Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Patty Brennan, founder of Lifespan Doulas, LLC., located in Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Lifespan Doulas offers professional doula training and certification for the complete lifespan. All programs are online and feature a blend of self-paced study modules and an interactive, live workshop on Zoom. A 100% self-paced option is also available, your choice. Become a birth doula, postpartum doula, or end-of-life doula. We specialize in small business basics and offer guidance for launching your doula business. After your doula training, you can begin serving families right away in your chosen specialty area(s). A medical background or years of schooling are not necessary. Re-invent yourself in a field you love!
Tell us about yourself
I am the owner and visionary force behind Lifespan Doulas. For 40 years, I have been a doula, midwife, educator, author, nonprofit executive, and entrepreneur. I have personally trained approximately 2500 people to become doulas. I was a DONA International certified birth and postpartum doula trainer from 2002 to 2021 and have earned the NEDA Proficiency Badge from the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance. As the founder/executive director of two community-based nonprofit doula programs in Michigan, I have helped doulas widely available in her home state, especially for low-income families. I am the author of The Doula Business Guide: How to Create a Successful Birth, Postpartum or End-of-Life Doula Business and The Doula Business Guide Workbook. I have been educating and supporting families to become their own best advocates and successfully navigate healthcare systems since 1983.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The publication of my book, The Doula Business Guide, in 2010 is my biggest accomplishment. It has gone through two updates/revisions since then. I have sold thousands of copies, and the book, now in its 3rd edition, is a best seller on Amazon. I love helping others learn how to become entrepreneurs and be successful doing work they love and feel called to do.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I'd say staying flexible in response to changes in the marketplace. Since I have been doing this work for over 40 years, I had to learn to embrace 21st-century marketing when the internet made former strategies obsolete. During COVID, my in-person training business model no longer worked. I had to adapt quickly to teaching online. We'd like to think we can just set up a business, get it refined, and then just sit back and let the money roll in. But it doesn't work like that. You have to always work ON developing your business, not just work IN your business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Embrace the fact that you have to start somewhere, and it will never be perfect. It will evolve over time.
- Make regular time in your schedule to work ON your business (putting systems in place, identifying what help you need, generating ideas for marketing, engaging in professional networking).
- Get a support network for yourself. Success in business is about developing relationships and a strong referral network. This takes time and connection.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I love being an entrepreneur. It is a creative act. At times, it is a hard path, especially when the income is uncertain, but for me, it is the only way.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://lifespandoulas.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifespanDoulas
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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