Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tamara Nicklas, Founder of Personalized Bodywork, located in Northfield, IL, USA.

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

Personalized Bodywork is my myofascial release and bodywork practice. As the name suggests, my practice offers a highly individual approach to wellness and healing. I have trained in multiple bodyworks and healing modalities, with the strongest emphasis on myofascial release, as well as Zen Shiatsu and aromatherapy. This allows me to customize a treatment and healing path that meets my client's needs.

My clients come from a range of backgrounds but often come to me because they are dealing with chronic pain. The kind of pain that cause limitations in how they live their lives. Many times, they have tried various treatments/modalities and received some (or no) relief and are looking for the root cause of their suffering.

Tell us about yourself

Many people are surprised to learn that my background is not in healing and wellness but in real estate and marketing. I spent over a decade in that industry before my own health issues forced me to seek relief. In doing so, I began to realize that my wellness was a matter of making good choices. One of those choices was to experience the John F. Barnes' Myofascial Release Approach® (MFR). Unlike many other forms of bodywork, MFR addresses the whole body and its needs. Eventually, I became certified in MFR and began my practice.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Helping many and moving into a more joyful human experience - there is always a genuine sense of joy that comes with helping a client move out of pain or to take control of an area of their life that had become unmanageable due to mobility issues or discomfort.

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

Doing business! Healing is my vocation and my calling. Bookkeeping, email newsletters, blog posts, and schedule? Not so much. I have to do it all, which can be a challenge when I really just want to work one-on-one with my clients. I've had to realize that I can't do my client work unless I give attention to the business side of things. Accepting this has helped me become more intentional in how I approach my business. It's also provided me with my successes and being able to grow my practice so that I can help more people.

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

  1. I'm a lucky woman: I was able to grow a business from my passion for healing. Not all passions are meant to be businesses, though. Before creating a business, take time to learn about your options, understand the market for what you have to offer, and keep in mind that no matter how much you love what you do, there will be tasks for which you don't have a passion, but that need to be done anyway.
  2. Talk to and read about other people in your industry. Learn about how they got started and how they manage their businesses. This will give you an idea of best practices and how others are able to create a sustainable business.
  3. Another thing is getting to know people in your community. I'm not talking about your industry here: I'm talking about your geographical community. Even if your product or service can be sold at a distance, there is no substitute for knowing someone face-to-face. That's where you get your best referrals as well as business connections, such as finding good professionals, like lawyers or accountants, that can help you run your business. Relationships are absolutely essential.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Please remember to always carve time out of your schedule for self-care. You cannot possibly be there for everyone who needs you if you don't take the time to nurture your own soul (and health and wellness). Get massages, meditate, take long walks in nature, spend time with your family, read books - invest in yourself!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.personalizedbodywork.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/personalizedbodywork
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamara.nicklas/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamaranicklas/

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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