Recovery is Possible - Shirley Wantland

Team Subkit -

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shirley Wantland, co-founder of Recovery Consultants, LLC, located in Sausalito, CA, USA.

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

We are a behavioral health consulting company helping individuals and their families navigate recovery for mental health and addiction.

Tell us about yourself

Originally growing up in Oklahoma with Vietnamese refugee parents, I never felt like I quite fit in. I often felt judged, shamed, and less than others. When I started working with individuals stuck in their lives from mental health and addiction struggles, I could see and understand the person underneath all the labels, shame, and guilt. A lot of them were saying they didn't feel like they fit in the sober communities and didn't know of any other way to get sober. It reminded me a lot of my experiences growing up in Oklahoma. I started working with each individual to create their own box of healing rather than trying to fit them into the narrow boxes that already existed.

What motivates me is the ability to connect with my clients and see the miraculous shifts and transformations that happen within the individual client and their families. It hits me like a bolt of lightning, and I think to myself, "THIS is why I do this!!"

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

To expand the business beyond me with people that I admire and respect.

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

BALANCE! My business is like my third baby, so it can take up a lot of my time, mind, and heart! You're not clocking in and out, and it can be all-encompassing (especially in the beginning or when things get super busy!), and it takes a lot of continued awareness to make time for myself and for my family (and friends!).

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

  1. Be INTENTIONAL about what it is you want to create--don't just start a business to start a business. What do you want from this business?
  2. Find your support! It can be lonely owning and running a business. Find an Advisory Board, connect with other business owners, professional networking groups, etc.
  3. SELF-GROWTH WORK!! When we own a business, WE are our BUSINESS. Everything starts and stops with you. Where are you limiting your business because you haven't worked through your stuff yet? Are you playing small? Too afraid to ask for money? Don't you think you're worthy? Afraid to take action? You ARE your business, so when you're not well, either is your business.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://recovery-consultants.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryconsultantsllc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryconsultants/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WantlandShirley
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirley-wantland-31869415/

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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