Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental health but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Hailey ONeill, founder, and CEO of MindBar, located in Austin, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
MindBar is the MasterClass of mental health - with our self-paced classes, you will learn the tools and benefits of therapy from expertly vetted therapists and coaches all around the world. Unlike MasterClass, if you find someone you resonate with, you can book a one-on-one session with them directly from our app. Anxiety is killing us, literally! And the demand for high-quality support greatly outstrips the supply. MindBar is here to change that - our membership offers you the tools you need to feel relieved without the high cost and connection to mental health experts who are saving space to help you thrive.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Hailey, and I'm the Founder of MindBar. I started MindBar because therapy saved my life, Coaching saved my life... I've been able to recognize destructive patterns I never knew existed and reach goals I never believed possible. My personal experience put me on a mission to get these tools and benefits that I learned into the hands of everyone. When it comes to physical health, it's considered normal to work out multiple days a week, and we're proud to talk about it! We also love sharing that experience with others in group classes. I began thinking - why isn't that the case when it comes to our mental health? Why am I on an island and shouldering such a large cost when there are so many other people going through the same things that I am? That's why I created MindBar - to transform the way we access mental health care and make it fun, affordable, encouraged, and convenient.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is the words I hear from our members. When someone tells me the relief that a MindBar teacher or class has brought them, it shows me that all of the hard work that has gone into building this platform is worth it. I'm truly honored by every member that joins our community. Seeing people connect with content and therapists that meet them where they are at and help them to become the best version of themselves is by far the greatest accomplishment in this journey.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, the hardest part of being a business owner is the multiple hats that you wear in the early stages of building a business. Not only are you the Founder, but you're also the CEO, the marketer, the recruiter, the strategist... I would get so overwhelmed with tasks like trying to set up an email newsletter system or how to design a website in WordPress. I felt like I was trying to operate outside my zone of genius every day, which was really hard for me. The biggest thing I learned was to ask for help! You may think that others are too busy or that you can't afford them, but I can assure you - if you believe in what you're doing and are grateful for other people's expertise and hard work, they will want to help you! Don't be afraid to admit your faults and ask for help.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
This is a great question! My number 1 tip is to DO IT! Just get started! I know it can seem daunting or overwhelming to start a business... You may be thinking things like 'I don't know how to run a business...' or 'I didn't go to business school, I'm not the one to bring this thing to light,' but I promise you, if you just get started and take one step at a time, things that seemed undoable before will become doable, and that will make you feel more empowered than you can imagine. (MindBar has a class all about Imposter Syndrome taught by the amazing therapist, Christian Jackson!) My second tip, which I already referenced above, is to ASK FOR HELP! I promise you - if you just get started, and you ask for help every step along the way, your company will start to materialize right in front of you, which is the most exciting feeling. Finally, my third tip, and as cheesy as it sounds - is to trust the universe and not attach yourself so strictly to one outcome. Do something every day that moves you closer to your goals, but be open to where that takes you. MindBar was originally going to be a physical studio with in-person therapy classes, but it has become so much more than I ever could have envisioned. At first, when things didn't go as I had planned, I would get so stressed and frustrated. But when I learned to trust the process (and audibly repeated that to myself about 20 times a day) - magic happened!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
MindBar is launching globally on July 14th, and we're SO excited to share the tools and benefits of therapy with you at your pace. Membership is $14.99/month or $115/annual. For the first seven days after we launch, we are offering half off your annual membership - $57 for the year! I hope you'll join us on our mission of making mental health care more accessible to more people. And please feel free to reach out to me personally on social or via email (hailey@mind-bar.com) If you have any questions! I'd love to connect with you!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://mind-bar.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mindbar.Therapy.Studio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mind.bar/
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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