Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Karla Nelson, CEO of The Well, located in Chehalis, WA, USA.

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

My business is all about Wellness. Massage, skincare, nutrition, and functional fitness.

Tell us about yourself

I first got started in Massage over 20 years ago with the intent of becoming a Naturopath. Life changes happened, and I ended up starting my own business to provide for my three young children at the time. I wanted the ability to tend to their needs and not have the constraints of working for someone else. Now that most of my babies are grown and out of the house, I am evolving my business to help others. My goal is to provide a good working wage, benefits, and a flexible schedule for our employees to work around their lives. At the same time providing quality, individualized care to our clients. My greatest motivation is my family. Showing my kids that there are options. Being successful doesn't necessarily mean working for a large company and being confined to a 9-5 career job. It is okay not to have a college degree and still be successful.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is helping my employees to rise up. By offering competitive wages and good benefits, my employees are able to create the lives they choose to have rather than a job choose for them.

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

I work a lot! If you have the passion to be successful in your business, you need to put in the time. Businesses don't run themselves, especially in the beginning. I am up at 5:30 and hit the ground running. But I love it! The joy of seeing my employees thrive and our clients feel better fills my soul.

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

  1. Just go for it. If you are scared, that just means you will work harder to be successful.
  2. Do your homework. Does your community need what you are offering? If it doesn't, figure out how to make your community want to come to you instead of the competition.
  3. Be kind and have exemplary customer service.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Do what you love, and you will love what you do!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://thewellcenter.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWellWashington/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellwa/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thewellwa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karla-ann-n-94b2b18/

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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