Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jean-Marie Walters, Founder of Life Beyond Rehab, located in Phoenix, AZ, USA.

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

Our mission is to provide continuing support to individuals impacted by brain injury and their caregivers through education and advocacy to meet day-to-day needs while offering functional strategies to successfully navigate Life Beyond Rehab – whether it means returning to school, getting back to work, or just being safe at home. We are here as an extension of the continuum of care to ensure the best quality of life for those living with an acquired brain injury.

Tell us about yourself

I have been a speech therapist for 14 years. I have worked with many different populations, including children, adults, and geriatrics. Throughout my career, nothing has sparked my interest or made me love my job more than working with individuals with brain injuries.

Brain injury is particular because you have the privilege of being a part of someone's remarkable journey as they make their way back to real life after a catastrophic event. After working in the outpatient brain injury clinic for The Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA, I realized that while we were helping people within the clinic, they struggled to generalize those skills at home, at work, or within the community.

I started Life Beyond Rehab because I wanted to help individuals and their families with the challenge of taking all the skills they learned and applying them outside the walls of rehab.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Getting started. I learned how to create a website, how to film and edit videos, the meaning of SEO, and making meaningful content. I am proud that I took the leap and didn't let the "unknown" overwhelm or deter me from taking a chance at something I truly believe in.

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

For me, the hardest part is feeling that I have something to offer that is worth charging for. I struggled with asking for money and determining what to ask people to pay for consultation sessions. I still have difficulty drawing the line between "free 15-minute consultation" and not valuing my time and expertise.

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

  1. Belief in the service you are providing. I feel if you are genuine and have integrity as the foundation of your pursuits, you will always thrive.
  2. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and can be there to offer encouragement. There will be plenty of times you doubt yourself, and having a support team to push you when you feel like quitting is priceless.
  3. Don't give up. Just because your business isn't "booming overnight" doesn't make it a failure. Keep your mind and heart open, and success will find you.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.lifebeyondrehab.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifebeyondrehab
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifebeyondrehab/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/beyond_rehabTBI
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/life-beyond-rehab/

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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