Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Selena Garefino, a yoga and movement teacher, meditation teacher, personal development coach, writer, and speaker, based in Kalispell, MT, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I operate international and virtual yoga teacher training and transformative retreats in South Asia, Italy, Greece, Costa Rica, and other locations worldwide, and I offer online movement, meditation, and coaching programs. My customers are SO varied. I have yoga students and clients from a broad age range all around the world. It is one of the things I love most about my work, the incredible people I meet. But they do have a few things in common. They are all humans in pursuit of living from their hearts, connected to their core wisdom, and living their lives with honesty and purpose.
Tell us about yourself
I have dreamed of training yoga teachers and guiding transformative retreats since I was in my early 20s. When I started my business, I was teaching Anthropology at a University and completing my Ph.D. and had just suffered a major personal tragedy and loss. In those difficult years, I realized that the path I was on was not going to bring me the fulfillment and purpose that my soul was asking for, and I ran my first yoga teacher training. I haven't stopped pursuing this path since! I have been witness to such potent transformations in the lives of so many students as they lean into the practices and return to their core wisdom and knowing, and that is all the motivation I need.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Building my online business in the last two years! I used to only operate in person. And learning to film classes and build online courses has allowed me to reach so many more people. I'm really proud of what I'm building.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I do everything. I am the podcast producer, film editor, marketer, content creator, office assistant, and on and on it goes. I have to be really clear in the boundaries I set for my work hours so I stay nourished.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Tune into your core desires and gifts and choose a business that nourishes those things because it is HARD work, and the LOVE is what will carry you through difficult times. Trust your instincts and inner knowing, and stay in your lane. Don't compare your work to others. Work in reaction to what others are doing. What will make you stand out is you being you. Not mimicking and manufacturing what is already in the industry. Take risks. You have to if you want to grow.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.selenagarefino.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/selena.garefino/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selenagarefino/
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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