningful professional development. We are excited about this journey and look forward to growing our wellness community.

Shana:

My background is in physical and mental health. As a physical and wellness educator, I have spent years researching, teaching, and developing a curriculum for Alberta. As a mom of four boys, a coach, and an active member of my community, I see the wellness challenges we face daily. Our goal is to help as many people as we can reach their wellness potential. Through seminars, resources, and professional development, I am excited to work through this wellness journey together!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Our passion lies in Wellness Education, so when we are able to present to schools, workplaces, and organizations on this topic, we feel like we are living our "Ikigai" - our "reason for being." Because our products and services have a strong relationship with purpose and meaning, anytime that we are able to sell, share, or present, we feel a sense of accomplishment.

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

Marketing our products have been difficult, and we have relied mostly on word of mouth. Finding balance and time to dedicate to our business, our full-time jobs, and our families have also been difficult. Although, we both agree that the long hours spent on building planners, resources, and creating a presentation for our business have been fulfilling and have been time well spent.

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

  1. Don't wait until you feel 100% ready - because 100% will never come.
  2. If you are not making mistakes, you are not trying. "Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston S. Churchhill.
  3. Build a team around you that shares your passion. "Alone we can do so little together we can do so much." - Helen Keller.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.ikigirlwellness.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/371119768467334
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ikigirlwellness/

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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