Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health & wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Paul Puzanoski, Founder of WUB Society of Canada & WUB Curated Wellness (WUB), located in St. Albert, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
WUB ignites purpose in individuals, groups, and communities by connecting them to the latest insights and leaders in mindfulness, healing, and well-being through ongoing transformational workshops, events, gatherings, retreats, and community-based programs.
Transformation and personal growth is our passion. We bring the best in the fields of mindfulness and well-being together in one space, with flexible access so that every individual is empowered on their unique journey. We offer public events and work with various communities across western Canada.
We've been primarily operating as a nonprofit organization. Still, we are just launching "WUB Curated Wellness," which will offer custom-curated retreats for individuals, couples & groups in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. We create paths for connection, healing, revitalization, growth, adventure, and purpose by working with our guests to curate their own personalized experiences based on their wants and needs.
Whether you need a little weekend getaway or a multiweek experience... think of WUB as your wellness concierge, consultant, and agent working to custom-create an experiential retreat just for you. We get guests from all over North America... most of which are seeking connection, healing, a place to recharge, and the opportunity to expand their overall well-being.
Tell us about yourself
I've been an entrepreneur for over two decades, dabbling in various industries... what led to the work I do now is very much a calling and a passion. I realized long ago that making a difference is more important than making a fortune. This realization came to me around 2009 in a place where financially, things were great. Still, I felt VERY unfulfilled with what I was doing. I found myself in a deep depression to the point where despite my "success," I had thoughts of suicide and found myself experiencing a bit of an existential crisis.
I knew something had to change, so I started seeking anything to help me escape the dark spiral I was in. Serendipitously I stumbled upon a 5-day custom retreat in Sedona to go on. I had no idea what to expect but knew something had to change… well, it blew my mind and completely changed my life.
I experienced hikes in the mountains with an indigenous shaman, meditated with former monks, pushed past fears and anxiety through powerful breathwork, and did incredible healing through various other sessions and experiences. My mind was blown, and my heart was fuller than I could ever imagine. I went from wanting to end it all to feeling intensely connected to something bigger, to myself, to others, and unfamiliarly closer to my purpose... shortly after I sold the business I had, I dove headfirst into learning about all the modalities that helped and more...
Fast-forwarding a few years later and WUB was born. Born out of a true passion for offering similar experiences, healing, resources, retreats, and events that provide the opportunity for profound growth, life-changing experiences, healing, and a passion for connecting people to the teachers, modalities, practices, and facilitators that helped utterly change my life.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The feedback I get is gratifying. Having people tell me how a retreat "saved their life" or how they were inspired to quit their job and start a new career or business, to have a group of grieving mothers tell me they haven't laughed and felt so much joy in years is more than I could ever dream of accomplishing.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
There are always challenges with any business, and often the hardest part is staying focused on your vision and dream through the hard times. The pandemic was a considerable hurdle financially, so having the strength to keep going and stay positive was difficult.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
It's cliche, but follow your passion! But truly dive deep into what fills you up. Before I dove into the work I do now. I made a list of what fills me up, what skills I have, and where I need to improve.
Ask, ask, ask! You'd be amazed at how much support you can get if you ask. Most people feel valued by offering guidance, support, etc.
It's never the right time. A plan helps, but it starts with the destination. Vision how you want to feel, what's happening, where, what activities are going on, what it looks and feels like tens of years from now... start there and work backward, and the details and process will come.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://wubgathering.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUBGathering
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulpuzanoski/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulpuzanoski/
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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