Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Emma DeSouza, Owner of Prana Rising Wellness, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

My business is about supporting women entrepreneurs in the online realm. I help my clients regulate their nervous system in order to expand their businesses, hold the capacity to increase their income, and make businesses feel ease-y. I am an online business manager and a luxury virtual assistant agency owner. And I also like to entwine energy work and intuitive readings throughout these services. Hence taking on the name The Systems Goddess.

Tell us about yourself

I first started my business over two years ago as a yoga teacher and reiki practitioner. As I stepped into the online world, as many of us did in 2020, I noticed a gap in those who were really good at coaching, teaching, and being themselves - but struggling to navigate the online world and how a business needs to be set up online in order to function with ease.

I am an advocate for mental health awareness, and that was part of the reason for starting my own business - to have the flexibility to take care of my mental health and be there for my family as they needed me. And my passion is making this accessible to all the women I support on a day-to-day basis.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment to date would be what I have created in a community, authentic connections, income, and routine. Every day I work, I feel joy and satisfaction in what I'm doing, and I know that in itself is a gift.

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

One of the hardest things for me was that I had to learn and continue to refine boundaries. Because it is my own business, I find that if I am not leading myself with intention, I could be working at all hours of the day because I love what I do and am so passionate about it. However, boundaries with work and clients are vital to your business's health and longevity. So it is something I am continuously working on.

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

  1. Get very clear on what you want to do and WHY you want to do it.
  2. Create a community vibe.
  3. Give yourself grace. You will fail, make mistakes, and you will succeed and have huge wins - giving yourself grace lets you experience it all without self-judgement.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Having my own business has been one of the most life-changing experiences, I have learned so much about myself and continue to do so daily. And the connections I have made with other entrepreneurs, especially other businesswomen, have been so eye-opening and heartwarming. We really do all win when we thrive together as a community.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://pranarisingwellness.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsemmadesouza/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-desouza-12025a113/

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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