Your Symptoms Are a Big Deal

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Matthew Erley, Founder of Stella, located in Chicago, IL, USA.

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

Stella is building the leading platform to connect emotional trauma sufferers with the most innovative and high-outcome treatments. We are here to break the stigmas around emotional trauma and post-traumatic stress and help people find healing.

Tell us about yourself

I'm a direct-to-consumer growth guy. I love bringing new products and services to market. I saw an opportunity to bring a more sophisticated approach to growth/marketing in the healthcare space and wanted to use my skill set to help people suffering from emotional trauma. I'm motivated every day to change the stigma that emotional trauma is a disorder that can't be treated. Through a number of modern treatments, we can now treat the physical injury caused by emotional trauma and PTS. Sufferers can find relief.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Building a best-in-class team that supports one another and our patients every day. I'm only able to be successful because of the people around me.

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

Facing challenges head-on is uncomfortable. You can't hide or sit back and be passive as an executive. If there's an uncomfortable situation, whether that be with an employee, a customer, or an external partner, I've learned to address it immediately. Especially in the age of remote work, picking up the phone to resolve an issue is so important.

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

Keep moving and taking a step forward every day. Progress is everything. Optimize for it.
Surround yourself with kind and supportive people (you will need them along the way).
Remember your purpose and why you are building this business. It's easy to let frustration and doubt creep in. Stay centered.
(Bonus) - Get some sleep. You will need to have lots of energy!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://stellacenter.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StellaTraumaCare/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stellatraumacare/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/erleystage
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewerley/

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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