Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Monique Bright, owner of The Bright Center and Celebrating the Wheel of Life, located in Bailey, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My personal practice and business are Celebrating the Wheel of Life, in which I share my passion for Ceremonies, Connection, Community, and Celebration. In the fall of 2022, I opened The Bright Center in Conifer. A physical community gathering space. Niyama Mountain Retreat is another business I am currently building, offering mountain retreats for people from all over the world. I have had the pleasure of working with amazing people, their homes, and other local community spaces to make this happen. One of these people is RayAnn from Elevations Coworking. In fall 2022, RayAnn Salazar and I are opening up a community space in Conifer, CO, and are excited to be able to offer a location to bring this experience to the larger community. This new space, The Bright Center, is focused on wellness, connection, co-creation, education, and art! We are hosting gatherings, classes, and local fairs and renting out our space for events and healing sessions as well. Separate from that, this coming year, I am excited to offer more Niyama Mountain Retreats with Melissa Cheshire. This is a project that has really been building and has allowed me to connect with people outside of my small CO community.
Tell us about yourself
I have learned that I love to create and hold space for individuals and groups to experience celebration, connection, and community within themselves, with each other, and with the Earth. All while having fun and exploring. I am grateful to have found ways to experience and express this passion through various forms, including Ceremonies Honoring and Celebrating the Earth and Human Cycles, Reiki/Shamanism Practice, Yoga, Plant Medicine, and Various forms of Art and Collaboration. When I moved up to Bailey, away from my community, I experienced a lack of community gathering spaces and events and a huge need for human connection, especially in the winter. To bring people together and to share my personal practice, I started hosting Solstice and Equinox Ceremonies and Gatherings. These gatherings encouraged me to start Sacred Sister Circles which has been such a blessing. The amazing connections I made through our bi-weekly gatherings pushed me to stretch further into workshops and classes, teaming up with other local businesses to host events.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment has been actually seeing the community build, connect and come together. I am proud to offer a safe and welcoming space to a diverse community.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
There is a never-ending list of things to do. Also, knowing "If I don't do it, nobody else will."
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Do it, and reach for your dreams! Why not try it out? Invest in yourself and see taking risks that can benefit you as an investment, even if it is just for the lesson or experience. Experience and learning are what matters most when you are growing; remind yourself of that. Allow space for your business and yourself to change. Try something, experience it, and decide if you like it or not and if you want to change it. You do not have to live in absolutes and label/niche yourself or your business. People are going to be more attracted to your business if YOU like it and are passionate about it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website:
https://www.thebrightcenterco.com/
https://www.celebratingthewheeloflife.com/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/thebrightcenterconifer/
https://www.facebook.com/monique.bright.77/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/celebratingthewheeloflife/
https://www.instagram.com/thebrightcenter/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monique-bright-b86683256/
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.