Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ashley Dufour, founder of Balanced Approach Wellness, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own and operate a massage therapy & energy healing clinic in the Beltline called Balanced Approach Wellness. I offer both registered massage therapy and reiki treatments. My clients are awesome! Some of them are interested in one modality or the other, but many appreciate the physical-meets-energetic approach. I wanted to create an inclusive space that welcomes everyone with zero judgment. None of your concerns or anything you say will sound crazy to me. After all, you know yourself better than anyone else. I've been a registered massage therapist for the better part of a decade now, and my training was very, very clinical. No room at all for anything "outside of the box." But it didn't take long to recognize that we are so much more than the meat suit! Human beings are complicated creatures, and I believe we deserve to heal on all levels. This resonates with many of my clients as well. They tend to be curious, open-minded, and committed to self-care. I am so lucky to have such a supportive community on this journey with me.
Tell us about yourself
I was born blind...well, mostly blind anyway. I suppose you could say I've been "seeing" with my hands since the beginning. Being visually impaired, I knew I would eventually end up working in this field. My palpation skills are keen, I have always been sensitive to energetic shifts, and I love helping people. I'm so grateful to be putting my natural gifts to good use. Seeking treatment when you are in pain or unsure of what's happening with your body can be incredibly vulnerable. Trust is such a huge part of this work, and sometimes you have to be a cheerleader when things seem hopeless. I consider it an honor to be a safe person for so many people. I love seeing my clients improve over time and getting back to the activities that make them feel like themselves again. Or hearing stories about how they navigated stressful situations with less reactivity and felt more in control of their emotions and mental state. It's so rewarding to know I'm a part of that.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Successfully opening a business in the Summer of 2020! There is no such thing as perfect timing.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Prioritizing tasks has been a challenge for me. It gets easier over time, but when you run your own business, there is always something that needs to get done. I didn't do much with social media before opening a balanced approach either, so that has also been a bit of a curveball as well. The learning never stops!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Trust your gut. Your instincts guided you to take a chance on yourself for a reason.
- Be flexible. Things don't always turn out the way you want them to. Try not to let rigid expectations derail your vision.
- Take care of yourself. Burnout happens, but coming back from it is a whole lot harder than preventing it. I know now that I'm no good to anyone else if I'm not balanced and healthy myself.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I once heard someone say that being an entrepreneur means needing to cry for five days straight but not having the time to schedule it. It can be like that sometimes. But it's totally worth it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.balancedapproachwellness.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balancedapproachwellness/
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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