Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stephanie Spence, Published Author of One With Life, LLC., located in Coronado, CA, USA.

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

My objective is to share the authentic teachings of Yoga with the modern era and build bridges between different countries, religions/faiths, healing modalities, and people to promote social and spiritual health.

Tell us about yourself

I've spent the last 42 years sharing my love of Yoga through writing, teaching, and public speaking. I'm passionate about inspiring people to make Yoga a part of their life. Yoga is a never-ending process and progress of connection and integration to self.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My book, "Yoga Wisdom: Warrior Tales Inspiring You On And Off Your Mat," was recognized and awarded the prestigious literary award, The Nautilus Books Award.

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

As the former CEO of a successful publishing business, I think the "hardest things" are unique to each company. As for my experience, it was everything from significant issues like the demographics of the market I was in (which, of course, I had no control over) to more minor challenges like not being able to meet the demand for my product (which was a "good problem" to have).

My initial business plan was "don't lose money, make money"—no kidding. When I started my business, it was 25 years ago. I bought a computer, came home, and read the manual. On a weekend workshop, I learned how to use the software to lay out a magazine. I increased, and then a huge thing came along: the World Wide Web! I eventually consolidated with regional magazines around the US, and we bought and managed every Rock 'n' Roll Marathon.

We created one of the first and most successful portals, active.com. I worked with over 30 charities statewide and was awarded a key to my city. I interviewed incredible people from all over the world, including HH The 14th Dalai Lama. That was a fun day. However, the "hardest things" of being a business owner fall to the boss. Everything that goes wrong is yours to deal with. I still wouldn't change anything.

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

  1. You have to remind yourself why you started on the hard days and figure out what makes you happy about what you are offering. I could help people.
  2. Just start. Write a to-do list. Action is the key. Show up. Work hard. Believe you deserve success. Be yourself. Ignore the critics, the noise. Let your work speak for itself. Daily: Do the most challenging thing (or thing you're dreading) first, then the rest of the day is joyful and full of adventure.
  3. Factor in the wow, the fun. I created a workplace culture that was fun (which was unusual at the time). Bringing a dog to the office used to be seen as radical. Even as a published author, I have created a life that feels like a day at a spa. It's critical for artists like myself that we make a working environment that doesn't seem like "work" at all. I encourage you to cultivate that for yourself.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.stephaniespence.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sgspence/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephanieyogini/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/stephanieyogini/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-spence-30003110/

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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