Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Paula Tursi, founder of Paula Tursi - Life Design, located in New York, NY, USA.

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

I have been growing a conscious living business for over 15 years! Applause please!! Most people are really not sure what that is, yet it is my absolute passion. In short, it is a place, virtually these days, where people can go and learn about who they are and how to make choices that align with that. Mostly, people just follow the next person who is following the one before that. Reflections Center for Conscious Living, which is now Paula Tursi -- Life Design, provides ways for anyone who cares to take a deeper look at who they are and what makes them tick a place to do it without judgment. I have online courses, movement classes, meditations, and the community gathers, all designed to inspire people to ask the bigger questions and then help them design a life that aligns with what they have discovered. It's a true path to happiness.

Tell us about yourself

I love what I do! It has been a 35-year journey that, for me, in so many ways, has just begun. I have always been someone who wanted to know "why?". I never felt comfortable following others. I wanted my mistakes to be my own. I wanted to share this sense of agency with others, so I opened my first 5000 sq ft studio in 2009 in Midtown. Five years later, when the building closed, we moved it across town (9 months pregnant, must add) to a 3000 sq foot studio in Gramercy Park. When people heard we were closing, they were genuinely upset. I was surprised, actually. In a way, this studio was a big playground for me. I was really happy to know that this place and the work we did there mattered to people. That's what made me decide to keep going.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Wow, there were so many. We closed after 15 years and went online due to the pandemic. So 15 years of business was a big deal. I would say the thing I am most proud of was that a very regular person came to my studio on a daily basis and felt happy. It wasn't about a "type" any, and EVERYONE came there and found a meaningful way to expand their lives. I would say just about every day; that someone would thank me. That is what made me most happy.

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

People ask me all the time if they should open a business. I tell them if they want to do something that takes 100 percent of their time, go right ahead. I love what I do, so the sacrifices don't really feel like sacrifices, typically. We had about 15 employees at any given time. I found keeping up with them and making sure things were running smoothly was definitely challenging. It truly is hard to find employees that share your vision; when you find them, don't let them go.

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

  1. Make sure you know what you are about to do. What will your daily tasks be, and will those tasks make you happy? There was a lot of my time spent on budgets, payroll, hiring, etc. I did not love that part. Try to imagine what you will really be doing and then ask yourself honestly-- is this what I want?
  2. Do what you love? Someone once told me never to start a business you wouldn't do for free. You have to love it that much! It's very different than a job. It is your creation!
  3. Tell everyone you see about your business. It really is the best way to grow. There is so much to choose from for consumers today. People like to support things they have a connection to. You are that connection.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

If you love it, don't give up. Stay committed, and you will always find a way.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.paulatursi.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaulaTursiLifeDesign
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paula_tursi_life_design/

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.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.