Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stephanie Bowman, Founder and CEO of Herbs & Waves, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Herbs & Waves is a wellness company focusing on meditation/sound healing events and group, corporate, and private mindfulness sessions. With an emphasis on vibrational healing techniques, Herbs & Waves also offers Reiki and energetic alignment, as well as a line of aromatherapy sprays and mists. My customers come from all walks of life, including young professionals, yogis, and the health/wellness and spiritual community.
Tell us about yourself
My journey into wellness has been an exciting and transformational one. Growing up, I struggled with anxiety and depression. I have always been prescribed medication that never really helped and, in turn, created more problems within my body. I discovered my first sound healing session back in 2020, and it was the first time I felt the release I had been looking for. With consistent work and attendance of sound healing sessions, my anxiety and depression symptoms slowly began to fade, and I was able to eliminate all my medication from my daily routine. This has been my core motivation in wanting to share the gift of sound with the world, for that's what it has been in my life, a true gift. If I can instill even the smallest amount of release and relaxation in my clients' lives that I was given, that's all I can ever ask for.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been creating a life for myself surrounding helping others. The fact that I can do this amazing thing that I not only love but, in turn, can bring people so much joy and peace has been the most fulfilling surprise. It is a testament to the fact that you can create whatever life you desire, turning your passions into purpose and, in turn, thriving on the life you always wanted.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Realizing that there will always be financial ups and downs. Some months are busier than others, and finding the power within yourself to stay motivated and consistent when times get tough can be a struggle.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't feel like you need to quit your day job entirely to succeed. Sometimes having a fallback you can rely on is super important to maintaining a healthy and regulated nervous system. I had seen too many people fail who had jumped in too quickly, expecting things to run smoothly and not having the income they needed to fall back on when things got tough. Think of this as just a part of your journey. It's okay to take the time needed to start your business methodically and patiently. Eventually, you will get to a place where you feel comfortable and secure enough to jump at full speed ahead. Allow yourself to lay the framework needed to support a sturdy and successful business.
- Discover your WHY. Why are you doing this? Without fully understanding your 'why' you create a risk of letting it go when times get tough. (Which they will) There will always be struggles along the way with any business; your 'why' is that one important thing that will keep you anchored along the way.
- Don't be afraid to work with a business or life coach. Yes, they can be expensive, but they are also instrumental in helping you reach and attain your goals. Adding in mentors and coaches is a great way of holding you accountable in your day to day.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.herbsandwaves.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herbsandwaves
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herbsandwaves
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-bowman-b66552236/
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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