The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Social Media: this was a big challenge as I was a consumer but not a contributor. I needed to learn how to start social media as a business and how to show up on social media regularly. This is something that took me a long time to accept and I wouldn’t say I am there yet, but I have overcome the blocks I had to starting the accounts. I am definitely not someone who loves being in front of the camera or being put in front of the public so have had to learn very quickly to get over that. I have a friend who does this for work and her support was invaluable to me.
The other big challenge was wading through and understanding all the legalities associated with owning a health-related business. Sometimes, my head wanted to explode but hey, I got there in the end!
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Interestingly, some of the pros are also the cons! Making the decisions in how you want to run things is a pro but also a con, as there is nobody else to help you with that. You are it; there is nobody beyond you. So the responsibility is demanding but also gives you the flexibility to design programs, consults and support as you see fit.
The biggest con is that the work is ongoing. You tend to think about your business all of the time. There is no ‘knock off’ time in your head. Admin tasks still need doing. Hopefully as time passes, this will become less.
However, the biggest pro is being able to be authentic, as you are showing up in your own space in your own business. This means client interactions benefit, which flows on to better health outcomes.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I hope to add group consults to my offerings in the future, as this provides some grounding foundational health support at a lower financial cost, and mothers/women will have the benefit of making connections at the same time. Further in the future, I really do dream of bringing more community-based services, so naturopathic health support can become more known and utilised by the broader population.
I would also like to contribute more broadly to postpartum care – I am not sure how this will look yet, but it is my passion so let’s see…
Visit the Sun & Soul Naturopathy website to find out more, and connect with them on Facebook and Instagram.
