Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sarah Ariaudo, Founder of Mindful Based Healing, located in San Diego, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Have you ever experienced a health scare or unexplained symptoms that affected your overall quality of life? Have you ever been so stressed you lost sleep or snapped at friends or family? I did too! That's why I created Mindful Based Healing, to teach people how to take back control of their lives instead of being controlled. Through the implementation of mindfulness techniques, mindset reframes, and communication tools, you can increase your body awareness, reduce stress and anxiety, better symptom management, improve health, and enhance your overall quality of life. I've been working with cancer centers to offer the mindfulness program and accompanying journal for free, but this program is really for anyone looking to improve their health and overall quality of life through simple techniques that can be done anytime, anywhere.
Tell us about yourself
I initially started doing yoga and implementing mindfulness techniques due to my health issues without the intent for it to be a business. I spent four years working with specialists trying to figure out what was causing my debilitating symptoms. After multiple surgeries, high doses of medication, and a super restrictive diet, I decided I needed to be an active partner in my care, not just rely on my physicians to figure it out. Once I started to listen to my body and really pay attention to my symptoms, triggers, etc., I was able to better communicate with my healthcare team, and we were able to determine that high levels of chronic stress were causing my health issues including the loss of my monthly cycle for nearly two years.
Through my mindfulness practice, I increased my body awareness, decreased my stress levels, and improved everything about my life. My energy levels, concentration, relationships, communication... you name it. When the pandemic hit a couple of years ago, I began reflecting on how I could make a more positive impact in the world, and that's when I realized I wanted to share these life-changing skills with anyone who is ready to take back control of their life. My motto is "Stress less, live more" because we all deserve to be happy, healthy, and enjoy our lives.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As a business owner, it's so rewarding to see my vision come to fruition. The best part is hearing from clients how my program or coaching has changed their lives. I can't express how happy it makes me to know that I am helping people live their best lives.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I would say one of the most challenging aspects of being a business owner is doing it all. Until the business has scaled enough to outsource or hire a team, it's a lot of work putting all of the pieces together. From social media to sales to website creation, those were all new aspects to me in addition to creating and delivering the program.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My advice for anyone looking to start, run or grow a business is as follows:
- Define your "why." This can not just be about money; it needs to be unshakeable for when things get hard and you feel like you want to quit. This "why" will be what keeps you moving forward. Mine is to help people feel better when they may feel like they've tried everything.
- Appreciate the wins. I feel like starting a business is an up-and-down flow, not a linear experience. Some days will feel really productive or progressive, and other days may feel like a waste or a failure, BUT if you look back at where you started, the direction is still moving forward. So it's important to acknowledge and appreciate how far you've come.
- Believe in yourself because, Why not you? This is probably the hardest for many of us. We have all experienced imposter syndrome at some point in our lives or career. That feeling of not being good enough or wondering why anyone would want to work with us. It's really important to go back to your "why" here. If you started your company to solve a problem, to help others from making mistakes you made, or for some other inspiring reason...then why not you? You won't attract everyone, and that's ok. You will attract the people that need you. That needs your story, your solutions. Believe in yourself, and they will too.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.mindfulbasedhealing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahariaudo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahariaudo/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.
