Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Julia Slanina, founder and CEO of Treehouse, located in Ottawa, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Treehouse's mission is to raise the standard of maternal and family healthcare by supporting providers, educating families, and advocating for a better standard of care for aspiring, expectant, and new parents. A B2B solution for professionals to optimize the way care is being delivered. Our software allows providers to grow their business, build their network, and connect with clients on a secure platform.
Tell us about yourself
Prior to my medical school, I was a graduate of the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs (NPSIA). I had experience in bilateral relations from Global Affairs working directly in diplomacy in northern Europe. Treehouse stemmed from halting my MD studies due to a family emergency. That is where I saw a real need for attention in maternal health and decided to focus my medical knowledge on developing technology to improve patient and industry outcomes.
I stay motivated by listening to the stories from our customers and what the industry is telling us every day. The pandemic has created a spotlight on the need to support providers and their clients, and this is what we stand for every day at Treehouse. Our software builds a community and one that will create a better healthcare system for generations to come.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Building an incredible team. This has been one of the biggest achievements, allowing my vision to come to life. Finding talented, passionate, and committed individuals who are open to learning and making an impact is one of the reasons we have been able to meet our product development milestones and deliver to early adopters. I am proud of how our Treehouse has grown and continues to deliver every day.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Wearing so many hats. In the early stages, you are an HR, Sales, Marketing, Accounting lead, just to name a few. It can be overwhelming and daunting, but it is important to surround yourself with experts who can help you and mentor you to the next steps. Be open to learning, be open to saying you don't know and need resources to learn. This will help you prioritize and succeed.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Network - find experts and talent in the areas that you need.
- Be patient - everything takes time; you need to crawl before you can walk, so don't expect you are going to build something overnight or in 6 months with no bumps in the road.
- Stay organized professionally and personally - prioritize your goals, milestones and do the same for your health and mindset.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.growwithtreehouse.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growwithtreehouse/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growwithtreehouse/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/growwtreehouse
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/growwithtreehouse/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.