Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jillian Thistel, founder of Twinkling Stars Pediatric Sleep Consulting, located in Whitby, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm Jillian, the Founder of Twinkling Stars Pediatric Sleep Consulting. I created Twinkling Stars to offer support to families who may be struggling with sleep challenges with their children (ages 0-4 years old). When you have a baby, you don't typically receive much information about what to expect with your child's sleep or how to manage sleep challenges! Parents are often confused, overwhelmed, exhausted, and don't know where to turn. I understand how challenging this can be, and I am here to support and guide families to better sleep!
I offer a variety of sleep support packages that are specifically designed to meet each family's unique needs. I have been supporting clients in the mental health and addiction field for over ten years, so I am happy to bring this specialization into my work with families at Twinkling Stars, ensuring that their mental health is also being supported throughout the process.
Tell us about yourself
I am a mom of three – I have a 4-year-old son and 18-month-old twin girls! I understand how difficult it can be when you're faced with sleep challenges, and it feels impossible to navigate! When our son was born, I really didn't know much about baby sleep, so when we were expecting twins, I knew I wanted to learn as much as I could about twins' sleep! When we ended up running into sleep challenges with our twin girls, it felt very overwhelming, and it became stressful. I understood the importance of reaching out for support, and it was then that I knew, if we could make it through these challenges, that I would love to be able to help families in this capacity. I have always been passionate about helping families and understanding their specific needs. I am truly grateful that I get to work with such incredible families, hear their stories, and support them along their journey to better sleep!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is being able to provide families with hope, being by their side to support and encourage them, and seeing how positively their lives are impacted! It is truly amazing to see the shifts and to hear how much their lives have changed by improving sleep! Sleep is one of those things that you may not think much about until you're in a place where you're sleep-deprived, stressed, and exhausted. It can be all-consuming and can really affect all areas of your life. When families start sleeping again and feel better all-around, they are suddenly able to flourish in many other areas of their lives!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things is putting together all the little pieces that go along with running a business. There are portions of running a business that I wasn't aware of before getting started, and I truly learn something new on the business side of things every day! It's a constant learning experience, which is also a wonderful thing! There are many things that I do now that I would have never expected myself to know how to do. I try to remind myself of how far I've come as a business owner – it's so important to recognize the progress, small wins, and growth!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Never stop learning! In any field, there is always the opportunity to continue growing and learning at a professional and personal level. I would encourage you to take the learning opportunities and further yourself as you continue as a business owner.
- Don't give up! There will be difficult times or challenges that arise when you are running a business. Try not to let the bumps in the road get you down! Follow your passion, readjust as needed, and continue along your path!
- Ask for help if you need it! You don't have to do everything on your own. Running a business has a lot of different responsibilities that can feel overwhelming at times. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
If you are struggling with sleep challenges with your little ones, and you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or exhausted – please know that there is help available! Many parents are fearful of reaching out for help because they don't know where to turn or what type of help they will receive. Please know that there is hope, you do not have to struggle alone, and you are deserving of support!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://twinklingstarspediatricsleepconsulting.com/
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3CSeWYX
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twinklingstars_sleep/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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