Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jacquie Hill, Owner of LiveWell Camas, located in Camas, WA, USA.

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

We are a small community-focused movement space and boutique. We offer daily movement classes to folks from 4 years old to 99 years old. Our boutique offers small gifts, self-care products, and plants.

Tell us about yourself

I have been a full-time movement instructor for more than a decade now. I love helping people tap back into their playful sides and understand that aging doesn't need to mean being achy and sore all the time.

I am motivated every day by my own movement practice and by engaging with the community around me. I love seeing my clients progress, I love watching the kids I work with understand how important movement is, and I LOVE being a resource for folks in this local community.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

This is a really hard question... honestly, I think that my biggest accomplishment is helping to curate a community of folks that believe in this business, our mission, and me so much that we survived the pandemic. And that even though we are still not recovered fully as a business... our doors remain open, and we are inching along each and every day.

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

One of the most challenging aspects of being a business owner (especially a small business like ours) is finding a balance between work, family, fun, and time away. I think that most folks who go into business for themselves do so because they want more control over their lives in one way or another.

The reality is that it is a whole lot of work, there is a never-ending list of things to do, and it is very easy to end up working way more than you originally anticipated, especially when you are passionate about what you do. You really do have to love it.

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

Great Question!

  1. Know your WHY. No one else needs to understand it... but you need to know without a doubt WHY you are doing what you do. Not only will knowing you are why keep you honest, but it will guide you to make tough decisions when needed, and it will help you stick to your values and craft the mission of your business. Plus, knowing your "why" may just help you learn a thing or two about your personal journey in this life.
  2. Don't be afraid to fail. Pivot and redirect. If the pandemic has taught me anything as a business owner, it is that pivoting can be a powerful move. There have definitely been aspects of this business that have failed for me over the last four years, many of which I couldn't control, but because of my willingness to be flexible (no pun intended), I was able to pivot again and again and again. I believe it is one reason we are still here today.
  3. Don't be afraid to ask for help. As humans, we are herd creatures, and it is silly to think that we have to do anything all on our own. People only know what you need when you ask, and more of your community (even those you have not yet met) are willing to pitch in than you might think. Help can come in the form of financial help (which is really beneficial for a micro business struggling to keep doors open and serve the community during a global pandemic), mentorship, marketing, painting, or a million other ways. I would have never made it this far into this journey as a business owner (or a human living on earth) if it had not been for my willingness to ask for and accept the help of my community. I will be forever grateful for the help I have and continue to receive.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Being in business for yourself is not for the faint of heart. But I have found that it really does allow you to crack your heart and soul open in an entirely different way. Know your "why," let it guide you, and let your community support you in every way they can.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://livewellcamas.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livewellcamas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livewellcamas/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/livewellcamas

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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