Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Isabella Koepf, Founder of Surya Bella Wellness, located in Seattle, WA, USA.

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

I specialize in guiding others to reach their ultimate state of physical and mental wellness using mind-body-spirit healing practices. I focus on getting to the root of the problem. I don't believe in quick fixes or BandAid approaches. I take a whole-person, integrative method to wellness – a full life transformation! My personal struggles with health and healing after childhood trauma and domestic abuse have led me to this path that honors the wisdom of a wide range of healing modalities all at the same time.

I now specialize in supporting others in holistic recovery from trauma through an individualized approach, honoring the unique journey of recovery for each person. The main tools I use to support my clients in holistic trauma recovery are nutrition therapy, herbal medicine, yoga therapy, Ayurvedic therapy, and coaching. I primarily work with clients who are struggling with recovery from childhood trauma or domestic abuse to reclaim their life, heal their bodies, find mental balance and start a new chapter.

Tell us about yourself

I know firsthand how devastating it is to feel hopeless in the search for answers to health problems. I have struggled with various physical and mental health issues throughout my life. I spent years searching for answers, bouncing from doctor to doctor without getting any relief. Finally, I took my health into my own hands and delved into the world of natural medicine and holistic healing, where I finally found the answers I was looking for.

I ultimately realized that a lot of my health issues had their roots in unprocessed childhood trauma and past abusive relationships. In order to fully heal, I had to feel those emotions and address the underlying core wounds. My healing journey took me around the world to India to dive deeper into the insights of yoga therapy and Ayurvedic medicine for holistic healing. After living in India for 6 years and opening myself up to this new realm of life, I returned to America to complete my degree in psychology, biology, and religious studies in the hopes of creating a true mind, body, and soul connection. I then pursued certifications in Western clinical herbalism, holistic nutrition, health, and wellness coaching, Ayurveda, and yoga therapy to further round out my understanding of physical, mental, and spiritual health. And I am now completing my master's degree in clinical mental health counseling to offer a truly holistic trauma therapy service.

It is now my goal to help guide others to discover their inner healing capacity, experience the power of natural medicine, and move into a greater state of physical and mental balance so that they can achieve new heights in their spiritual journey. We are our own greatest healers; we just need to remember those tools again! I am motivated by this work because I have been there and know what it feels like to walk the trauma-healing journey alone. But we are never truly alone, and I would be honored to support someone along the way in any way that I can.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I feel accomplished every time I meet with a client, and they feel even 10% better than before. If I can help my clients feel a little more at ease in their bodies or relaxed mentally, I feel like I am doing my job well!

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

The biggest challenge I face in running my own business in the wellness field is finding the time to take care of my own well-being. Particularly when I spend most of my day helping other people, it is easy for my own self-care sometimes to get put at the bottom of the list. But over time, I have realized that my personal self-care is actually the most important thing that I can do to help other people. Because when I am not serving others from a full cup, my clients aren't getting the best version of me, which is ultimately doing a disservice to them. Healing starts at home!

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

  1. Don't give up - it takes time for things to grow, but when you have a dream, all you need is a bit of patience!
  2. Get support early on - when we try to do all the things ourselves, that is a fast track to burnout.
  3. Focus on your ultimate purpose - on the days when I feel tired or frustrated, I remember that the ultimate goal of my work is to serve others, which motivates me to keep moving forward.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Working as an entrepreneur can feel like a lonely journey at times, but there are so many ways to network with other like-minded professionals! It is time that we break out of the competitive norm and move into a collaborative, sustainable business structure instead. The ultimate goal of this work is to uplift the world and live our dreams. The only way that we can do that is by continuing to form connections and focusing on equality and accessibility for all.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://suryabella.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suryabellawellness/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suryabellawellness/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabella-koepf/

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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