Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rachel Nusret, Owner of Moonshadow Healing, located in Villa Park, IL, USA.

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

I own a healing studio called Moonshadow Healing in Villa Park, IL, just twenty minutes west of Chicago. The name is a play on two things - 1. My daughter's middle name is Moon, and 2. my original partner, Missy, and I, always bonded over our love of Cat Stevens. Moonshadow is the name of a Cat Stevens song. We offer a variety of Energy Healing modalities, including Reiki (Kids and couples Reiki, too!), Chakra Balancing, Hopi Ear Candling, Astrological Birth Chart Readings, and Past Life Regression Hypnosis. We also provide Spiritual Coaching and host Reiki Classes and fun Group Workshops with revolving themes that center around personal development and spiritual growth. Our customers are local to the Dupage County area, although some city folk do venture out to see us from time to time :) We have a mostly female clientele, ranging of all ages. These are beautiful souls who are newly awakened and working to step into their Authentic selves.

Tell us about yourself

My life had been filled with many ups and downs + twists and turns, which ultimately led me to a spiritual awakening after the unexpected death of my father in 2016. I spent over a year in complete solitude, interacting only with my daughter. One day, I was divinely guided to get a Reiki session, which in retrospect, would change the course of my life. After being in a deep depression, I felt something in me become 'activated.' That session would be the turning point for me to take back 'my life.' I decided I needed to learn Reiki so that I could spread it to others who needed it. Every day at my studio, after I complete a session, the client gets up off the table and honestly looks like a different person. Sometimes they have tears in their eyes, sometimes a huge smile. To know that I had an impact that shifted their state to a positive one that is conducive to healing is the most rewarding thing I could ever hope to accomplish.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

When I first opened my shop in January of 2021, it was at the peak of the pandemic. At the time, many small businesses were going out of business. I was also a single mom with over $10K in credit card debt, not to mention thousands more in student loans. Many of my loved ones were hesitant about the thought of me opening a business under these circumstances. But I had such a strong connection with my intuition at that point, which kept telling me - 'Keep Going." I used the checks I had received as stimulus checks to get started, putting down my first couple of months' rent, security deposit, and all of the 'things' I needed to get my shop started. I had such a strong calling to 'be of service to others,' and I knew my genuine, heartfelt intent would be felt by potential clients. One night, I was at the shop very late, exhausted from painting, moving in, and decorating all day. I decided to post on a local Facebook page, announcing my business. My hope was that my website would at least catch some traction. When I woke up the next morning, my inbox was filled with over 20 bookings for that very week ;)

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

If you don't actively engage in self-care - you WILL get burned out. It's very difficult for me to turn away a prospective client...often, my schedule is entirely booked, and I have clients reach out in need of a session. I have such a deep desire to be of service to anyone in need, but sometimes, I overbook myself and end up sacrificing my own needs. I think that while it's important to value your clients, business owners (myself included!) need to focus on taking care of themselves - filling their own cups FIRST before pouring into others' cups.

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

  1. Make sure your heart is in alignment with your idea, not just your head.
  2. Think of how you can serve OTHERS. What value will your product/service be to OTHERS? Reflect on this rather than focusing on your own gains.
  3. Go for it! Limiting beliefs and fear constantly stop people from pursuing their dreams. Ask yourself- what is the absolute WORST thing that could happen if I fail? For me, it was having to maybe move in with my mom until I got back on my feet. We like staying comfortable, so we limit our lives to a small little box. Stepping outside of the box means taking a risk.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.moonshadow-healing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moonshadowhealingvillapark
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonshadowhealing/

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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