Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Fiona McKinnon, Co-Founder of Moment Company, located in Hove, East Sussex, UK.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are the Moment Company. We're on a mission to bring the benefit of short, regular mind breaks, or "moments," into the busy day for a happier, healthier work life. We combine centuries-old techniques with practical support to help you develop simple skills that help build mental fitness and promote high performance and focus throughout the workday. Our customers are both individual consumers on a well-being journey and corporations that want to invest in the long-term well-being of their employees and business.
We offer mindset, communication, and well-being workshops and programs designed to suit the level and needs of the individual and business. In the UK, there is an average return of £5 for every £1 spent on mental health. We collaborate closely with HR teams to provide well-being and performance measurement with actionable insights, allowing the company to maximize the value of its employee investment.
Our programs are also supported by a physical calming and breathing device, the Moment Pebble, which acts as an anchor for stress and anxiety and helps remind users to take a break throughout the busy day.
Tell us about yourself
My professional background is in the advertising and media industries. For over 20 years, I lived, worked, and traveled around the world as an executive for brands such as The Guardian and Warner Media. It sounded glamorous, but I was burned out! I suffered from severe adrenal fatigue as my body responded to the late nights, early mornings, and constant travel. As a result of the enforced rest and lifestyle change, I started to be curious about the connection between my mind, stress, and my body’s reaction to what had happened to me.
I learned Transcendental Meditation, was trained in Neuro Linguistic Programming and Reiki, became sober, and started to put into practice small positive changes every day. The cumulative effects of small changes in my routine and mindset over time were life-changing. It is this appreciation of the benefits of learning simple mindful practices that led me to join Alex and Charlie at the Moment Company and to deliver on our shared vision to make the benefits of strong mental fitness through mindfulness, breathwork, and meditation accessible throughout the working day.
I am motivated every day to share my story and experience in the hope that I can prevent others from falling into the burnout trap and show businesses the importance of investing in the mental fitness of employees. If it can work for a burnout, skeptical, overworking, overdrinking, digital-brained executive like me, it can work for anyone! I want to help people feel more positive, in control, and happier.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
There are a number of things I am very proud of. The fact that we started our business and delivered a physical product to market during a pandemic was no mean feat! We didn't compromise on quality, details, or the love we put into the launch.
Getting the first wave of customer feedback was an amazing feeling. Knowing that something you visualized could be brought to life, used in the way you imagined, and create positive mental change for people has been incredible.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
It's hard sometimes to be a founder, knowing you are 100% responsible for the success and failure of the business. It is not for the faint of heart or the easily distracted. I am so fortunate to have co-founders in Alex and Charlie. This is not a journey I would have wanted to take alone.
Cash flow is a challenge to manage in the early days, as you have to get creative around where you focus and how you spend the money you do have. This also goes for how you pay yourself, so be prepared to make some changes in your life to follow your dreams!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find Support: When starting a business, you have to wear many hats, which means you often have to do things that are outside your comfort zone and natural skill set. Having the support of co-founders, board advisors, your network, and a coach or mentor is a must.
- ASK! It took me a while to realize this, but people want to help you. Ask your network for advice, for introductions, or just for a coffee. The more people you speak to, the more opportunities will arise.
- Look after yourself, not just the business. Healthy minds make better decisions. Schedule a regular time to do something for yourself that you enjoy that is not related to the business. We often get those "ah-ha" moments when we allow our brains to relax and rest.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://momentcompany.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momentcompany.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momentcompany.co/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-mckinnon/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/momentcompany/
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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