Love Your Voice Again! - Vocal Freedom System
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Katarina Hornakova, Founder of Vocal Freedom System, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I help people who experience vocal strain, tension, and even pain when speaking find more vocal freedom, reclaim their voice and speak with ease again. The majority of people don't even know that talking can be painful, but for some people, this is a serious problem that stops them from enjoying life's little moments that others take for granted, for example, talking on the phone, communicating with colleagues, presenting in front of people, chatting with friends, reading books to own children, or going out to social events. My clients come from various occupations. They are speakers, teachers, preachers, singers, actors, call centre operators, lawyers, entrepreneurs, coaches, and others.
Tell us about yourself
I have been working in the field of speech-language pathology for over 25 years. While in the past, I worked with people with many different voices, speech, and language difficulties, I now focus on helping people with voice issues; more specifically, I love working with people who experience vocal tension, strain, or even pain when speaking. Why? When the pandemic stopped the whole world in its tracks, I decided to speak to some of my followers (at that time, I already had quite a big following on YouTube) and asked them what they needed most. I spoke to many people about their vocal journey, but one story hit me really hard. I was talking to an accomplished musician and singer who was experiencing discomfort when using his voice. I remember when he told me that even his own brother did not believe him and that there was something wrong with his voice. He felt very lonely. At that moment, I knew that I wanted to do more for this man and for people like him. In my heart, I knew that I wanted to help people whose voice was failing them, whose voice was not the true reflection of who they were on the inside. I wanted to help people who were not understood by others because their voice problem was invisible to other people. Therefore, I created my signature group coaching program Vocal Freedom System for the Speaking Voice. And after running it for 2 years, I know that it was the right decision.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I can reach people all over the world and help them understand their voice, reclaim vocal freedom and return to their normal lives. In the past, we were limited geographically, but with today's technology, I can reach people anywhere. It's almost 2023, and many professional voice users still don't know how to take care of their voice and how to make their voice work optimally. I am very passionate about spreading awareness about these topics. That's what I do on YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, or Instagram.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being one person for everything. I need various skill sets I did not know I would need. I am a decision-maker, service provider, web designer, virtual assistant, and more. I learn something new every single day.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
I am not sure if I am the right person to give this type of advice, but here are three tips I would give myself:
- Follow your passion. Do what really excites you because your clients will feel it too.
- Feeling worried is normal. Accept it as a healthy part of growing a business.
- Start today. Start somewhere but start today.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.vocalfreedomsystem.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katarinasvoiceroom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthyvoicetips/
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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