Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Davona Pacley, Founder of Flow Freely, located in Erie, PA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is Flow Freely, offering birth and postpartum doula support and reiki services. My Doula Care Philosophy is to provide compassionate, respectful, inclusive, and culturally accepting care to all birthing people. Currently, my clients have been primarily Black womxn who live in the city of Erie, PA. I've had the pleasure of serving LGBTQIA+ and non-POC families as well. I've supported first-time parents, teen parents' pregnancies after a miscarriage, and unplanned and planned pregnancies.
Tell us about yourself
To be honest, I cannot recall "how" I learned about what a doula was; my steps were ordered, and I surrendered to the call. At the beginning of 2020, I knew that year was going to be different, but I had no idea that a shutdown would ensue due to COVID! I will never forget the day; it was Friday, March 13th, when my coworkers and I were told to go home. We had no clue that we'd end up being home that whole year. I ended up being laid off from this job for five years, and I knew this was my opportunity to learn this new skill. So, fast forward to June 2020, I became a trained birth and postpartum doula!
Usually, once you become a doula, you work independently or within a community group. Currently, I work as a community doula with BirthRoot Doula Alliance. I do consider myself a 'doulapreneur,' being that I have my own private business, Flow Freely. My passion is to guide those who are seeking support and comfort to flow freely within themselves. This inspired me to create Flow Freely. While I support all birthing people, I prioritize my fellow Black and LGBTQIA2s+ community. I offer support as you grow through the journey of transitions in life, whether that be birthing a child, new experiences, new perspectives, and so on.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner was starting Flow Freely! I know as simple as it sounds, I am proud of myself for taking the leap of faith.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is maintaining self-care and work/life balance, such as having safe and healthy boundaries. As a business owner, you have to know what works best for you and learn how to implement boundaries to prevent burnout, bitterness, etc.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
The three tips are imperative as you look to start, run and grow a business; the first is to know who you are, what your limitations are, strengths, weaknesses, stressors, etc. The second is to know your 'why.' What is the purpose of your business? Lastly, do not be afraid to ask for help (you cannot do it all, and you should do it all).
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.flowfreely.space/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flowfreelyinpeace
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowfreelyinpeace/
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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