Navigating Your Mental Health Journey

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kiara Hartwell Opara, Founder of KJ Hartwell, LLC, located in Virginia Beach, VA, USA.

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

I run a private therapy and coaching practice. I also help individuals gain access to high-quality water. In my therapy practice, I work with adult women navigating through anxiety, depression, and trauma using internal family systems therapy. In addition to therapy, I help therapists launch their own thriving therapy practice.

Tell us about yourself

I started my own business because I realized that is how you find true flexibility with your time, location, and money. While having your own business has its challenges, it provides you the opportunity to truly have something that belongs to you. I wanted to start my own business, so I could determine my business values, work with the clients I specialize in working with, work the hours I prefer to work and work from wherever I prefer to work. When I think long-term, it makes sense.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is seeing the growth from the beginning to where I am now. Being able to grow the client base I wanted and seeing the healing take place with all of the clients I've had the pleasure of working with is amazing.

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

The hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is making sure you have everything in order. You have to have systems in place when you scale; some of those things add up financially. You also have to make sure you are financially responsible when it comes to taxes as a business owner, especially if you are a single-member LLC and not filing as an s corp. There's a lot that goes into being a business owner, especially when you're taking on various roles without help.

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

Have a solid business plan with your standard operating procedures, financial forecasting, and systems that need to be put in place.
Hire a good accountant and potentially an attorney - you want to ensure you know how much money you should be setting aside for tax purposes (federal and state as being self-employed), know all your options for filing and keep track of your deductions!
Find a community of like-minded individuals who are also entrepreneurs.
Hire help when you can afford it.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.kjhartwell.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kjhartwell/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kjhartwell/

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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