Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sally Hayes, owner of Women In Self Healing, located in Beverly Hills, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I created Women In Self Healing, or WISH, to help curate better pregnancy experiences. We are a team of massage therapists who specialize in preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum massage. We also have an intentionally curated retail section and educational resources. Pregnancy massage has often had a lot of myths and “cautions” associated with it, but I believe it is very safe when you work with a pregnancy massage specialist. I thoroughly train everyone I hire so that you can be confident and comfortable knowing you are (literally) in good hands.
Tell us about yourself
From the first pregnancy client I had over 20 years ago to every client that walks in the door, I am completely in awe of the pregnancy experience. It is an honor that clients trust us to work with them during such a transformative time. I believe that massage is an integral part of healthcare and even more so during the pregnancy experience. Did you know pregnancy massage has been proven to reduce swelling in the ankles?
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My greatest accomplishment as a business owner was to be able to hire my first employee. Building my own clientele was great but watching new therapists thrive and knowing I am supporting the next genera of massage therapists is one of my proudest achievements.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I have to pick just one thing?!? I guess the hardest aspect of running a business is that you really have to grow continuously, and growth is often uncomfortable. You really have to learn to delegate and let go of things while maintaining this absurd optimism and resilience that it will all work out, even when the reality does not seem to point in that direction.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Don’t do it; just take a 9-5 and be able to have a vacation. I’m kidding, of course. If you want to start a business, you’ll need a thick skin, and you cannot do it on your own. I highly recommend getting a business coach, surrounding yourself with people more successful than you, and just keep going, no matter what. Something you may not realize is that not everyone is going to understand your vision, so you have to believe in yourself; you have to be your biggest cheerleader. Take criticism and compliments with the same amount of energy. And never give up.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Owning a business is hard. Really hard. And it’s also amazing and will make you the best version of yourself if you keep showing up. Live a great big life that you are absolutely in love with; you won’t regret it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.womeninselfhealing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninselfhealing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womeninselfhealing/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sallyhayes
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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