Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jessica Hass, Founder of Theravada Mental Health, located in Las Vegas, NV, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business provides outpatient mental health services to adolescents, adults, and couples throughout the state of Nevada, both in person or through teletherapy.
Tell us about yourself
My motivation to start this business was to have an agency that was not only reputable to the public and our clients but also to the hard-working, dedicated therapists who work for us. Mental health agencies in Clark County don't have the best reputation, and as a therapist, I formulated a work environment that cultivates creativity, cohesiveness, and support.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
When I see clients leave our agency feeling at peace or displaying feelings of happiness, it makes me so glad that Theravada connected them to the therapist who could provide that sensation. Also, to stay in business! Building and maintaining a business is so difficult and a huge risk. Staying in business for over three years now has been a huge accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Maintaining professional and personal relationships. I am close to many of the therapists on staff, and because I cultivate that sense of camaraderie, support, and cohesiveness, I have to carefully balance that with enforcing agency policy and disciplinary actions, which can be very tricky at times.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
To do as much research, attend as many workshops, and pay attention to those in higher positions than you to learn techniques, perspectives, and insights. No one can necessarily 'teach' you to own a business, it takes a lot of leadership and self-motivation, but you can always learn and absorb as much as possible.
Don't let the stress of running the business trickle into and negatively impact your personal relationships. It becomes your 'world,' and more important things like relationships, family, and self-care can often easily go by the wayside or be a source of projection for our stress.
Lastly, pace it. Understand that growing a business takes time, and enjoy the journey. Don't add stress by thinking about how long it's taking or the nuanced issues that arise in the process. They're inevitable; embrace the process.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Theravada intends to integrate itself into the local community more and expand its services to include yoga, sound baths, reiki, groups, and workshops. We have an emphasis on empowering women and their journeys.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://theravadawellness.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheravadaWellness/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theravadawellness/
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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