Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Valetta SuRae Stewart, a Physical Fitness Expert and Master Personal Trainer based in Washington, DC, USA.

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

My business is as a LifeStylist in Self-Sufficiency, Self-Care, Wellness, Fitness, and Mindful Eating. My customers are the population that has become sick and tired of still being sick and tired. They know there is a better way to be productive, exuberant, and connected on the planet; they simply have not been exposed to a better plan than the one they have been following. As an Author, Fitness Professional, Raw Food Chef, Kitchen Garden Consultant & Exercise Therapy Specialist, I assist them with the four points of a better plan. You must move daily, you must eat mindfully, you must drink pure water, and you must get healing sleep for the body to repair the daily damage.

Tell us about yourself

I feel like I have been in business even before I knew what it was. I am the baby of my parent's five kids, and from kindergarten, I've had a lemonade stand, walked dogs, and sold jawbreakers and tootsie pops at school. I ran errands for neighbors and kept good track of the money I got paid. In middle and high school, it was babysitting and helping kids style their hair for activities. But I always knew I would go into the military right from school. At the end of my first 10 years, I had finished my tour as a Drill Sergeant; I had 20K in GI Bill benefits and a chance to get trained in everything I was ever interested in. Cosmetology was my start. I owned a salon that grew into a spa. I Loved seeing the transformations. It was such a joy. But being behind the chair was also draining. I listened to horror stories of illness, lack, lethargy, pain, heartbreak, fear, and despair. I witnessed people drowning in their life choices as if they had no idea they did not have to live in that muck. So, I started a walking fit club helping ladies learn they could just walk to lose weight, encouraging kids to join boy and girl scout groups where I did fitness training with. Again I saw transformations, and I got more juice. I maintained the spa from 1990 until 2001, all the while making a difference in the lives of many through Fitness, Followthrough, and Fueling. The basic recipe was to get moving, keep moving, and be mindful of how and what you eat.

Do you ask what motivates me each day? It's the little wins. The small transformations of my clients. When they don't feel like getting out of bed, they do when they say no to a sugary carbonated trap and have water instead, when they call me crying because they feel depressed and know that I will not judge them but plant a seed in the garden of their mind which will germinate in time and grow into the realization of all the awesomeness that life can give if they open to receive.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Making a positive difference in the lives of others when I purchased a mixed-use commercial building for my family, which held our Barber Shop that both my sons worked in growing up. My young son manages the shop, both apartments, and three rental storage spaces on site. Knowing that I raised another entrepreneur and provided him with a solid base to grow from meant everything.

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

When you realize you can not do it alone, WELL and maintain a THRIVING HEALTH BALANCE (emotional, physical, and mental). If you are doing everything and get run down, you don't run the business; the business runs you. No businessman or woman after a stroke or heart attack says they wish they would have worked more and driven themselves even harder. There will be sacrifices.

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

  1. Start small, Be Consistent with the effort but think BIG. Remember, small steps are still steps.
  2. There are hundreds of ways to get to California from DC, just as there are hundreds of ways to start, operate, grow, and ruin a business. The Failures are probably more teachable to you than the successes are. Take notes of each.
  3. You cannot take everyone with you. Everyone in your life will not be able to see, support, and be there for the long haul in your efforts toward success. Don't cry over those who were not able to make the journey of success with you; thank the stars they were to you want you needed when you had them in your past.
  4. BONUS-Be thankful, Be Grateful, Be kind. You will succeed some, and you will fail some. Each can be waded through like flood waters in duck boots. Yeah, it's getting deep, but you are still dry and walking.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.valettasurae.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ms.valettasurae
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valettasurae/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ValettaSuRae
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ms-valetta-su-rae-311b7779/

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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