Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cally Stone, Speech Language Pathologistof STTP Training Center, located in Meridian, ID, USA.

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

The STTP Training Center is an online center for all things tongue thrust. Most of my customers are speech-language pathologists who want to gain skills in the elimination of tongue thrusts. I also provide education to the public, parents, and other professionals about tongue thrust and its effects. Additionally, I still provide direct private services to clients eliminating tongue thrust and the effects.

Tell us about yourself

I sold my brick-and-mortar clinic in 2011 due to a health crisis. Once I was through that challenge, I wanted (and needed) to get back to private practice but knew that it needed to look different for me to sustain a work-life balance. I had kept the rights to my intellectual properties for the Stone Tongue Thrust Protocol when I sold the previous practice and had done online teaching at the University for several years, so I created an online practice that provided training for professionals to be certified in the use of the STTP in their clinical practice. I continue to provide direct services to eliminate tongue thrusts, educate parents and professionals about tongue thrusts, and certify professionals in the various STTP iterations and updates for different ages and settings. I continue to advance and iterate the course offerings because tongue thrust is woefully misunderstood with poor outcomes historically, and it just doesn’t have to be that way.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I am all about outcomes and efficiency. I like the responsibility and validation of creating and delivering top-quality products and services that make a difference. I have a low tolerance for bureaucracy and buck-passing. It stops with me.

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

Currently, it is being a solopreneur and wearing all of the many hats. Because I offer unique products in niche programs, it is difficult to be heard and recognized in all of the noise of the information online. I learn skills constantly that are outside of my professional training to be successful in business. In general, people are overwhelmed, and trying to adapt and rise above adding value, not more noise, is important but challenging.

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

  1. Do it! Small business is what will save our country.
  2. Have a mentor that can guide you and network you with other businesses and resources.
  3. Never stop learning and adapting. The beauty of your own business is that you have the ability to adapt and change as the market changes. The bigger you are, the harder that can be, but I think it is critical to health and sustainability.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

It’s not easy, but I think it’s worth it.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://stonetonguethrustprotocol.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stonetonguethrustprotocol/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cally-stone-a999a4139/


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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