Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tara Vossenkemper, Founder of The Counseling Hub, located in Columbia, MO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Counseling Hub is a group counseling/therapy practice providing a variety of services to individuals and those in relationships for issues ranging from anxiety and depression to gender identity to conflict and communication within partnerships.
Tell us about yourself
I love people - I love understanding how they work, how they think, what they feel, and what drives them. That love of people, coupled with a drive to help them thrive, feel better, and live meaningful lives, is what got me into a helping profession. So, ultimately, what got me started in my business was a need to help others. That relatively quickly morphed in such a way that I realized I could help more people by having exceptional therapist employees, and thus began a group counseling/therapy practice. At this point, what motivates me each day is a combination of things. First, to be able to help my employees develop as people and clinicians. Second, and related to the first, is trusting that my therapist employees are engaging in stellar therapy with their clients. Third, and last, is to have the freedom and creativity to pursue my vision of the practice.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is being surrounded by amazing people who love what they do and who deeply care for each other. In some ways, business is simple (not necessarily easy). One of the ways I understand my role as a business owner is to ensure that employees are supported (in the ways they need) to do their job well. For me, this includes them feeling engaged and satisfied with the business that employs them. In short, the culture of the business is the biggest accomplishment to date.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is the sense of isolation. I might be surrounded by people I adore, who work hard, and who are bought into the vision of the practice, but the weight of responsibility for all of my employees, clients, and the sustainability of the business is something only I can hold. Regardless of how much I appropriately delegated, the hard decisions are mine and mine alone. Most business owners (if not all) can relate to this.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Invest in your people in whatever way you can. Time, energy, intentional hiring, and financials (to the extent possible).
- Be super clear on your values and live them in all the things you do, including hiring, firing, celebrating, and reviewing employees.
- Be super clear on your vision and share it with your team consistently. Don't expect them to remember it once - share it often and ensure that your decisions are tied to the vision you've set and shared.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://thecounselinghub.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecounselinghub
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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