Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cynthia Bulka, Owner of Zakti Health Solutions, located in Raleigh, NC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a Health & Lifestyle Coach, Yoga Specialist, and Wellness Retreat Leader. My customers are largely men and women over 40 looking to improve their health through lifestyle change, mindfulness & Yoga and to challenge themselves to let go of habits and belief systems in order to live life to the fullest.
Tell us about yourself
I opened my first Yoga studio in January 2000, back when there were very few studios in the area. I had a personal commitment to mind and body fitness and a passion for teaching that to others, regardless of age, background, or fitness level. Moving Mantra Yoga thrived for nearly 15 years, offering classes, workshops, teacher training, and retreats. I felt a calling to expand my skill set and wanted to go deeper into the process of changing one's habits by changing the brain.
So, I trained at Duke as an Integrative Health Coach, giving me the tools to do just that. Every day I am excited and inspired when I see someone change their life by letting go of the habits and beliefs that are keeping them from realizing their full potential to live a happy, healthy, meaningful life, whether that be through Yoga & Mindfulness, Coaching, or going on a retreat away from it all to figure out what's truly important to them.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Fifteen years as a successful studio owner is a huge accomplishment. That's a significant business accomplishment and enabled me to take my personal passion and create a lifestyle and business model that truly allows me to thrive.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The long hours. That was a big reason why I wanted to change my business model
so I could be most authentic, living the life I was trying to help my clients achieve. When I had the studio, the hours and being on call seven days a week had a negative effect on my important relationships and even my own well-being as the years went on. Letting go of the studio and starting new with different priorities was scary at first since there were so many unknowns.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Invest in yourself. Take the training needed to give you the skills needed to be the best you can be. Hire a coach or mentor to help you refine your clarity about your direction. Spend the money to hire others to do what you are not qualified to or do not like to do so you can spend your time doing what you do best.
- Take really good care of your well-being. Eat healthy, exercise, sleep and rest adequately. Nourish your spirit. Too many small business owners compromise their well-being for the business, but that's simply not sustainable.
- Do something you love and trust your gut instincts to write your own unique script. Surround yourself with people who support that wholeheartedly.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.cyndipowers.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cyndipowerscoaching/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyndi_powers_coaching/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyndi-bulka-706963207/
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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