Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dori Bell, owner of The Blossom Bar, located in Manhattan, KS, USA.

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

My name is Dori Bell, and I'm the aromatherapist and creative force behind the Blossom Bar. The Blossom Bar is an aromatherapy practice on a mission to provide customized, holistic solutions for your daily wellness and to provide education on the safe, sustainable use of essential oils. I am passionate about the beauty and power of essential oils, the science behind them, and their ability as catalysts for the gentle transformation of well-being on all levels.

Tell us about yourself

Aromatherapy captured my heart back in the "olden times" of 1996. As I learned more about this beautiful and healing art and saw how much the aromatherapy blends I made helped my friends, family, and myself, my attitude turned from "what a fun weekend hobby" to "what would it be like to do this all day long?!" I noticed that in my personal and professional life, I was beginning to reconnect to my creativity, passion, and spirit, things that had been almost forgotten in my day-to-day grind. My passion for helping others reconnect to natural, holistic means of self-care is what fuels me to this day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I had to share my love of aromatherapy with a corporate gig for many years for financial and stability reasons. I am proud I was able to keep moving forward through a lot of busy-ness: raising a daughter as a single mom, sticking with a job that was killing my soul in order to provide stability, being laid off from said horrible job, and starting my own (second) business in digital marketing, through all that I kept with the aromatherapy, taking baby steps forward by connecting with other aromatherapists, taking classes to learn new information, and staying active-ish on social media. Now I consider myself fortunate to be able to devote much more of my time and energy to my work as an aromatherapy practitioner.

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

The hardest thing for me has been juggling all the elements of the business: sales, fulfillment, marketing, writing, accounting, research etc., etc. Growing a support network is crucial to sanity and success.

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

My top 3 tips: get into a vibrant, engaged networking group, invest in yourself with masterminds, classes, and conferences and guard your free time like the precious treasure it is - a commitment to self-care is so important. We cannot give from an empty cup.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Follow your passion and curiosity. It will lead you to your joy.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.theblossombar.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theblossombar
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblossombar/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorieldridge/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.