Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Erica Botner, founder and director of Recreotherapy, located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Recreotherapy is a social enterprise that provides an innovative approach to service delivery, highlighting the impact of meaningful and purposeful activities and experiences for optimal living and aging. At Recreotherapy, we design, implement, and evaluate programs, services, events, and products, provide education and training, collaborate in applied research, and coach and consult with health care teams to integrate principles of therapeutic recreation into their regular practice. Our social mission is to enhance optimal living and aging, advocate for the profession of recreation therapy, provide student learning opportunities and jobs for new grads, and to ultimately change the narrative of disability, aging, dementia, and caregiving.
Tell us about yourself
I am a Certified Recreation Therapist who has devoted her life’s work to helping people find meaning and joy in their life. I am known for providing relationship-centered, compassionate care and for designing, implementing, and evaluating high-quality and large-scale programs and events. I have a BA in Recreation and Leisure Studies (with options in Therapeutic Recreation and Aging Studies) and an MSc in Rehabilitation Science. After 20+ years of experience working in various settings (clinical, community, and academic) and working with various populations (seniors, people living with dementia, care partners, mental health, kids with developmental disabilities, and neurorehabilitation), I founded Recreotherapy. I continue to teach Recreation Therapy courses at Concordia University and recently completed her 200 hr Yoga Teacher Training.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Becoming an entrepreneur, recognition in the TR community, referrals, and speaking opportunities.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Imposter syndrome and financial management.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Create a solid business plan, surround yourself with supportive people, and focus on the low-hanging fruit first.
What are some of the things you put in place to maintain a healthy work/life balance?
Wake up early to have time to yourself before the family wakes up and say starts. Personal trainer for working out. Order groceries online. No screens after 9 pm.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.recreotherapy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recreotherapy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recreotherapy_/
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.