Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Emery Mikel, Founder, and Director of Water & Stone, a Creative Arts Therapy PLLC., located in New York, NY, USA.

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

I founded a group mental health practice in 2015 that focuses on contemplative psychotherapy and creative arts therapy for all ages. With the diverse professional therapists at Water & Stone, we mainly focus on grief/loss, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions.

Tell us about yourself

I love working with people and find creativity, in all forms, let's us explore more openly when we are faced with challenges in life. Talking is great and, at the same time, very limiting. Art, for example, can be a way to use color and expression to show what something feels like. I love when an adult comes into my office and tells me they can't draw, so they just want to talk. I suggest a brief experience to show them what art therapy can be, and, usually, within the first session, they are surprised with how it relaxes and supports their experience. I love seeing people relax and breathe deeper as they feel heard (possibly for the first time) and are able to express themselves in any way they need to without feeling judged.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I would say my two biggest accomplishments are building a practice based on a mindful, contemplative approach that is open to all ages and, at the same time, supports therapists in seeing the people they are passionate about supporting. Also, starting my second company, Firefly & Phoenix LLC, in Jan 2022, which focuses on business mentoring, workshops, and programs for mental health professionals interested in entrepreneurship. Helping others on multiple levels, so people can reach their fullest potential has made my life very exciting and meaningful.

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

Staying focused and not overextending myself. With others relying on me and a lot of ideas that I would love to bring into reality, it's important to keep a balance in work and also between my entrepreneurial side and personal life. I use things like weightlifting and AcroYoga to help keep my life balanced.

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

  1. Remain curious! No matter what is happening, curiosity can help turn it into an experience you will learn from, grow from, and curiosity will help you develop new paths on your journey.
  2. Redefine Success! It often looks like a tangled ball of yarn instead of a straight line, and the sooner you embrace that, the better you will feel and the farther you will go with your entrepreneurial endeavors.
  3. Embrace Failure! Failure is not a bad thing, and there will be a lot that doesn't work out; you'll hear people telling you no, and there will be roadblocks. These are a normal part of the journey, and those who find their way are usually the ones embracing the moments that are seen as failures.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I think something we often forget when striking out on our own or heading out on a new venture is that we don't need to do it alone. Find the support network you need through friends, family, colleagues, etc. It will help every step of the way!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.creativelyhealing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wscreativeartstherapy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ws_creativeartstherapy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wscreativeartstherapy/

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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