Take Control of Your Health and Happiness!

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Khara' Jefferson, Founder of KAJ Wellness, located in New Iberia, LA, USA.

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

My business, KAJ Wellness, is a virtual holistic health consulting and coaching service specializing in gut health. I help adults who struggle with abdominal pain, bloating, heartburn, and diarrhea find the root causes of their illness so that they can reclaim their lives again and start feeling well. Most times, these individuals have diagnoses they've been labeled with, like inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's/Ulcerative colitis), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and reflux. I provide my clients with specialty functional medicine testing, tools, resources, and an individualized plan based on their needs => comprehensive lifestyle, and mindset shifts. My clients are motivated to take action, no longer want more "pills for their ills," want to enjoy life again, and are open-minded.

Tell us about yourself

My personal health journey is what led me down this path toward wellness. When I was younger, I knew I wanted to go to medical school. Shortly after enrolling in college to major in biology, I kept developing stomach issues, but they were intermittent – they'd last a few days or maybe a week, then leave. Until 3 years later, they didn't, and I became critically ill and had my first colonoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) after finding someone (a gastroenterologist) to listen to me. Unbeknownst to me, it wasn't just a stomach bug, as my family doctor had been telling me with each episode. It was actually Crohn's disease, a chronic autoimmune disease, but the bad news was it was advanced, and the long-term prognosis was "It's not curable. You'll be on medications for the rest of your life." My plan for medical school was discouraged because "the stress will make your Crohn's symptoms worse." I was devastated.

I prayed a lot. I did all the things the GI docs told me to do, but I was so unhealthy. I spent lots of time in and out of hospitals. I became depressed, but most people never knew it. I hid it well because I was always determined to have a good life. Despite the discouragement, I eventually went back to school for my bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN), then my master's degree in nursing (MSN), and became a nurse practitioner, hoping I'd be able to help others. I even went on to get my doctorate, all while not feeling my best. I had surgery after surgery…until I found out that there were other ways to heal chronic illness – like functional medicine. I started employing some of the principles and found multiple practitioners to help. Over time, I went into remission, and I've never turned back. I became so enthused about it that I decided to further my studies and become a functional health consultant and health coach, so no one else has to suffer the way I did. I am very spiritual and also have my reiki master (energy healing) certification. I know from deep within my soul that I was put here for THIS purpose.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

That's a tough question because I have so many wins! The first thing that comes to mind is "exposure." I'm proud of myself for blasting my story out into the universe and being vulnerable so that others can see what's possible and believe they can have that, too. I've shown up for myself, and although I'm introverted AF, I have networked and shown up authentically in person on various podcasts. Multiple social media platforms (including TikTok) so that I can keep learning and growing. My quest to guide others and not hide my spiritual self has allowed me to remain grounded and keep my focus on my "why."

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

One of the hardest things that comes with being a new business owner is time management. I often found (and still find) myself trying to do everything for my full-time job and business, be everything to all the other people in my life and still find time to take care of myself. I am the CEO, the CFO, the marketer, the copywriter, the website designer, a mom, the teacher, the friend, the significant other, etc. the list goes on and on. It wasn't until I was completely burnt out that I realized that I had neglected myself and the fun things that helped to rejuvenate me. I had to re-evaluate my plan to allow for "recalibration," – which I admit looks different for everyone.

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

Have confidence in yourself and in your product. Understand your purpose and know your boundaries. No one knows you better than you know yourself. You will never please everyone, do not even try.
Hire a mentor, someone who values the same things as you do. Don't just go with the first person you meet. Do your due diligence, interview several contenders, and "trust your gut!" (I know it's corny given my expertise and passion, but if you truly listen to your intuition, it won't steer you wrong).
Be gracious to yourself – in all ways that matter to you. You are not perfect, and the things you do the first time won't be your best work. It doesn't matter. Done is better than perfect. Making time (even if it's just 10-15 minutes a day) for the things you love daily is critical to ensure you don't burn out rapidly.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.kajwellness.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KharaJ
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kharaj/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kharaj_wellness

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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