Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gwen Rebbeck, founder of Yoga4Sobriety, located in Hightstown, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Yoga4Sobriety is a program I created to support those who have chosen any Twelve Step paths to recovery. It is designed to be an addition to the recovery process. I developed a program that aligns the chakra system (energy centers in the body) with the Twelve Steps. Clients can strengthen their body, mind, and spiritual recovery through trauma-aware yoga practices. I teach clients who are in treatment for addictions at rehab centers as well as those who are well into recovery and need additional support. My business has two components, teachers and clients. I train other yoga teachers on my methodology and lead clients in their own practices.
COVID pushed the already extremely high rate of overdose deaths to an all-time high in 2021. The CDC reported that 108,000 overdose deaths took place from January - December 2021. Every resource is needed to support those seeking addiction treatment, and my program, Yoga4Sobriety, is how I choose to be part of the solution.
Tell us about yourself
I was drawn to yoga through my recovery and a need to dig deeper into wellness and spirituality. Through my yoga journey, the deeper I understood the energetic body, the more excited I became. I still get supercharged when I take new training and read studies validating these ancient practices. When I see my clients connect to the practices I lead and shift their energy, it is the most significant gift of what I do.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have two favorite accomplishments as a business owner. The first is bringing Yoga4Sobriey Unabridged into the treatment center where I work. Unabridged pulls in all my teachings to ensure we have practices for every level and every body type. From chair yoga to restorative yoga, smaller closed groups, and full Yoga4Sobriety practices, I can connect and inspire others to build these wellness practices into their recovery right out of the gate.
My second favorite accomplishment comes from a project in my training with renowned author Anodea Judith. I developed seven virtual and downloadable workbooks for the program. Anodea reviewed my project, and she loved it. Because the bulk of my work is based on her teachings, having her enthusiastic blessing of the work was a beautiful accomplishment and gift.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is finding the balance. As the years have gone on, I have been more boundary-driven with my time and energy. I turn off and take more time for myself away from work. I know my limitations and am able to adjust my sails as I go.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My three suggestions for anyone looking to Go Solo.
- You have to love what you will be doing. As a business owner, there can be many obstacles and struggles, so it will be even more challenging if you are not completely and passionately committed.
- Set realistic goals and set smaller goals to meet those goals. Be patient and press forward daily to build a strong foundation. You may miss some critical legwork in hastily rushing to the end goal. Slow and steady wins the race, one small goal at a time.
- Build a network, even a small one, of people you trust and who will be supportive of what you are doing. Having a sounding board and being open to feedback can be a huge asset.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.yoga4sobriety.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yoga4sobriety/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogaforsobriety/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Yoga4Sobriety
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoga4sobriety/
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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