Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sally Delisle, Co-Owner of ChildLight Education Company, LLC, located in Exeter, NH, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
ChildLight was founded in 2005 with the intention of sharing yoga & mindfulness with children. Over the years, we have expanded our reach to include certification programs in SEL, mental health, and various wellness modalities. Our seasoned team is committed to sharing evidence-based and trauma-informed trainings, classes & curricula for youth, families, and those who support them. We imagine a future where all people are equipped with the tools they need to cope with life's challenges in healthy ways.
Tell us about yourself
Yoga was introduced to me in my 20s after aging out of the dance world. I loved how moving my body, combined with breathwork, calmed my brain. Now I understand it is all a science related to the nervous system. Everyone needs this knowledge to improve mental health, decrease reactivity and anxiety and improve overall wellness. That isn't just a motivator for me to do this work every day, it is a mission.
Do you have daily rituals for work / wellness / fitness / mindfulness?
My day starts with one cup of coffee in my favorite mug while sitting by a window wrapped in a blanket. When the weather allows, I sit outside listening to nature. This practice has brought so many natural routines to my attention, including watching a little red fox run across our yard at exactly 7:05 am (now nicknamed "Little Red"). This year, I am also making my way through a meditation book, Time for Peace, by Ruth Fishel, which helps to create a daily mindset.
Mornings are full of personal practice, client meetings, and classes. I save more sedentary work such as email, online meetings, and projects for after lunch, with an hour of reading before dinner prep followed by family time.
This currently feels balanced. Balance invites wellness. When it doesn't work anymore, I change it up!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishment as business owners was quickly pivoting to a virtual platform during the pandemic. We have since closed our brick-and-mortar space and are currently operating 100% online.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
ChildLight Education Company is a small woman-owned business with a seasoned Team of Trainers. Marketing to a global audience is a big challenge with a limited budget. Word of mouth and referrals really help.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
We chose our tagline for a reason, and it applies to our business as well as the practice of yoga & mindfulness. LEARN: Learn whatever it is your business is about. Be a student and study all that you can on the topic. GROW: Work in the industry to learn from a hands-on approach and expand on your skill set. Take Continuing Education courses and keep learning. TEACH: In order to teach others what we do, we need to fine-tune the knowledge we have acquired. And now that you have acquired the information regarding the topic of interest, you will be ready to start, run and grow the business.
Here are my 3 tips:
- Write a business plan backward (ten years, seven years, five years, three years, one year).
- Have advisors you can count on for advice.
- Hire someone to do your accounting.
Can I add one more? Have a partner! It can be tough, and the right business partner makes the journey better. Mine is the best, and I couldn't do this without her.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://childlighteducationcompany.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/childlighteducationcompany/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childlighteducationcompany/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChildLightEdCo/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childlighteducationcompany/
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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