Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sheryl Schlameuss Berger, Owner of Reiki For Your Life, located in Farmingdale, NY, USA.

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

I am a Reiki Master Teacher/Practitioner. Reiki is a system of relaxation and stress reduction that promotes healing. Reiki is helpful with issues on all levels — physical, mental/emotional, and spiritual, so it works with that mind/body/spirit connection through techniques and meditative practices. It is considered an energy healing system, and it helps people find that place of inner peace and wellness.

My customers consist of clients and students. In today’s world, there is so much stress, and turbulence that many people are seeking relaxation and serenity and so are drawn to Reiki for that purpose. Some people come for Reiki sessions — to lay down on the Reiki table and receive the calming experience of a session. Others wish to learn how to do Reiki for themselves in order to move into the flow of increased well-being and spiritual tranquility, so they become students and begin with a Reiki Level I class.

I also am an Animal Reiki Teacher/Practitioner, so people with pets also are clients, but that is a small segment of my business. Some people also wish to study Animal Reiki, so they become students.

Tell us about yourself

I came to Reiki after a seriously difficult time in my own personal life. After an emotionally challenging period (divorce and related hurdles), I was diagnosed with several physical conditions/imbalances, and I first received traditional medical treatments. However, intuitively I then began to seek an alternative course that would support me on a path of well-being in a holistic way. I received Reiki treatments which were deeply relaxing and healing, and I began to do some meditation. I then decided to become trained in Reiki for the sole purpose of being able to do self-healing, never intending to create a business out of this. However, I was delighted to find out that becoming a Practitioner transformed my life in an incredibly beneficial way. Over time, I furthered my Reiki studies to the more advanced levels and then decided to spread the joy and healing of Reiki — and so began the business aspect of my path.

On a daily basis, I see clients both in person and sometimes on Zoom as the long distance is effective as well. I teach classes mostly on weekends because that is when people’s schedules are generally open to taking the trainings. The trainings are in person in my Reiki studio.

I truly believe that my “soul mission” is one of compassion and being in service to others. The basic driving force behind what I do is simply that I like to help people feel better. Reiki helps my clients align with that stream of well-being and move into a more positive mindset.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My best accomplishment is that my business has grown and expanded over the years. During the recent pandemic times, the business did slow down, but now I am in a phase of re-growth as so many people are looking for new ways to relax and move into the flow of peace and meditation. Another aspect of my sense of accomplishment is that I have created a holistic community in my locale of Long Island, centered around Reiki and meditative practices.

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

The hardest thing about being a solo business owner is striving to be extremely organized and having to manage every aspect of my practice and business on my own. I have had to learn efficient time management skills and how to prioritize diligently. I have a large blended/extended family, so it has been necessary to learn to divide my time efficiently and joyfully between business and family.

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

Of course, having a business/financial plan is essential and yes, utilizing all forms of social media to promote your business is a given, but most everyone knows that already. So instead, I am choosing to share some simple motivational tips with those who are embarking upon their own entrepreneurial endeavors.

  1. Plan and organize your business with great clarity and vision ahead of time. Having that vision (and visualizing your business coming to fruition) is extremely important! All successful businesses take shape through wonderful and creative ideas. When you are in the initial mode of beginning your business, write down ideas and thoughts as they come to you. Sometimes inspiration happens at strange times, so allow it to flow in and note it down. (Some of my most creative ideas popped into my mind when I was taking a shower!) Make lots of notes – I continue to keep current pages of notes and ideas (on my iPhone, so they automatically flow over to my computer.)
  2. As you move forward with your plans, it is essential to have both patience and perseverance and to keep in mind that starting and growing your business is a process. It does not happen overnight, so you need to keep up your motivation and remain positive through any obstacles that come up. Also, strive to remain flexible in your outlook – you will have to make shifts and changes in your plans along the way. Just remember to tap into your inner strength and inner guidance in general and hold on to that clear and powerful vision of what you are creating and establishing.
  3. As you make progress forward, acknowledge and recognize your accomplishments (a figurative pat on the back) at each stage of your journey. Becoming a solo business entrepreneur is not necessarily an easy path, but it is extremely rewarding. Personally, I am profoundly happy that I followed my heart and created my own business, bringing the light and joy of Reiki to many!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I am delighted to share the exciting news that I have very recently become a published author of a positive living-themed book published by Balboa Press, a division of Hay House. It is called “Passages of Joy: Positive Energy Thoughts and Inspired Affirmations for a Feel-Good Mindset,” and it is available on the Balboa Press website and on Amazon.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.reikiforyourlife.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReikiForYourLife
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reikiforyourlife/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryl-schlameuss-berger-96a932125/

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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