Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Salma El-Yassir, CEO and co-founder of Womaneze, Inc., located in San Francisco, CA, USA.

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

Womaneze helps women navigate menopause and regain control naturally. We've created a community of over 55,000 women and just launched our new app helping women who opt not to use Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to manage their symptoms using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques, tracking their symptoms, and engaging with a community of women experiencing the same challenges. CBT is an evidence-based and scientifically proven method to improve hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings, wellbeing, and overall health.

Tell us about yourself

My co-founder, Marijana, and I had gone through menopause ourselves and had many long discussions about the physical and emotional difficulties of going through this transition in life. We both felt that there was no real support for us then, either professionally or personally. Not only that, but we also felt that women of this age group begin to feel invisible, undermined, and unappreciated.

At that time, no one was talking about it (or it seemed like no one was). Neither Marijana nor I realized that we were going through it until we were in the eye of the storm. This was the result of the silence surrounding menopause. We wanted to make younger women aware and to help overcome the stigma attached to this very natural transition. Womaneze is the result of hundreds of conversations, shared challenges, and a wish to do something more than talk about the problem.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Our biggest accomplishment is that we created the startup! Marijana and I are both in our early sixties when most other people are thinking of retiring. We love the challenge, and we are not afraid to look fear in the eye. Overcoming hesitation and embracing the challenges and the learning along the way is the biggest strength.

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

The hardest thing is managing our own emotions and pushing through the dark times when you wonder whatever made you decide to do it. There are many difficulties associated with being a business owner lots of risks. It's like being in choppy waters most of the time. You have to have the stomach for it.

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

  1. It is hard. Prepare yourself for the tough journey. Know that there will be days when you doubt what you are doing. You have to push through those days, and your biggest challenge will be to manage your own thoughts and doubts.
  2. Surround yourself with positive people. The entrepreneurship journey is draining, and you need to fill your tank with people who bring you positivity and joy. Self-care enables you to stay on this path and protect your wellbeing.
  3. Learn from those who've done it before, but understand that no one has all the answers. Ultimately, get the right tools, then just go out and do it.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I would just like to say that one of the reasons we decided to go on this journey is the idea that at the end of life, you regret what you have not done, things that you did not do or say. Whatever your age, you need to go out of your comfort zone. If you let it, fear will shackle you. Embrace your fear, and just do it!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://womaneze.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Womaneze/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womaneze/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/womaneze
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/womaneze/

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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