Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Arielle Mesa, Founder of Sacred Space, LLC, located in Gaithersburg, MD, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I created Sacred Space, a holistic, trauma-sensitive wellness practice centered on supporting folks through the journey of self-transformation and self-reclamation. My practice serves as a grounded and expansive space for people to heal at the root by bringing particular awareness to each person's lived experiences, intersectional identities, and ancestral lineages. Sacred Space approaches the process of healing from an eclectic, multidimensional lens, centering not only on the mind but the body, emotion, and spirit. From this multidimensional perspective, I intentionally infuse western psychotherapeutic modalities with healing practices from other cultures and teachings, including Curanderismo, Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki, Hatha yoga, and sound medicine. Folks often connect with me to unpack and renegotiate their connection to patterns of conditioning that have become outdated or consistently more and more heavy to carry over time. This desire usually comes from a deeper calling to reconnect with and remember who one authentically is. I specifically work with people seeking to heal wounds related to developmental trauma, sexual and domestic violence, and complicated grief and bereavement. I also support folks who are infusing plant medicine into their healing process by serving as trusted support and guardian through the preparation and integration phases of their journeying.
Tell us about yourself
I first created the vision for my Sacred Space on the cusp of multiple big life initiations that forced me to look more closely at myself, the medicine I carry, and how I am meant to bring it into this world. Engaging in various healing practices to move through my process of exploring and working with embodied manifestations of trauma, ancestral wounds, and identities inflecting dynamics of power and privilege sparked my passion for helping others seeking to walk this path. My motivation for my work is the Sacred Space I get to co-create and share with each and every one of my clients. The insights and teachings that come through for them take commitment and great care, especially when confronting that which can be most troubling and trying. I am humbled by and hold such deep reverence for the medicine and lessons each person brings forward as I support them through their process. Witnessing this reclamation of conscious awareness and sovereignty is what keeps me going.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is creating a holistic, trauma-sensitive wellness practice that offers support to folks of all identities and means. A part of practicing from a multidimensional, intersectional, and trauma-sensitive lens is understanding that folks carrying certain identities experience systemic oppression and are often unable to receive access to services that align with their unique needs to support their overall wellbeing. This is why Sacred Space operates using an equitable pricing practice model. Each person I work with is trusted with intentionally assessing their material and financial privilege and locating themselves on a pricing scale accordingly. Utilizing this system has allowed Sacred Space to expand access to services for people who may not otherwise be able to afford them by redistributing financial resources from those who opt to pay more for services to those who cannot afford the market rate.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with creating a business is the balancing act of showing up for my clients with a full level of presence, taking care of my health and wellness while also trying to manage the administrative ins and outs and behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating a thriving practice. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be challenging when so many different pillars need to be tended to promote a healthy and growth-oriented practice.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- If you don't know where to begin, start small. Write down your ideas, create a vision board, start piecing together a website, and draw. Whatever methods get the creative juices flowing.
- Admire, but maintain your authenticity. There are so many amazing entrepreneurs and creators out there, but what makes your creations unique and valuable is YOU. Stick with that.
- Identify ways to expand your business by expanding yourself. Attend workshops you're interested in, build a relationship with a mentor, read a book, and learn a new skill. The more we can tap into what lights our fire, the more we can offer to the people we serve.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.ofsacredspace.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ofsacredspace/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ofsacredspace/
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/ofsacredspace/
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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