Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shawn Bradford, Founder of Breathe and Work, PLLC, located in Phoenix, AZ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Breathe and Work, PLLC brings engaging and fun wellness classes, training, and seminars to businesses in and around Phoenix, Arizona. Our clients are corporations that value wellness and their employees' mental, emotional and physical health.
Tell us about yourself
I got started by needing wellness solutions of my own. I was working non-stop with 3 young children, and I was on the path to ill health, insomnia, and burnout. With a huge push from a friend, I turned to yoga and meditation as a way to improve my health, sleep, and overall well-being. Since these solutions were so effective at helping me to find a balance between work and life and improved my mental health, I went back to school to earn my master's in health promotion so I would have the needed knowledge and tools to bring wellness into the workplace to teach business owners and their valued team members how to prioritize their own wellness to increase happiness and overall well-being.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Last week I was teaching a seminar on mindfulness in the workplace, and the attendees were feeling the benefits of the experiential practices. Some had tears in their eyes, others were proclaiming how much they needed this, and many were sharing very personal challenges and how they would use these wellness tips to enhance their life at work and home. Anytime my wellness teachings are embodied (meaning they feel the positive effects), I know that they have found a practice they will stick with. I encourage people to take mini mindfulness and mini wellness breaks throughout the day to check in with themselves and see what they need, which could be anything from a few deep breaths to desk stretches to ease neck pain to drink some water. If my teachings empower someone to make take "small" wellness breaks throughout the day to significantly improve their health, I know I have done my job.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Easy: juggling all the responsibilities. I love to teach, but in order to do so, there is a lot that happens behind the scenes to make that happen, such as sales, website copy, invoicing, and so much more.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Consistent effort each day adds up big time. I coach other wellness teachers on how to grow their businesses, and the biggest indicator of growth is consistency. Making two sales calls a day will be 40 sales calls in a month which is so much better than none. Do something each day to grow your business.
- Stay with it. Growth happens slowly with that consistent effort. Commit to yourself, your business, and what you are creating.
- Ask your current clients for feedback, recommendations, and referrals as a way to learn, improve and grow.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.breatheandwork.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msshawnbradford
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msshawnbradford/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnsimsbradford/
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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