Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in child healthcare but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nichole Daher, Founder & CEO of Success On The Spectrum, located in Houston, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Success On The Spectrum is a learning center for children with Autism. We provide ABA Therapy Monday- Friday, 8 am-4 pm. Unlike a special needs classroom, SOS has a specialized distraction-free room, and each child has his own "teacher" at all times. There is no tuition because your health insurance pays for your child to attend!
Tell us about yourself
My daughter was diagnosed with moderate/severe Autism. She was kicked out of daycare for her behaviors. There was no place where she was understood, nowhere that she belonged. We feared that she would never be able to talk or function independently as an adult. She was enrolled in full-time ABA therapy for five years, and it ROCKED OUR WORLD. She learned to speak and read, her tantrums reduced as she learned self-calming skills, and she acquired independence skills. As the number of children being diagnosed with Autism increases, so makes the demand for treatment. Today, there are only enough ABA facilities to meet 33% of the demand nationwide. I started this business (and then the franchise) to give more kids access to the great therapy that my daughter received. All kids deserve to access a teaching style that they are able to learn from.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As of January 2023, SOS has 22 open locations and has served over 200 kids. I get to wake up every day knowing that I helped increase the quality of those kids' lives and their families' lives. I see parents cry tears of joy when we teach a child their first words. I read the SOS google reviews where parents sing us praises. I see the fear/worry in parents' eyes melt into pride when they see what their child is able to accomplish.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Being a business owner means that you never truly have a day off. So many people depend on me, and I don't want to let anyone down.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Open a business that makes you love waking up. Leave a legacy behind. Do good in the world. No amount of money can make you feel whole.
- Opening a franchise is easier than starting from scratch. You avoid costly mistakes by being taught how to do everything right the first time.
- Expect the unexpected. Life and people are so unpredictable. 5 years ago, There was no possible way I would believe half of the scenarios that have happened at work. We all get a good laugh in franchise training at all the shenanigans that we experience as business owners!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://successonthespectrum.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/successonthespectrum/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nichole-daher-b9b30150/
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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