Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health & wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mariel Goettsch, Founder of Therapeutic Allies, located in Minneapolis, MN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business provides holistic occupational therapy care for children and families in their homes. My goal is to support the child's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth, as well as to help families better understand and connect with their child. My approach to therapy embraces each child's unique needs, interests, and differences.
Tell us about yourself
Since an early age, I've had a curiosity about the differences between myself and those around me. I found joy in developing relationships with other children who moved through and experienced the world differently than me. Now when I work with children and families, I bring that curiosity to the whole family dynamic to help improve the family's quality of life and feelings of connection and healthy attachment.
Parenting is up there as one of the most important and challenging jobs a person can experience. I want to help parents feel seen and heard along this special, challenging, and ever-changing journey. Everyone wins when a parent feels supported and equipped with how to most successfully engage with their child.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Therapeutic Allies has given me the opportunity to connect with children and families on a much deeper, more meaningful level. I am invited into their homes and allowed to observe and experience the intimate inner workings of their family systems. Helping from the inside has allowed me to provide unique, individualistic care and coaching as a conversation or interaction unfolds in front of my eyes.
It's an incredible feeling to witness a parent seeing their child through a different lens for the first time, truly understanding them, a child feeling unabashedly proud of themselves, or the moments when the stars align and both parent and child are securely attached and experiencing joy and laughter together.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I would say the hardest challenge for me is managing the logistics. I had to learn quite a bit on the fly and spent many hours on Google forums, reaching out to friends and family with varying degrees of business experience. Prior to this point, I had no experience with the "business" side of providing therapy.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My first tip is to choose something you're passionate about. You will never regret the time and energy invested into a venture that is truly meaningful to you.
Secondly, do not do it alone! Lean into your community, peers, and family. I have been so grateful to my people for everything from legal advice to a "you got this" message on a tough day.
Thirdly, embrace change and unexpected doors that may open. When so much time and planning goes into a business idea, it is easy to get tunnel vision. My business has been through several iterations, and I don't think it's reached its final version yet!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://therapeutic-allies.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapeutic.allies/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariel-goettsch-18022030/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/therapeutic-allies/
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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