Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cynthia Mobley Howell, Founder of HoWELL ARE YOU, located in Clermont, FL, USA.

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

HoWELL ARE YOU is a health and wellness business, and our services include speaking, coaching, and mental health advocacy. We embrace an integrated approach to wellness, which includes managing spiritual, mental, and physical well-being. Our customers are the mental health community, clergy, men and women, siblings, mental health professionals, mental health organizations, and those desiring to transition to a plant-based lifestyle.

Tell us about yourself

I am a Minister, International Speaker, Best Selling Author, Certified Life Coach, and Mental Health Advocate. I started my business because I had a strong desire to lend my voice to eradicate the stigma surrounding mental illness. I am one of four siblings, the youngest and the only girl, and all of my brothers were affected by severe mental health issues. My oldest brother, who was bipolar committed suicide, my middle brother, who has been missing for over two decades, is schizophrenic, and my youngest brother, who is also schizophrenic, has been institutionalized in a maximum security facility for the criminally insane for almost thirty-five years. Because of the lack of early intervention, my siblings were not able to lead ordinary, productive, and fulfilling lives. Therefore, it is imperative that I keep the conversation going surrounding mental illness. My brothers are my motivation; they are my 'why', they are the reason I do what I do. My mantra is, 'I'm Not Keeping Quiet Anymore,' for which I created a T-shirt line.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is NOT GIVING UP on myself! Most everyone believes that working for yourself is "easy," you don't have to "answer" to anyone else, you get to "do WHAT you want to WHEN you want to," etc., etc. None of this is correct. You work HARDER than EVER, you have to answer to YOURSELF, and you DON'T get to do what you want to when you want to, especially when you have a deadline to meet. Now by no means am I being negative, but what I am saying is owning your own business takes GRIT and DETERMINATION. If you can endure the tough times, it will be well worth it!

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

I would say one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner for me is, finding the 'off' button. I'm always working, even when I don't realize it. I hit the floor in the morning, pouring myself into my work. There are times when I have to FORCE myself not to work. Sometimes I feel guilty for taking time off, but I understand that I must maintain balance. I advocate health and wellness, both physically AND mentally, so I must learn to take my own advice; otherwise, I'm being hypocritical.

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

  1. Be ready to GRIND IT OUT!
  2. STAY committed!
  3. Connect with a good business mentor who has been THERE and done THAT!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

For as long as I can remember, I've always had a STRONG DESIRE to work for myself. Maybe it's because I come from a long line of entrepreneurs. At any rate, I walked away from Corporate America in 2010, and I've NEVER looked back. No, I didn't have a plan, so it's taking me longer to get to where I want to be, but if I had to do it all over again (I don't advise that), I wouldn't change a thing. My experience has positioned me to be a guide and mentor to others who are thinking about becoming their own boss.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://cynthiamobleyhowell.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cmobleyhowell/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmobleyhowell/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cmobleyhowell
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-mobley-howell-210373208/

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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