Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Reema Naim, Owner of OT Studios, Inc., located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is OT Studios, Inc. We serve kids with special needs by providing speech and occupational therapy in the clinic in West Hollywood and in their homes. After discovering a crucial need to provide education so kids can overcome sensory challenges in an enjoyable way, I decided to create the Adventures of the Sensokids book series. The first book, Oh Messy Me, was chosen as the “best gift for children with special needs” by The Today Show, and the latest one, Letters on my Lunchbox, was just released.
The series is aimed at educating parents, educators, and children about their sensory “superpowers,” and these interactive books show how important our senses are in enabling us to navigate our environment. The books have been getting an incredible response so far, and I find it so rewarding that they’re making a genuine impact in children’s lives.
Tell us about yourself
I love to combine my passion for creativity with my knowledge of sensory integration and processing to educate people. I have been a creative for as long as I can remember in any space, whether it is animation, dance, or music videos. I have always been interested in healing and working with children. Occupational therapy allowed me to do that. Once that was set, I looked to bring my creativity to it and created the SensoKids. No matter what I am doing, I use both my medical knowledge and creativity to make the best of it.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment was opening the clinic. As a business owner, I needed to learn and implement many skills on the fly, even though I had plenty of schooling. I became a contractor, and an interior designer, choosing everything that I envisioned my business to be. Another huge accomplishment was adding speech therapy to our clinic. It was incredible to serve a larger audience of families and help them accomplish their goals outside of occupational therapy that way.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing is finding people who share the same passion, energy, and drive. I’ve worked hard to cultivate the clinic culture and am very grateful to have the people around working with me that I do now. You can’t convince someone to be someone who they are not. Sometimes, people don’t have the same energy, and it doesn’t work out. That is okay!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- I recommend breaking things into smaller goals and taking them step by step. The bigger picture can be overwhelming and bog you down. Just focus on hitting as many of the smaller goals as you can.
- Make sure you reach out to your colleagues and mentors for support. People have so much to provide, and knowing you always have a team behind you when something isn’t sitting right with you will help.
- Add your passion to your business. Bringing joy and fun to your business will keep you running even when things get difficult.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://otstudiosla.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OTStudiosLA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otstudiosla/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/otstudios/
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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