Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Mitra Ray, Founder, and CEO of rREST®, located in Tulalip, WA, USA.

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

We are a two-sided marketplace. 1. We train coaches in the step-by-step technique rREST to eliminate childhood and generational trauma patterns. We offer a life-changing certification program that teaches life coaches and healthcare professionals the most effective tool to help clients overcome life's obstacles quickly. 2. We also offer rREST sessions to those who are looking to get past their trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, phobias, burnout, or other challenges and achieve mental clarity and find feel peace in their heart at lightning speed when compared to most other modalities.

Tell us about yourself

As a successful entrepreneur, I wasn't really looking to start another business. Then I experienced rREST and also learned the step-by-step process of the rREST technique. That was a game-changer. I felt I had no choice other than to bring this incredible technique to the world. Especially after the pandemic, mental health challenges are at an all-time high, and at the same time, there is an unprecedented gap in the availability of effective therapists. I love a challenge, and I love to make a difference. That's what gets me out of bed in the morning. I am obsessed with bringing rREST to the world.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Learning the step-by-step process of rREST is not easy. At first, we were doing live retreats to teach and certify coaches in small numbers…10 people at most. When the pandemic happened, we had to pivot and figure out if we could teach this online. Otherwise we would have had to dissolve the company. I took a leap of faith and led the team to try an online course. Not only were we able to pivot and teach online, but also we found online teaching to be more effective. This revelation allowed our small but mighty team to start working on technology and systems to SCALE our certification program. I feel very proud that we can now certify much larger groups of people and scale this business beyond our original vision to meet the growing demand for effective mental healthcare as well as more practitioners available to serve people. What was once a small vision to certify a handful of people at a time, is now a much bigger vision to revolutionize the mental wellness space.

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

The hardest thing is to have patience and realize that EVERYTHING takes longer and costs more money and manpower than you can ever imagine. We are committed to providing great customer service to our coaches and graduating them to become incredibly effective rREST providers. We are also committed to our rREST clients getting the best care possible. Building a two sided-marketplace like this is a far more ambitious goal than I ever imagined. I have to dig deep often to have the confidence to keep going as the CEO of the company. Fortunately, I have rREST as a way to help me overcome my challenges and break through my comfort zone whenever I need that extra bit of help. I feel very fortunate to have this tool myself. It's like I'm cheating! Every entrepreneur should have access to rREST sessions.

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

  1. Slow down and learn to listen to yourself. You have all the answers within you. While it is great to seek out mentors, read inspiring books and articles, and learn new strategies, it is even more important to meditate in the morning, visualize what you want, and allow the answers to come to you for how to move forward. Entrepreneurs have to step into the shoes of that visionary person that leads the team. And that comes from slowing down enough to listen to the voice within. And then, from that place of confidence, take decisive action.
  2. Keep the vision alive. Surround yourself with employees and consultants who believe in your dream. You want people on your team that is not only competent but also passionate about the end goal. And when you find those people, empower them. Let them make small mistakes. Watch to see if they are accountable for their errors and can make small course corrections. Of course, if they are not up to par, bite the bullet and find someone else. The old adage "Hire slowly and fire quickly" is a real thing.
  3. Whenever you feel stuck, know that there is an rREST session waiting for you. Get the help you need so you can find clarity fast and the ability to trust your inner voice! Time is of the essence when building a business, and rREST just works, and it works fast.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.rrest.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/398179167921358
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rrest_inc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rrest/

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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