Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Monica Elena, Wellness YouTube Vlogger, RYT, Wellness Blogger, and Soul Lift Expo, located in Houston, TX, USA.

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

Business — YouTube Vlogger for Mind, Body, and Soul conversations and topics, as well as positive encouragement. I bring attention to mental health, fitness and well-being, and internal fulfillment and completeness. I also recently launched a Barre and Yoga fusion workout that I created in 2015. Called Monica Elena Method, there was nothing like it at the time it was created, and it took a while to be able to share it with the public finally. I was teaching it privately for a while. Customers — Overall Health and Wellness audience.

Tell us about yourself

I experienced sexual assault in the workplace. It was an extremely special and important job. I had gone through a series of challenges, career-wise, following my divorce. I endured quite a bit to finally attain this job, only to have then this happen. I took a couple of months to myself to reflect on my next steps. I took a Barre class to try to bring some joy to my life. After taking that class, something that couldn’t be explained happened. It was as if someone had turned on the lights, and my entire thought process, mindset, and sense of existence shifted. I wanted to launch a platform that would not only help others heal through their trauma and obstacles but also heal myself in the process. That’s how I got my start in my line of work. I had a longing to share with people that it doesn’t have to end or stop because of their painful setbacks or devastations. Life begins with trauma. It does not end. And, to be candid, my platform envelops everyone and not only people coping or healing from trauma. Because each of us experiences difficulties or tough days and needs a little pick me up.

What motivates me each day to do what I do has taken on a new and, unexpected direction. While having to grow through the course of building my online business I experienced many things that should’ve sent me home packing, so to speak. Instead it gave me a strength that I don’t think could’ve happened any other way. That’s a giant driving force. That, coupled with the people that are out there that could be the next beautiful thing in their own field, their own lives, and communities that haven’t been able to tap into it yet. That’s what also pushes me forward. No matter how hard some days are I hold all of these things in my heart, to keep going.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been the intestinal fortitude I’ve gained. There is internal growth that cannot be measured in dollars, numbers, statistics, etc. You can have all of those wonderful things, but if you don’t have the internal growth to show for it then, then it’s difficult to feel you succeed.

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

One of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner is not buying into the hype. Hype exists in various forms and comes through various channels. It’s different for everyone and, can be anything. Maybe it’s outside opinions for, one person, or getting in your own way for, another. Hype isn’t necessarily always a positive influence the way we normally think it to be. It can be negative as well and, try to control and manipulate you mentally and, emotionally. Every day is a fight to rise above it. Every day is a need to make the coherent decision to say, “I’m not buying into “you” today”.

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

  1. If you want to change the world, don’t allow the ones who don’t to interrupt you.
  2. Through the process, allow for your internal growth to be the most valuable and untouchable award of honor you have attained.
  3. Make the conscious decision every day to rise above the “hype” that tries to seep in.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://monicacavazos.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themonicaelena
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themonicaelena/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ0L5MLM2SeshyZZXntZUwQ
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicacavazos/

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.