Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Karen Tripolitis, Founder of Mindful Roots Yoga, located in Douglassville, PA, USA.

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

My business provides training and a comprehensive instructor's guide for those interested in learning to teach mindfulness and yoga to children. The M.Y. Time (mindfulness and yoga) Program is geared toward elementary-aged children. Anyone whose work involves guiding children is my customer. I work with educators, school leaders, special program directors, social workers, therapists, camp counselors, caregivers, and parents.

Tell us about yourself

I am a 30-year educator and have had a mindful yoga practice of my own. Seeing the changing needs of my students over the years prompted me to seek out additional tools to help support classroom community, self-regulation, and social/emotional health in general. This is something that works, and I never considered teaching another day without it once I began fine-tuning this work as a daily classroom integration 13 years ago.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is each time I have the opportunity to be in front of new trainees and we all have this common purpose of improving the lives of children. It is heartwarming to share our struggles and then learn how to give tools to our children that will be internalized and used throughout their lives.

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

Have the faith and fortitude that you are on the right path and should continue each day.

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

  1. Be your own cheerleader.
  2. Reach out to others for help. People want to see you succeed and support your efforts.
  3. Treat each customer/client as if they are the only one you have.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Here's a funny vignette from a school experience. I had taught a mini mindful yoga class to kindergarteners in a particular school in which I was observing. I left the classroom to observe other grade levels and then returned to that original classroom. Upon my return, a student called out to me from across the room, "Hey, look, it's the yoga mama!" - like only an exuberant 5-year-old can. When I walked over closer to his table, he said, "Oh wait - yoga grandma!"

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.mindfulrootsyoga.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindfulrootsyoga
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfulrootsyoga/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindfulrootsyoga/

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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