Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lana Hastings, Founder of Wellness Through Connection, located in Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We offer one-on-one and relationship counselling in person, online, or over the phone for those 16+.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Lana Hastings; born and raised in Treaty 1 Territory in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I have had the privilege to live, study and work in Southern Ontario and Kenora (Treaty 3). These places have homes in my heart, are anchors in my life, and have cultivated core values of safety, connection, belonging, and freedom. Meeting with people from all walks of life, I have the privilege and honour of witnessing their stories, highlighting their strengths, meeting them where they are at, utilizing interventions, and journeying alongside them to reach their therapy goals! Eeeek! I love it!
A huge part of my practice is continually decolonizing my mind/practices not to perpetuate harm and to create safer spaces for people to feel seen, heard, validated, and supported on their path. As a person of settler Slavic and English ancestry, it is my responsibility to learn about the history of Turtle Island continually and to connect sustainably with the enriched Communities of this land. When I'm not working, I usually do aquafit, watch comedy, nap, send voice/video memos to friends, cuddle my dog, play piano, or eat at one of the many incredible restaurants this city has to offer.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
One of our biggest accomplishments is becoming a practicum placement site for students completing their masters in social work or counselling psychology. The partnership with universities and students feels symbiotically beneficial, nurtures growth and learning, and welcomes the challenge.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Balancing the multiple hats of being a human first, business owner, and therapist. Balance is always a work in progress.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Take good care of your needs, feelings, and wants. Self-care in the job is imperative.
- Interview people you look up to and ask questions. Generally, people are happy to share what they have learned along the way.
- Pair levity and fun with the challenges that pop up. Be able to laugh a lot and not take yourself or your work too seriously!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
While my books are closed to new clients until the fall, my door is open for you to connect via email (link in bio). I have a number of practitioners to link you to with sliding scale options available. If you need a comprehensive resource list of supports and services in Winnipeg, I will happily send that to you as well!
🎉 Thanks for being here! 💗 WTC
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.wellnessthroughconnection.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wellnessthroughconnection
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnessthroughconnection/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lana-hastings-7198632b/
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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