Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Carmen Harris, Founder of FreeForm Embodied Liberation, located in Guacima, Alajuela, Costa Rica.

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

FreeForm Embodied Liberation is an online portal for Black and BIPOC people who want to live out their personal visions of freedom. I provide courses, coaching, and mentorship for those ready to connect to their bodies and souls on a deeper level, do healing work for themselves or their communities, and create realities that are reflective of their true natures.

Tell us about yourself

I have been providing healing and wellness services since 2008, and this venture has had many deaths and rebirths! The initial catalyst for my business - and my constant motivation - is the belief that everyone deserves to live in alignment with who they are at a soul level and that healing our personal and collective traumas is key to achieving that state of being. As the world gets even crazier and more complex, I feel really fortunate to be able to provide services to my community that help people move toward more joy, embodiment, and authenticity.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is creating Reiki for Reparation: Teach A New Way - a Reiki certification program that, in turn, helps students create their own unique energy work courses. My goal is to help spread as much healing through the world as possible, so helping my dedicated, amazing students continue the work in a way that aligns with their personal gifts is pure joy!

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

The hardest thing for me is the feeling of having to toe the line between creating financial success and keeping services accessible and authentic. Fortunately, I have had some really positive perspective shifts lately. They have allowed me to see new possibilities for creating abundance and serving from an honest, community-led space. But if I said it wasn't difficult for me to get to that place... I'd be lying!

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

  1. Do your own inner work. Your personal life and business are not separate. If you have traumas, mental blockages, or unhelpful habits that plague the rest of your life, they are bound to affect your business as well. Your healing is key!
  2. Don't be afraid to niche down. It's easy to think, "Well, everybody can make good use of my product/services, so I don't want to block people from patronizing my business by leaving them out." While this may make logical sense, the thing is that generalized marketing that tries to include everyone doesn't actually speak to anyone's soul. Unless you know, cherish, and speak directly to the soul of your ideal customer, they won't be inspired to buy what you're selling.
  3. Don't try to do it all alone. Rugged individualism is a toxic myth. When you need help, invest in it. Outsource the things that don't bring you joy. Get a business coach or mentor. Purchase courses that help you learn more about running your business. These expenditures will save you time, money, and headaches if you let them!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.freeformliberation.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBodyTemple333
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freeformembodiedliberation/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-r-h-chandler/

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.