Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amanda Hannah, founder of River's Edge Counseling, PLLC., located in Orange Park, FL, USA.

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

We are a private mental health counseling group that specializes in the treatment of trauma, including sexually abused children, sexual assault survivors, and combat-related trauma. We work with any trauma survivor age five and older to help them gain a sense of resiliency and empowerment.

Tell us about yourself

I first began thinking about owning a private practice around 2008. At that time, I had left my teaching career and was working for a non-profit organization that offered peer counseling for women in crisis. I was so inspired by that work that I wanted to learn more and do more to help others, and I knew I wanted to create a place of safety and healing for individuals who had been through trauma. I applied to graduate school and started moving in the direction of working in private practice. It took a few years, but after becoming licensed as a mental health counselor, I opened my solo practice in early 2014. We've consistently grown year after year and plan to continue growing and expanding as opportunities to serve the community and partner with like-minded organizations present themselves. The same original idea motivates me every day to keep going, making sure our clients have access to that haven of safety and healing.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Hiring great people is definitely my biggest accomplishment. There is absolutely no way I could possibly have done what I have with my practice without them, and there's no way I could keep dreaming and planning for the future of the practice without the team I have.

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

Finding a balance in my personal life with constant professional growth has been the hardest thing by far to manage. It is much too easy to sacrifice personal well-being for the sake of the business, and that is something that I have to be reminded of from time to time. With business ownership, there's always something that needs your attention. Finding a way to prioritize your personal life can be challenging.

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

I say it all the time; I could write a book about what not to do when opening a practice. I think I made all the mistakes you can make and go into it very naively. Specifically for mental health practice, I recommend starting small and building slowly, which is a mistake I made early on. I went too fast and started too large. Second, hire a business coach. Whatever they charge you will still be less expensive than paying for the mistakes you will inevitably make on your own. Third, don't be threatened by other businesses doing what you are doing. There is room at the table for everyone (there are more than enough clients to go around), and positive relationships with other professionals will provide you with the support you need to be successful.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Owning a business has been one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had, and it is an honor to be able to provide an environment where other professionals can work and feel supported, encouraged, and respected.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://www.riversedgeorangepark.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversedgecounseling
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3w0GIRt

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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