Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Junie Swadron, Owner of Junie Swadron Creative and Counselling Service, located in Victoria, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a psychotherapist, author, book-writing coach, international speaker, and workshop facilitator.
Tell us about yourself
Even as a youngster, people would tell me things that they said they never told another human being. This continued throughout my thirties, so I went back to school to study psychology and became a clinical psychotherapist at 30. Writing was always my chosen healing modality, and I began facilitating writing groups at the same time I opened my therapy practice. About ten years ago, I married both professions and have been working with entrepreneurs and people wanting to write their memoirs, assisting them to work through any emotional triggers they have during the process, so they are fully proud of what they are putting out in the world. I have published five books so far and am currently writing 2 more. I developed an online course from my first book, Re-Write Your Life, A Transformational Guide to Writing and Healing the Stories of Our Lives. This year, 2022, I ran a Train the Trainer program and now have several other certified coaches to teach it. What motivated me now is what has always motivated me - the results I see in my clients, from re-writing and transcending their painful stories from the past to living with peace, joy, and deep meaning today.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Turning my 'face-to-face' work into online programs when COVID hit - I now have my Author Mentorship Program as an online program along with several others. I wrote and produced a widely acclaimed play called, Madness, Masks, and Miracles to dispel myths and stigmas about mental illness, and the list goes on. Perhaps my biggest accomplishment is my dedication, tenacity, and resilience to continue even when I, too, have significant challenges that would make me want to give up. I never do. I have learned to apply what I teach, give myself a boost, speak kindly to myself and remind myself that it's OK to feel what I am feeling and also take even the tiniest steps to continue. Before I know it, I'm back in action, doing what I love in a grounded, balanced way.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Overwhelm with a never-ending amount of emails flooding my inbox every day with countless people offering me everything under the sun, and it's impossible to keep up. This, as well as the technical aspect and Zoom fatigue. The constant learning curve. I just want to show up and do what I do best and not deal with the inordinate amount of technical stuff an entrepreneur needs to know.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Really know for sure what you want and what motivates you to want it. Your big WHY. Is it a true passion or a passing fancy?
- Research people who have done what you wish to do and learn from them.
- Believe in yourself, put one foot in front of the other and be willing to make mistakes.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://junieswadron.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/junieswadroncreativecounselling
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/junieswadron/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/junieswadron
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/junieswadron/
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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