Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Iyana Anderson, Founder of Well Together, located in Maplewood, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
So many organizations have been experiencing an increasing demand for wellness-related services, specifically, services that incorporate the mind, body, and spirit, such as journaling, mindful movement, and mediation. Since many organizations don't typically have this expertise internally, it's important to bring in outside experts to help with workshops, events, and speaking engagements to enhance the holistic health of the people they serve. Well Together is a Wellness Consulting company that specializes in Holistic Wellness Education. We provide services including workshops, special events programming, and speaking engagements to non-profit organizations that serve adults within urban communities. Our goal is to empower members of the community to take learning into their own hands to restore their wellness foundation, improve their quality of life, and thrive as authentic versions of themselves.
Tell us about yourself
I'm Iyana Anderson, the Founder/CEO of Well Together, and I'm also a Licensed Social Worker. I have a social work background, and I've worked in various micro and macro roles within social work. The focus areas of my work experience include food insecurity, housing, mental health, wellness, program development, and quality improvement. I started Well Together based on overcoming my own wellness challenges and experiencing positive wellness transformations both personally and professionally. For example, a few years ago, I received some unfavorable health news, which motivated me to take a different path. Therefore, I first began with journaling, then meditation, yoga, and connecting with holistic health professionals. From that point on, there was no turning back. Each day, I am motivated by the positive feedback I receive from people and organizations near and far who have been impacted by Well Together.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is the impact that I've made and continue to make each and every day. One of my daily affirmations is, "I am healed, and I am a healer." That affirmation is powerful because I believe that "healed people heal people." Therefore, as I make a continuous effort to heal myself each day, I am also able to radiate that healing energy into my business to heal and educate others every day.
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 is creating balance. Initially, when I first started my entrepreneurial journey, I had no structure to separate work and life. However, one day I sat with myself and reminded myself that "I've experienced burnout too many times before" and repeated this affirmation "burnout is not welcomed in my life." After that moment, I began focusing on unlearning the hustle culture and relearning intentionality, setting boundaries, delegating tasks, rest, and play.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My top three tips are to start where you are, go at your own pace, and stay true to your vision. I say start where you are because so often we want to wait for the "perfect" moment to start, but the truth is, there is no "perfect" moment to start. Go at your own pace. Early in my journey, I found myself constantly comparing myself to others, only to find that I was moving way beyond my capacity. Finally, stay true to your vision. I believe that we have all been created with a unique vision to change the world, sometimes in a tiny or major way. So no matter what obstacle you face, trust and stay true to your vision.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Resources that have been helpful along the way: Local SBA, Hello Alice, WCEC, Fiverr, and mentors.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://welltogether.us/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/welltogetherllc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/well-together-llc/
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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