Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tiffany Petite, Founder of Virtuous Circle Counselling, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.

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

Our team consists of qualified and experienced registered health professionals such as psychologists, clinical social workers, and occupational therapists) that employs an integrated approach to counselling with a focus on the whole person. We understand that each person is an individual who possesses strengths, talents, and skills that can be nurtured, supported, and used to enhance one's abilities. At the core of our approach is the belief that each client has it within themselves to find answers to their problems.

Counselling is a relationship. It's a place to be heard, understood, and supported. VCC offers individuals, couples, and families a place to talk about their stresses and struggles from everyday life, which may include friendships, parenting, work, relationships, or any other challenges they may be facing.

Our customers are offered specialized services in the areas of Anxiety Therapy, Depression Counselling, Trauma Therapy, Sports Psychology, PTSD Therapy, Divorce Counselling, Greif Counselling, Anger Management, ADHD Counselling, OCD Counselling & Sexual Assault Counselling.

Tell us about yourself

My first passion has and will always be social work. I chose to become a social worker because I believe in a person's right to self-determination and an individual's right to dignity, and self-worth. I saw social work not only as a career but as a way of engaging in life live.

I started Virtuous Circle Counselling after working 15 years in the non-profit sector. My vision was to create a company that matched the culture and the service delivery that matched my values and professional ethics. I was motivated to dive into private practice; as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and to recognize the mental health toll that these unprecedented times would take on individuals. My goal was to eliminate barriers to people seeking support in these uncertain times.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been attracting a very skilled and qualified team of therapists who share the same vision of providing high-quality and ethical standards of service to the clients we serve.

Secondary to this, being recognized as a finalist by the Calgary Chamber in the Helcim emerging growth award category was truly an honor.

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

One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner in private practice is accepting that this is more than a job; it is truly a passion/obsession, and within that passion comes taking a risk on yourself and believing in your capabilities as a business owner. There are no certainties of success of any kind, but I rest comfortably in the understanding that success starts from within, and the rest will follow suit. I believe the hardest part for anyone looking at starting their own business is taking that risk, but I believe if you do not believe in yourself, no one else will.

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

The top 3 tips include: Doing your research on your competitors, understanding what made them unsuccessful and successful, understanding the demographics of the people you wish to offer your services to, and having competency in the areas of your business.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

There is nothing more rewarding than creating a small business that matches your values.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://vccounselling.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vccounselling
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virtuouscirclecounselling/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/circle_virtuous
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/virtuous-circle-counselling/

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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