Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shea Self, co-owner of Bridges Behavior Therapy and Consulting, LLC., located in Florence, AL, USA.

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

I am the co-owner of Bridges Behavior Therapy and Consulting, LLC. We provide Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services along with Psychotherapy services to children and families with Autism and related disorders.

Tell us about yourself

I was born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii and always liked to dream big. When I set my heart on Dartmouth College, I was told by my college guidance counselor not to waste my time because there was no way I was getting in. Mr. Rizzuto, thank you for underestimating me; it gave me strength that I still carry with me today. Dartmouth absolutely changed my life. It was at this amazing place where I was touched by love and Autism.

My journey with Autism started with an unforgettable boy who was eight years old and had a comorbid diagnosis of Autism and Epilepsy. I was so fascinated that I signed up for an Independent Study to study everything about him. This was the first time Autism touched my life, and I have loved every child with Autism in between. Dartmouth was also where I met my husband, who is from Florence, Alabama. If you told this little girl from Hawaii that she would end up marrying someone from Florence, Alabama, and own a business there, she would have said, "I don't even know where Alabama is!"

I absolutely love my little-big company, Bridges. Bridges is in its 6th year of business and has approximately 30 employees ranging from undergraduate students to Licensed Behavior Analysts. We recently purchased a commercial building in Tuscumbia, AL (famously known as the birthplace of Helen Keller), where we will be able to serve more exceptional clients and their families. Every day is full of magical moments...A new word that is spoken, a child saying "mama" with intention for the first time, or a family able to take their child to get a haircut without aggressive behavior.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment has been helping others receive services that were not available. When I moved to Alabama in 2010, there was nothing for families in the entire Shoals area. The nearest ABA provider was 1 hour away. Having the strength and determination to help these children by starting a business has been my biggest accomplishment. We began with ABA services and saw a need to expand to Psychotherapy. In the next couple of years, we hope to continue to expand our services to include Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy, among others.

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

I was trained as a behavior analyst and not in business, so there are many difficult things that come with the territory. I did not receive my MBA or have any formal schooling/teaching regarding business, filing insurance claims, or human resources. I had to learn how to do everything in order to meet the needs of my clients.

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

  1. LOVE what you do.
  2. If there is a need in your community, don't wait for someone else to meet the need.
  3. Acquire and keep amazing employees.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

All the hardships you will endure will be worth it. There are always problems to overcome, but if you love what you do, it is always worth it in the long run.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.bridgesbehavior.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BridgesBehaviorTherapyandConsulting
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3PlWddI

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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