Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental health care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Yasamin Karimi, founder of Yasamin Karimi Psychotherapy Professional Corporation, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Each individual has a narrative, and therapy is about revisiting the narrative in a way that helps the individual feel more flourished. This is the core of my practice. Another equally integral aspect of my practice is recognizing, appreciating, and embracing similarities as well as differences.
I established my psychotherapy corporation with the primary objective of providing a containing space for individuals from various backgrounds. The reason for that is that I believe there is a profound need to create an atmosphere where individuals can genuinely "feel at home" in the North American mosaic of cultures. For that to happen, we help individuals discover and devise their distinctive way of living that allows their selves to blossom.
Tell us about yourself
Individuals have been mesmerizingly fascinating to me since I've known myself. Connecting to and understanding individuals gets me going every day. So, I would say this is my calling - as cliché as it might sound. I feel humbled to have the opportunity to walk alongside clients in navigating their journey. A decade of clinical practice has granted me the gift of expanding my experience and expertise in helping individuals. In addition, it has acquainted me with the necessity to be flexible in my therapeutic approach since there is no one-size-fits-all when talking about human beings.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Let me express how humbly proud I am of what my practice has been offering to clients. Living and practicing in a multicultural context has helped me understand the intricacies of human lives in their cultural context. Such insight has led to the underlying agenda of my practice - assisting individuals from all walks of life to find their unique meaning in life and plan their lives accordingly. I consider this culturally sensitive perspective the most valuable aspect of my practice - which, in my opinion, is the essence of our multicultural society's needs.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Unavoidable constant changes! We live in a state of constant change that requires ongoing resilience and adjustment. Adopting a perspective of acceptance is crucial as a business owner while one navigates their business through these waves of change. So, I advise anyone considering starting their own business to open their arms to these changes, exercise curiosity, and foster their skills in adapting and adjusting. I think resilience is the key in all various dimensions of life, including a self-owned business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't expect to have all the answers right from the beginning. Come to terms with making mistakes, changing paths, and having a sense of uncertainty at times.
- Look at the journey as one of growth - keeping an open heart to learn and develop. Maintaining a business requires adopting a "growth mindset" instead of a "fixed mindset."
- Stay in touch with colleagues, other entrepreneurs, or supervisors. In my opinion, nothing supersedes the blessings of support from others.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Opening a business and keeping it open requires an ongoing alignment between one's internal dynamism and external possibilities. Of course, such a beautiful dance brings about its challenges and upheavals. However, if one is realistic about the journey and prepared to go about it, not only can the business thrive, but so the passion!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.yasaminkarimi.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasaminkarimi.therapy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasaminkarimi/
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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