Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Charlene Gethons, Owner of The Mindfulness Journey, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

My business is The Mindfulness Journey, an online mindfulness meditation and mental health coaching platform. I work with entrepreneurs with chronic illnesses to help them learn how to create a sustainable business that fits their lifestyle without letting imposter syndrome take over. I offer workshops, courses, and group coaching programs to help my clients learn how to get out of their heads and into their lives.

Tell us about yourself

My business started as a result of being hit by a bus. In an instant, my life changed, and I was left with a traumatic brain injury and a chronic invisible illness. I needed to find a new path, and after learning mindfulness to help me manage my anxiety, I immediately knew that this was what I was meant to be doing. I took the time to get my Masters in counselling psychology and to become a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teacher before starting The Mindfulness Journey. Mindfulness quite literally changed my life, and nothing inspires me more than seeing the shifts my clients make after working together. Watching them become more confident and feel empowered, and have more joy in their lives is what motivates me each day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Growing up, I was so shy and socially anxious that the idea of running my own business would have felt impossible. Now, I'm teaching workshops, speaking at events, and guesting on podcasts. Despite everything that I've gone through with my health over the last few years, and it's been a lot, I keep going and growing year after year.

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

Believing in yourself and your business in the face of disappointments. Being a small business owner is tough, as a lot of the time, you're working on your own and trying to figure out all the moving pieces. It's in those tough and challenging moments that my mindfulness practice helps me the most as it helps me to connect back into myself and to trust the process.

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

First, I would suggest taking the time to really hone in on what you want your business to look and feel like. There are so many ideas and strategies out there, but unless your business works with you and your life, it will be hard to keep it going.

Second, not surprising as I am a meditation teacher, but I always suggest having a meditation practice. Meditating regularly is the quickest way to calm your mind and increase focus. The muscle that you use to help you fight distractions in meditation is the exact same muscle that you will be using to help fight distractions and shiny object syndrome when you are starting and growing a business.

Lastly, I would suggest having a community of other entrepreneurs that you can connect with. Whether that's a mastermind program or even a Facebook group, having somewhere where you can reach out for accountability, support, or even to ask a question is so important. Plus, you can see that you're not the only one struggling at times which can help you not to feel so alone.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://themindfulnessjourney.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themindfulnessjourney
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themindfulnessjourney/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlene-gethons-69a15a130/

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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