Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Emilie Berger, Founder of The Holistic Initiative, located in Brooklyn, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I work with clients one on one and in group settings to support their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. I mainly use the science of Ayurveda, as well as yoga, meditation, breathwork, and aromatherapy. My customers are women between 30 and 60 who have a strong desire to take care of themselves in an integrated way, expand their capacity for unconditional self-love and worth, and resolve chronic health issues. They have often been seeing various practitioners and tried all the holistic modalities but have never had the experience of a single person holding that expertise, holding space for their healing and growth, and seeing the big picture and offering an integrated plan.
Tell us about yourself
I fell in love with Ayurveda when I experienced its profound power and impact on myself. I had been dealing with digestive issues, extreme anxiety, and physical, chronic pain for a long time. Ayurveda brought relief to all these in a curative and then preventative way. Combining breathwork and yoga for regulation, as well as aromatherapy for emotional support year long, has changed my life. I needed to share these tools with as many people as possible. Doing so in other people's ventures was limited, so I launched The Holistic Initiative. It's shifted in form and function quite a lot over the past three years, and I'm actually proud of that, of the evolution of my business being linked to my personal evolution and growth.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
To have created something which is the purest, most authentic form of who I am. To be completely, entirely in service of my client's well-being. To prioritize myself so I can be fully present for the women I serve.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Like many people, the logistics of paperwork and taxes... My goal this year is to delegate as much as I can. I don't want to deal with this stuff anymore. I want my energy to go fully to my expertise and let other people do the parts I'm not interested in or competent in!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Work with a mentor/ coach.
- Do not compromise on your vision. Sit with what you really want to offer, get clear on why then resist the temptation to sway to what others want you to do.
- Be open to shapeshifting, and give yourself permission to change your mind. Go with the flow, anchored in your vision for your business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.theholisticinitiative.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholisticinitiative/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholisticinitiative/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilie-berger-3a3a08154/
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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