Cheryl Albright is an occupational therapist and the owner of Soul To Soul Yoga, LLC/All Ages Therapy Services, DBA. She graduated from East Carolina University in 2003. She currently serves on the board of directors for Manasota Family Network on Disabilities, current OT South Bay Forum president, an active participant in the Developmental Disability subcommittee in Sarasota County, and disability subcommittee for the Department of Health at the state level. She has an older brother on the autism spectrum and continuously advocates not just for her brother but for anyone with a disability for inclusion and acceptance in our community.

Can you tell our readers about your background?

I have an older brother with Autism and was born into a world of developmental disabilities. I have worked at summer camps, taught adapted swim lessons, and have been an occupational therapist for 17 years. I began using yoga in clinical practice 11 years ago.

What inspired you to start your business?

I saw a treatment method that was working and wanted to go out on my own. I experimented while I was a traveling therapist and was seeing positive results.

Where is your business based?

Soul To Soul Yoga is run in Bradenton Florida with an office in Sarasota Florida as well.

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

The business was started in January 2016. I had a full-time job and got my LLC so I was legally protected. As the business grew, I gradually backed out of my full-time job and went part-time until I was ready to go full-time in the business.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

The most effective way of raising awareness was to attend events where the parents/guardians of individuals with disabilities would be.

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge I faced this far was when my father got sick. I left the business for 4 months with contractors doing all the work. I had to balance placing him into hospice without the business completely folding. He ended up living past the 90 days, stayed with me and my husband, and finally into an Assisted Living Facility before he passed. It was a long 2 years and my business is still going.

How do you stay focused?

Meditation and reminders on my phone.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

Mindset. I know there is plenty of work out there. I know my target audience.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

Getting in front of parents- Facebook groups, events prior to COVID, and speaking wherever anyone would give me a microphone. 

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

I will pass on what Susanne Evans said to me “speaking is the fastest path to cash”. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just get started.

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

Besides my calendar and reminders app on my phone, my favorite app is Podcasts. I listen to everything business and disability-related. I follow a number of blogs but my favorite are those written by other disability siblings. My favorite book has been Profit First. It really helps me take charge of my numbers when I felt that I had half a brain taking care of my father.

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

I would say Profit First again. I also do use the local SBDC- Small Business Development Council for assistance.

Who is your business role model? Why?

Susan Terzakis—amazing resource and guide. She has helped me with knowing about government contracting and leadership programs.

How do you balance work and life?

There is no balance. They have to work together. I have had to make firm boundaries with clients and scheduling.

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

Yoga, reading, gardening, and playing with my dogs.

What do you have planned for the next six months?

Getting refocused. I will be going after government contracts to help bring my services to the juvenile justice system as well as an NIH grant that will be submitted later this month.

How can our readers connect with you?

Website: www.soultosoulyogasrq.com or www.specialsib.com

Facebook: @soultosoulyogasrq or @specialsibot

IG: @specialsibOT or @soultosoulygoasrq

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/CherylLynnAlbright