Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with David Helfand, Owner of LifeWise, located in Saint Johnsbury, VT, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own a private mental health practice that specializes in intensive couples therapy retreats, brain mapping, CBT for kids, and parent coaching.
Tell us about yourself
I had a theory early in high school that if we could treat the brain in a targeted fashion, we could alleviate most suffering. That brought me into the field of neuroscience and psychology, and eventually, I learned that attraction and relationship issues are directly related to these same principles. It's not rocket science how people stay together. It's relationship science.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have had to build my business 4 times now. First, when I started it. Second when a coaching company led me astray and sued me. Third, when COVID shut down started, I had to rebrand from neurofeedback to couples therapy, and fourth, when I moved from Massachusetts to Vermont and restarted in a rural area where my business now has a national audience. I consider myself extremely resilient.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The pressure to provide for my family. They trust me blindly in many cases.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Grow gradually and always have a 6-month plan for marketing and general business growth. In addition, hire the right people to help you. You can't do it alone.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I work with my wife now, to who I gave a 20% share of the business. It's interesting working with her, and I think we make a great team mostly because we know what we can and cannot do as a married team.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.lifewisevt.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helfandd/
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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