Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Audrey Roach-Slivinski, Owner of Beaches Therapy, located in Jacksonville Beach, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Beaches Therapy - DBT & Mindfulness Center is a Mental Health Clinic. We work with children, teens, parents, and adults who are struggling with many emotional dysregulation, anxiety, and depressive disorders. We offer evidence-based treatments to move our clients toward their life worth living and loving.
Tell us about yourself
I am a Mom first, then a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Mindfulness Meditation Teacher, and Parent Coach. We had just relocated to the area, and there were no group practices to join, so I started working as a lead therapist at an intense outpatient center. The management had explained that since I was the newest hire, I'd have to work on Thanksgiving. That did not sit well with me. It was my unwillingness to miss my children's only Thanksgiving when they'd be 4 & 2 that led me to open Beaches Therapy. There is not a redo when parenting, we get one shot at this, and I was not ok with working instead of being where I belonged, with them. So Beaches Therapy began with me renting a space a few nights a week, then another space with no windows, and then I was offered to take over a more senior therapists office space. It was there that Beaches Therapy really grew. I was able to be the mom and clinician I wanted to be. The office was within walking distance of my children's school. I transformed a middle office into an after-school playroom for them, so we were all together. My children are what motivates me every day. The ability to help my community makes the world a better place for them. So, it is for my kiddos.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I'd say being a positive force in the community has been fantastic. The ability to change the course of a young person's life, supporting clinicians in achieving their work-life balance, supporting parents, and being able to get it done. I never envisioned having a private group practice; it chose me. I am thrilled to be able to offer evidence-based treatments to the community and help others find their joy.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The overwhelming feeling to continue to do more, provide more services, to be the voice for the silenced, the on and on and on. Learning boundaries in this field has been helpful. Bringing change ignites a fire that is not easily turned down at times when it comes to all the possibilities. Finding the off switch has taken some time.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
A true belief in yourself + capabilities. You truly have no idea what you are truly capable of until you begin. Put yourself out there despite the fear. Build relationships and trust we are here to help each other. Do not keep all your cards too close so that you can't collaborate or share ideas with other colleagues or peers. There are enough people out there who need help, so the more, the merrier. Not sure if that was three or a cluster of advice.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.beachestherapy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beachestherapy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beachestherapy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrey-slivinski-lcsw/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.