Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cheryl Whitelaw, CEO of Peace and Power Movement Services Inc., located in Edmonton, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I support people living with life-changing injuries, surgeries, or health conditions to find ways to improve their mobility and balance so they can continue to grow and live fully rather than see their world get smaller.
Tell us about yourself
I am inspired by my Mom, who lived with MS for most of her life. She had a positive attitude and focused on what she could do her example inspires me to help my clients find the courage to discover what is possible for them after life-changing events or illnesses. I also train in aikido, a Japanese martial art, so I was drawn to teachers that use modalities like the Feldenkrais method to both improve aikido performance and to fulfill a deeper personal development through aikido practice. After working with my aikido teacher, Brad Schultz, for ten years and seeing how aikido and Feldenkrais work could come together with Dr. Paul Linden, I pivoted my career path from diversity and inclusion work to complete a 4 year Feldenkrais practitioner program. I want to use my knowledge and experience to support kind people to become more powerful and more engaged in the world.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Starting my new business, Peace and Power Movement Services, during the pandemic! I learned how to connect with people online and create a comparable result to seeing clients in person.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
In the beginning, it is a lonely, uncertain path to travel. In transitioning from my previous career, it took some time to connect with other entrepreneurs and supportive communities that believed in me and my business concept. There is a discipline and a commitment that comes from choosing each day to keep going without knowing how it is going to turn out.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find support - you can go further with others than going it alone.
- Understand your why to keep your light shining when the going is difficult.
- Be realistic about your bottom line - you may need to balance a job and a business start-up as you develop your business and strategies to reach your next financial goal.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.kindpower.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourkindofpower
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylkindpower/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylwhitelaw/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.