Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sofia Schuringa, CEO of Lux Counselling Collective, located in Simcoe, ON, Canada.

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

Lux is a mental health and holistic wellness space offering clinical counseling and coaching to millennials. We support 20-30 something's who are seeking deeper connections with themselves and others, greater self-awareness, and a goal to heal dysfunctional patterns rooted in trauma. We journey with people from all walks of life, helping them understand the 'why,' the 'what,' and the 'how' of life's complexities and joys. If the goal is to grow, heal, and understand - we are the ones who teach you how to make space for the garden of your life to bloom!

Tell us about yourself

This is a loaded question, ha! Truthfully, I am so deeply inspired by each and every one of my clients. A lot of therapeutic spaces can feel stuffy and "clinical," but I really try to make the atmosphere as welcoming and laid back as possible. My philosophy is very much 'come as you are and to remind the client that THEY are the experts in their life. Getting to sit with individuals in their lowest moments, as well as their mountain-top moments, is one of the most rewarding and humbling opportunities. I approach my work with great curiosity and openness to growth - this keeps things fresh and new each time I walk into the office. If you are an enneagram fanatic like myself, you should know I am a hard-core type 7. This helps me bring a creative, energetic, and warm approach to counseling. I've always loved sitting with people and hearing their stories, processing their pain points, and providing insights and solutions. I truly believe this is what I was made to do, and I am deeply grateful for this.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Another loaded question! I am deeply proud of this business and the growth I have seen over the past four years. It's no secret that mental health is a major issue in society today, and I'm thankful that Lux has been a consistent space for those who need it most. Keeping things moving, growing, and thriving (in the midst of a pandemic, becoming a first-time mama, and so much more) is WILD to me.

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

Navigating the to-do list! Here's something to know: the list never ends - so if you are waiting to check everything off before you can rest, enjoy life, or find "balance," you will be waiting a long time. I've thrown away the belief that business owners have balance. Instead, I have embraced the concept of RHYTHMS. Instilling rhythms (rooted in your values, needs, and boundaries) has helped mitigate the burnout and stress that the to-do list can cause.

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

  1. Seek out mentors who can support and journey with you, as well as an individual who specializes in your field. Honor their time and willingness to support you and ask MANY questions. Having people champion you along the way makes all the difference!
  2. Set your boundaries and limits EARLY (i.e., time of day to "end" work, how accessible you will be to clients, what days you want to work, how much you will take on, etc.). There may be some experimenting needed in the beginning but lay it out before you need it.
  3. Be sure to check-off practicals before jumping in - though I do highly recommend jumping in first and then seeing what you need. It depends on your personality ;) Legalities, insurance, financial foundations, licensing, etc., are all good things to look into depending on the type of business you are building.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

At the end of the day, building and running your business will test you and challenge you in ways that nothing else will. Allow the learning curves to come, embrace the mishaps and mistakes, and take every opportunity for growth and learning with deep gratitude and curiosity!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.luxcounselling.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luxcounselling/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxcounsellingcollective/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofiaschuringa2112/

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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