Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Queen Tuya Nu, Founder of Clearwater Wellness & Spiritual Counseling, located in Columbia, MD, USA.

What's your organization, and who are your members?

CWSC is a not-for-profit spiritual and wellness organization addressing the spiritual and wellness needs of highly sensitive people, empaths, and free spirits. Our members are individuals who are seeking to rediscover themselves and co-create a better world for themselves and their families. Many struggles daily with self-knowledge, trust, and self-acceptance. There is a deep desire to belong while maintaining spiritual autonomy and independence.

Tell us about yourself

It's always been more natural for me to move through the world as a mystic and entrepreneur. After years of working in the public sector in various types of businesses, I decided to commit to my ministry on a regular basis. I do what I do because I must. Frankly, it would be hard not to.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment was taking a leap of faith and committing to CWSC after years of experimentation. Over the years, I've had the honor of supporting hundreds of people in small groups and one-on-one. Not everyone supported my journey. I chose to honor Creator in a universal sense. Early on, those closest to me rejected the idea of me working in a non-Judeo Christian or Euro/American spiritual system. I had to accept my road was uniquely mine. I had to continue to trust the divine guidance I was receiving. I had to take and stay on the path less traveled.

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

In the beginning, I struggled with wearing too many hats. My inner perfectionist wanted everything to be perfected before producing. This was costly.

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

  1. In my experience, freelancing, operating a non-profit or not-for-profit, and owning a for-profit business is vastly different in focus. I've tried all three models before settling on the one that works best for my vision and mission. That's the first tip. Identify the model for what it is you are trying to do and stick with it long enough to see outcomes.
  2. If you are like me and operate a not-for-profit, a membership-based organization that serves a unique group of people, make sure to have your finances in order. Get a financial team and a business mentor early on, regardless of how much money you have to invest. In fact, I would go as far as saying this is a MUST have. You don't need a lot of money to work with an advisor; ultimately, they will save you years of head and heartache.

    Avoid thinking you have to figure it out by yourself. While the process of developing your purpose and mission is intuitive, and there will be some "experimentation" to completely understand what you are here to create, having a mentor who has been down the same path can save time, money, and other resources in the long run. A mentor can help you honor the meticulous and methodological process of building something from the ground up.
  3. Make enjoyment part of the process. Serving others can sometimes feel like a thankless job, be sure to surround yourself with those who see the value in what you are doing and can support you during the tough times. Carve out time to take care of your mind, body, spirit, and Soul. Your own practice is the best example of your success as wellness and spiritual coach. The joy your Soul experience from the work you are doing is also part of the process.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Probably my biggest accomplishment has been the positive results my clients' experience. Most individuals work with me for one to three years. Often to increase levels of self-trust, self-acceptance, and self-recreation. In addition, my "congregation" is fluid. We welcome the open-minded, Sensitive Free Spirit who seeks to develop a kinship with other Highly Sensitive People, Empaths, and Free spirits.

We do not operate like a traditional church; nature is our church. We encourage nature-honoring practices of all forms. We meet weekly for informal socials online or in person for knowledge, support, and growth. Those seeking one-on-one support are encouraged to do so as "introverted" types don't often do well in groups regardless of size.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://clearwaterwellnesslife.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irminanuulysse/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queentuyanu/

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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