Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sharon Huntoon, Owner of Men and Women Seeking Empowerment, located in Lafayette, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We have a therapy business that includes voluntary clients, Medicaid voluntary, and court-ordered clients. The court-ordered clients are for substance abuse, domestic violence, and anger management.
Tell us about yourself
I have been in business since 1993. I was first introduced to the field in 1986 with an internship at Boulder County Safehouse, which is now called Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Non-Violence. I was hired after I graduated in 1990. Each supervisor I had encouraged me to add other modalities into my practice which grew it from domestic violence to other services. In 1999 I started my graduate program and completed it along with 2 years of supervision to get my licensed professional counselor. At that point, I was able to add mental health services.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Staying open during the pandemic.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Keeping employees on task and in the office during scheduled hours.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Be patient. Have a nest egg for emergencies. Be kind to yourself and others.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
One nice thing about owning your own business is you can make human decisions rather than decisions based solely on profit. Good karma is better than money. Also, I am not on social media as I am not able to interact with clients, either past or present, socially, and I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.mwsempowerment.org/
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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