Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sarah Janosik, co-founder of Relate Center, located in Austin, TX, USA.

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

My primary business is Relate Center. We are a group of 5 therapists and physical therapists providing an interdisciplinary approach to treating sexual, physical, and emotional health. Our referral source is primarily physicians and therapists. Our customers are individuals and couples who want to resolve sexual problems, increase intimacy in their relationship or improve physical functioning. We offer psychotherapy, physical therapy, and Pilates. We work closely with physicians and provide training opportunities for the medical school and mental health community.

I also developed Cowgirl Ventures, a coaching program that combines intensive career and personal development with experiential learning. We offer programs that assist a participant or group in mastering and employing the skills to enhance their personal and professional lives. Our workshops include equine experiential learning, professional assessments, and leadership training.

Tell us about yourself

Curiosity and making a difference in someone’s life and my community keep me motivated. I love adventure, people, and animals. My standard poodles go to work with me. My horses have given me insight and an experience of connection that is awesome. The lessons are often deeper and more lasting than some insight they learned in a therapist's office.

When I finished my master’s in social work, I knew I needed a specialty. I needed something that would set me aside from other therapists if I wanted to be successful. I applied to a post-grad program specializing in sex therapy and moved to San Francisco. After that, time for adventure, and I went on a year-long sailing trip and ended up in Alaska. There were no therapist jobs available then, so I decided to start my own business.

I convinced three other therapists to join me. Fireweed therapy began. I continued to gain skills and experience when I saw the need in my community. I relocated to Austin 7 years later and did the same thing. I interviewed physicians to see what help they needed and created Austin Center for Sexual Medicine. This eventually developed into Relate Center.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Continuing to find unique skills that keep me current as a thought leader as the mental health field changes. And building Relate Center.

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

It is totally on me to make money to pay my bills. If I am not working, I am not making money. I had to learn to rely on my own resources and work hard to support myself. It can be lonely when friends are going to do something fun because they have a job that is done for the day, and I am still seeing clients.

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

  1. Make sure you like the freedom and responsibility of being an entrepreneur.
  2. Know your unique ability and find colleagues you can hire or partner with who have strengths in the areas you are not as competent in.
  3. Continue to learn new things to grow your business, from business skills to increasing professional skills.
  4. Have fun at work.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I feel very lucky that I have a career that supports my well-being and gives me new opportunities. I had to trust my intuition and be creative. How great is that!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://relatecenter.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah.janosik.121/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EALCATX
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-janosik/


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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