Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nadia Perruzza, Founder of Mindworx Counselling, located in Mississauga, ON, Canada.

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

I created Mindworx Counselling in 2019 because I felt I had so much to offer in terms of mental health treatment. Mindworx is unique because, as an Occupational Therapist, I utilize both occupational therapy and psychological strategies. Occupational therapists understand and appreciate that engaging in meaningful activities is crucial to a person's mental and physical well-being and have so much to offer to someone struggling with mental health. My clients range from children to adults facing a variety of mental health issues.

At Mindworx, we help people understand and cope with their symptoms, participate in meaningful activities and improve daily function. As an occupational therapist, I look at what factors are impacting someone’s functioning. I assess and treat the whole person by looking at a client's current coping strategies, routines, supports, environment, habits, and roles. I then assist clients in implementing strategies, modifications, or adaptations and guide them so they can make decisions that work best for them.

Tell us about yourself

I am a Registered Occupational Therapist with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario and practice Psychotherapy. I have over 13 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist and am also trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy providing psychotherapy in this regard. I am also a first-time mother. It has been the greatest journey to date. I absolutely love spending time with my little family, and being a mother has really tested my ability to implement my own strategies and routines to keep myself healthy and happy.

I possess experience working with individuals with a variety of mental health concerns throughout my career, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, psychosis, brain injury, and trauma. What motivates me every day is my clients and their resiliency. I feel blessed every day that individuals allow me to be part of their journey.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is just getting started and developing Mindworx Counselling in 2019. Ever since I graduated, I have wanted to start my own business and offer support to clients without the constraints of a system such as insurance or government programs which often offer a limited amount of therapy.

I wanted the freedom to treat clients as I saw fit and work collaboratively with my clients. I truly believe clients should be given the autonomy to make their own decisions as they are the experts in their lives. I wanted to provide therapy in a way where I help guide clients to make the best possible decisions for themselves.

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

One of the hardest things about being a business owner is...being a business owner!! Everything falls on you, and there is always something that needs to be done. You have to learn how to balance work, family, and self-care time to ensure you don't burn out because then you are not helpful to anyone.

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

  1. Set boundaries when it comes to working. Have set hours when you are available to answer client calls or messages. If you are working all hours of the day and answering messages at all times, the lines can come blurry between work and personal time.
  2. You have to be ok with failing; it is inevitable when starting a business for the first time. Remember that failures are our biggest lessons and that you can overcome them and become even better.
  3. Self-care, self-care, self-care!!!! Remember to take care of yourself, or else you will not be able to take care of your business.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

If you are looking to start a business, go for it. It will be hard, it will test you like you never imagined, but you will never know if you will be successful or not until you try. And if you fail. Sit with it, re-evaluate, make changes and try again.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://mindworxcounselling.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindworx.counselling
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindworxcounselling/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadia-perruzza-3843a141/

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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