Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rawda Tomoum, Founder of Tomoum Counselling, located in Burnaby, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a Canadian Certified Counsellor, and I'm the founder of Tomoum Counselling. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate the complexities of mental health and life's challenges. I work with a diverse range of clients, from couples facing relationship difficulties to individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, and trauma. I also have a special place in my heart for first and second-generation immigrants, particularly those of Arab descent. My cultural roots and fluency in Arabic help me provide a supportive and understanding environment for these clients as they figure out how to feel home away from home - with all the challenges that come with that.
Tell us about yourself
It took me 10 years, from the day I dreamt of pursuing a master's degree in psychology to the day I stepped into my first class in the MS Clinical Psychology program at the University of Texas at Tyler. The drive I had was simple: I wanted to understand people's inner struggles and help ease their emotional pain. Every day I spent in my graduate studies sparked my curiosity further. Every day I spend in this career pushes me to dig deeper, learn more, and be better at my job for my clients. For me, those "Aha!" moments I help my clients reach and those sighs of relief when they're finally able to understand, process, and overcome their pain are the joy of this job. And the times I see the amount of pain and suffering someone is going through are what motivate me to keep going. They give me a sense of purpose to keep doing what I'm doing for these people.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
For me personally, every "Thank you" I get from a client who has felt better with my help counts as my biggest achievement. It never gets old. I never take it for granted.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The unsteady income and learning to navigate the ups and downs and how to prepare for them. Another big thing is trying to balance all the different responsibilities and demands that come with running a business, from managing the operations and finances to marketing and social media. There is just always something that needs to be done, and it can be overwhelming at times.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just dig in! Just take the first step, and it will get you to the second, the third, the fourth, and so on. Just start!
- Remember why you started. It can sometimes be challenging, so keep your motive to begin within eyesight. A desktop wallpaper. A post-it on the wall. Anything visible to remind you when it's not your best day.
- Ask. For. Help. Reach out to others. Seek their support. They can push you forward.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.tomoumcounselling.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TomoumCounselling/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomoumcounselling/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rawda-tomoum/
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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