Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Vivian Rosenthal, Co-Founder of Frequency, located in New York, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I co-founded Frequency, which is a breathwork and mindfulness company that offers both in-person and online classes to support our well-being and overall health and happiness. Like plant medicine and psychedelics, breathwork has been scientifically shown to be a deeply therapeutic modality that helps with stress, depression, anxiety, burnout, addiction, and PTSD. But unlike those substances, it is legal and very safe and can be done daily or weekly as a practice. It also helps us unlock our creativity through flow states, open to self-love, and discover the deeper purpose of our life. And did I mention that it helps us to awaken to higher spiritual realms by expanding our consciousness? Well, it does!
With mental health on the rise because of Covid and the alarming state of the world, there is an increased need and desire for us to learn to take care of our emotional well-being. The Frequency breathwork is a practice that can be done from the comfort of your home, so our community ranges from high-performing CEOs and tech founders to folks in their 20s, 30s, and 40s who are looking to balance their demanding work life with their personal well-being.
Tell us about yourself
I was running an incubator for Google when I got really sick with Lyme disease, and both my physical health and mental health were deeply impacted. I sought out alternative modalities that could help me recover and discovered the healing power of breathwork. I saw such incredible results that I did my teacher training to become certified so I could teach others. When I went back to work, I started sharing the breathwork practice with colleagues to help with their stress and mental health, and it was so well received that I decided I wanted to start a company to bring this powerful therapeutic medicine to the masses. I’m motivated by helping people. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our community respond so positively to the breathwork.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I’ve led over 5,000 people through a breathwork therapy session, and knowing that I’ve been able to reach that many people and hopefully make an impact on their overall well-being and mental health brings me a sense of accomplishment. I’m very grateful to be able to do what I love and help others in the process.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
There are many hard things, but feeling alone in the process can be very hard, which is why it’s so critical to find others to collaborate with and co-create with. Being a business owner is undeniably stressful, so I’ve had to really practice what I preach and take care of my mental health. Finding that balance between work and rest isn’t easy; it’s a practice unto itself!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Get very clear on WHY you’re starting a business. It’s incredibly hard work and requires a huge amount of dedication, so making sure you know your why is critical.
- Make sure you find a strong partner or team to work with so you’re not trying to do everything yourself. It’s better to lean into your strengths and let others lean into theirs! And hopefully, they are complementary.
- Make sure there’s a big enough market to warrant starting a company. At Google, we call it the toothbrush test. Are you launching a product or providing a service that people will need to repeat?
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I share weekly breathwork videos on my personal IG, and I’d love you to join me and take a breath break whenever you’re overwhelmed, stressed, or just need a boost of energy! You can find me at @vivianrosenthal.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://frequencybreathwork.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frequencybreathwork
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frequencybreathwork/
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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