Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Santee Blakey, Founder of Soul Growth Wellness, located in Chicago, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I offer specific coaching, where you focus on your health and wellness goals and the things that specifically help you take the best care of yourself. That will look different to each person based on their interests and values. My customer is someone who has had or has some chronic health conditions, and things need to change like yesterday. They're earnest and ready for change.
For some, it will be weight loss; for others, prioritizing down time to end energy depletion; for others, it'll be preparing for a career transition. These may seem like disparate goals, but physical, emotional, mental, and environmental wellness is vast.
As a coach, I help you get clear on what goals you want to tackle and excel at. And then help you remove sabotaging behavior because we humans sometimes love to ruin a good thing, even our self-satisfaction, and happiness. Coaching enables you to stop that cycle, so you get what you want and what you're worth, which is everything! You deserve happiness and contentment in yourself.
Tell us about yourself
Being very vulnerable here, but...becoming a Licensed Massage Therapist after dealing with bipolar AND addiction is where my story starts. It became rather clear five years ago that not taking care of me was killing me, not just figuratively but literally. Something had to change. What had to change was me. I got inspired to help others when I realized how much I had gone through. I hoped I could help others steer those curves in life that have us sabotaging and not loving ourselves fully.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
That hasn't happened yet. I like helping people feel their best. I'm grateful when someone feels relieved after a massage. I'm grateful when a client has an "aha moment," and I can see the wheels turning because it means meaningful change is on its way. I'm looking to help more have that in their life.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Two things, actually - first, staying in the zone. There are many distractions from family, friends, personal life, business insights, information, etc. It can be difficult to stick to a thing and just do it. Second, messages and emails always pop up, and they always need answering, lol!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First, be ready to know what you're willing to give up to succeed - I thought I was going to live a beach #mybestlife lifestyle, and THAT is not what happened. It is frequently moving from one task to another task, to another task, etc. Second, be consistent in what you do. I'm still learning this, but finishing matters a lot, and showing up when you're not always feeling it is helpful. Third, don't be discouraged if things don't gallop away immediately; gaining traction in your business takes a while.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Good question: I'm here to witness you get to know and fall in love with yourself. As you heal, I heal; as you heal, others around you can too. I like vibing in those areas, and I'd love to have others vibe with me if you're down!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.soulgrowthwellness.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wellnessandselflove
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soul_growth_wellness/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LovesWar618
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/santee-blakey/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.
