Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kim Blackwell, a Certified Trauma and Recovery Coach based in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a certified trauma and recovery coach, and I help adult clients heal the symptoms of childhood trauma or developmental trauma. My clients come from various backgrounds but what they have in common is a history of childhood abuse or neglect that has left them with adaptive coping mechanisms that are causing distress in their present lives, usually related to relationships (with family, friends, intimate partners, or at work).
Tell us about yourself
I was inspired to start a coaching business after having worked with a wonderful coach, Vincent Castellanos, after not having much success in therapy. Once I learned that CPTSd or Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is neurological rather than psychological, it made sense that traditional talk therapy didn't work. I'm motivated every day to help clients who have desperately searched for help but haven't found treatments to be effective or may have even been re-traumatized.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think my biggest accomplishment as a business owner is connecting with and collaborating with other people in the trauma recovery space. We're still learning about complex trauma - the biological, physical, and emotional aftereffects - and how to help clients in ways that work with their nervous systems; it's great to be a part of such a passionate community of people committed to doing this work.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing is wearing many hats, including now being a content creator, which is incredibly time-consuming but is somewhat of an expectation, clients want to see what you're like on your socials, and there's also a certain amount of social proof, even though in the beginning, I was wary of social media like maybe potential clients don't want to see you on Instagram, maybe they won't take you seriously? But nope, turns out people want to see who you are.
Then there's bookkeeping, scheduling, notes, and keeping with the latest psychoeducation. On the upside, Zoom has made it possible to see clients exclusively online, which has made it much easier to start - no leasing space, buying furniture, or limiting yourself to local clients. My clients can be anywhere in the world.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Decide on a niche, and be an expert in your field.
- Don't wait to start your social media channels until you're licensed, certified, have a space, etc. start posting about your story, why you're starting a business, and what unique talents you bring - take people along on decorating your shop, or when the first customer walks in the door, or what your training process is like - remember that YOU are the business, invite people into your process, get them excited about the chance to work with you finally.
- Offer value; that's what your potential customers want - don't get too caught up with a logo and brand colors or a flawless Instagram feed. Offer value, and you'll connect with your true audience.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.kimblackwellcoaching.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085734625684
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimblackwellcoaching/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cptsdcoach
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimblackwell/
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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