Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michael Gershenzon, Co-Founder, and CSO of Stella, located in Chicago, IL, USA.

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

Stella provides innovative treatments for those suffering from debilitating mental trauma symptoms. Our clients are often those that have been unable to find relief with traditional modalities, such as pharmaceuticals, and have been searching for relief for years or even decades.

Tell us about yourself

I was working as an investment professional at a private equity firm when I was introduced to a doctor (Stella's now co-founder) innovating in mental health. Shortly thereafter, the mutual friend that introduced us died by suicide, shocking us all. A month later, with the backing of the private equity firm for which I was working, we started Stella to help those suffering in silence find relief.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

The weekly stories of how Stella has helped change a person and family's life.

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

Transitioning from being the only employee doing everything to building a quickly growing, incredibly talented team and stepping into a managerial role has been (and will continue to be!) an interesting challenge.

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

  1. In the beginning, you'll have more bad days than good ones - just remember that'll change.
  2. Articulate your mission on day one and care about it a lot.
  3. You can do anything, but you can't do everything - let your team members own things - they'll be better than you.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Make sure your long-term business model is sound — otherwise, you risk building a bridge to nowhere. That's not to say you need to be profitable immediately — but you absolutely need to articulate how the company will be profitable long term.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://stellacenter.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StellaTraumaCare/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stellatraumacare/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stellacenter/

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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