Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Roy Martin, Founder of Persimmon Therapy, located in Birmingham, AL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a marriage and family therapist. Relationships and family can give us the greatest joy and often the worst pain, so they are a major focus. My customers can be anyone! I'm really here to serve anyone who is going through things and wants some help. I'm a quality of life person and try to look for ways to improve it. I work with a lot of couples, as intimate relationships are extremely important. It's interesting and cool to me that improving a relationship with a loved one has a direct impact on improving health.
Tell us about yourself
I started as a lawyer and still practice law, but I find it to be a terrible way to handle disputes. When sides take an adversarial and hostile position, not much gets done. With therapy, I see a more direct benefit. People can get better in an hour just by having someone not judging them and listening. I've been through therapy myself and being able to talk made a big difference. As humans, we try to be tough, keep everything in, and not ask for help; sometimes, that just doesn't work. I am very motivated by seeing real change in people's lives, which is a great thing to see. I also like people and am honored that they trust me to help with the very real and hard things they are dealing with.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Any accomplishments I have come from the clients. They are the ones doing the work, and I'm really there to ask questions and give some different perspectives. I am not really good with technology, so marketing is hard for me, so I'm honored and humbled that my business is growing.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I think the hardest thing is the simple act of making decisions. Many of us are plagued by indecision and insecurity, and as a business owner, you have to power through it. The buck stops with you. Luckily, many other business owners are willing to share their time and knowledge, and hearing from others helps build confidence and makes the decision-making process much easier.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
The first is by far the most important. Just go for it. Fear is normal. So many people say so many things, but you can't be prepared for it. Just go for it. It will be easier than you think.
The second thing is finding a mentor you trust who wants to help you. Finding someone to bounce ideas off of who can help you from going astray is so important.
The third is to reframe how you think about failure. There is no such thing as failure. Failure is just a step on the way to success. It's how you learn. Don't let it slow you down; embrace it.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I'm just so honored to be able to answer these questions, and I appreciate anyone who has gotten this far. Thank you, and best wishes to everyone.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://persimmontherapy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/persimmontherapyllc
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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