Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Liz Hughes, Owner of Mind Body Therapy, located in Austin, TX, USA.

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

I run a mental health private practice and provide online mental health therapy for adult women. Most of my clients are in their 20's-30s and identify as Latina. I am biracial and grew up closely connected to the Peruvian culture, so I love being able to bring in my lived experience as a Latina woman living in America with Latinx clients.

Tell us about yourself

Being in private practice has always been a goal of mine. There was a myth in my industry that you needed to put in your dues by working in an agency job that you kind of hated for at least 10 years before stepping out on your own. This myth usually leads to burnout and clinicians leaving the therapy field altogether. I think COVID changed that myth for many therapists as the demand grew, and telehealth gave us the opportunity to work with clients throughout the state we were licensed in. I started to realize how many of my clients were reaching out to me specifically because they want to work with someone who can relate to the Hispanic culture and the unique challenges that can come from that experience, for example, dealing with machismo, learning that expressing emotions is bad, or the belief that their struggles should not be discussed outside of the family. Having this understanding of the culture and, at times, having experienced it myself, I feel grateful to be able to relate to and support other women trying to manage these challenges as well.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Surviving my first year as a business owner has been a great accomplishment! I think it is totally normal to pause and wonder, "What am I doing running a business right now." I think those questions are necessary and a humbling part of working for yourself. I feel privileged to have gotten through my first year and hope to have many more ahead.

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

One of my biggest challenges has been setting boundaries around time management. Working for myself means I create all the rules. If I want to start working at noon, I can. On the flip slide, if I want to work till 10 pm, I can do that too. To avoid burning out, I have found creating my structure and holding myself to that has helped me find a routine that feels good to me.

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

  1. Create a structure that works for you. Hustle culture can really get to you and burn you out. To have a sustainable business, you also have to prioritize rest.
  2. Listen to your gut. There are a million ways to run a business, and depending on who you ask, you will probably get a million different responses. Learn to trust your instincts and let your values guide your work as a business owner.
  3. Learn how to manage your anxiety around money. If you can set aside savings for a rainy day, do so before you start your business, and don't touch it until you have to. Having my emergency fund has helped calm me down during my times of panic when things get slow.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Thank you so much for having me! If anyone has questions about starting a small business or a private therapy practice, don't hesitate to reach out to me.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://mindbodytherapytx.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mindbodytherapyhtx
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindbodytherapytx/
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3RpDuiR

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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