Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tiarra Abu-Bakr, Founder and Owner of True Self Holistic Therapy, located in Bowie, MD, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
True Self Holistic Therapy is a private therapeutic practice. We specialize in assisting women with addressing their personal trauma while teaching them how to discover the essence of who they are. We heavily rely on using holistic healing modalities such as breathwork, meditation, and yoga.
Tell us about yourself
My exposure to childhood trauma was very high. As a result, I found myself struggling with anxiety which presented itself as overthinking. For a season in my life, I felt like I was trapped inside my head and terrified of addressing the issues that were troubling me.
A series of jobs that felt out of alignment with me at the time led me toward therapy. I served as a domestic violence advocate for 8 years, and I knew that I wanted to assist my clients on a deeper level. So even though I was struggling to find my voice, I was being called to serve others.
Once I became a therapist, I realized that talk therapy is not always enough. I made the decision to become a Holistic Therapist because meditation has changed my life. The body keeps the score of trauma, so we have to tap into the mind-body connection to effectively heal. Holistic living has taught me how to find and utilize my voice. I am committed to teaching women how to heal themselves. That is what motivates me every day. I never want anyone to feel trapped inside of themselves the way that I did.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is my consistency and resilience. I never imagined being an entrepreneur. I had no idea what it would require of me. It has been the most challenging task I have ever taken on. But it has developed me on levels that extend far beyond business.
I am learning so much about my work ethic. I am proud of myself for learning how to shamelessly promote my business because that can be terrifying. Prior to business ownership, I felt timid, shy, and incapable. But I have been persistent, and my business is thriving. We have served and supported over 200 women by helping them take control of their lives. We are now taking the leap to transition into a group practice.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a business owner, especially a new business owner, is that there are no days off. I am a walking billboard of my brand. I work harder now than I ever have. But it is so rewarding to see this business's growth and evolution that started as a single thought. It feels like I gave birth to a new baby. As a mom, the beginning months/year of my children's lives were the most challenging because they relied on me around the clock and needed me for everything. This feels just like that. It's beautiful and difficult at the same time.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Take the time to get clear about the tone, message, and vision of the business. This is helpful because things will happen that will cause you to second guess and try to pull you away from your vision. But if you are clear about your business, you can stand firmly on that.
- Identify solid support such as a mentor or coach. This is not the type of journey you want to navigate alone. Can you do it yourself? Sure. But support will make the road a little easier.
- Be intentional about practicing self-care. When the days are long and hard, it is easy to forget about caring for yourself. But you have to be well and healthy so that you can run the long race ahead of you.
Business ownership is not easy, but it is beautiful because it requires you to tap into your personal power. We are all capable!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.trueselfholistictherapy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrueSelfHolisticTherapy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiarraabubakr/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbuTiarra
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiarra-abu-bakr-2b85091a2/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.