"Allow yourself time to get your customer base – nothing happens overnight" with Taylor Watson

Photo Credit - Taylor Watson

Taylor Watson founded her business as she identified a gap in the market for anyone seeking information on how to become a successful Remote Worker.  She realised that people needed access to credible information, and she decided she wanted to share some of the knowledge she had gained over the years.  She has many years’ experience in running and managing her own business and feels now is the time to give something back.  She enjoys reading, walking, spending time with her two cats - and the occasional glass of red wine!

Can you tell our readers about your background?

I started as an admin assistant many years ago (far too long ago if I am truthful!) and worked my way up through the ranks eventually becoming a PA to the CEO of a large multi-national organisation.  I subsequently accepted a promotion and took on a senior management role with large budgetary and staffing responsibilities.  It was during this time that I thought about what I wanted to do in the future, and what my next step was going to be?  From that, a little seed of working for myself started to grow.

What inspired you to start your business?

I recognised that I had gone as far as I could go in the corporate world and that gave me the impetus to step back and have a look at what I was doing and where I wanted to go.  I had gained a lot of business knowledge during my early working years, and I realised I could make use of that to start out on my own. 

There were also considerations around family members (both young and old) and I realised I wanted/needed to spend more time with them.  I guess the work/life balance issue really started to matter to me, so once again I recognised that if I started to work for myself I could control what I did and when I did it.

Where is your business based?

Well, it is a bit cliché but everywhere - as the internet allows me to reach a global audience I am not tied to one geographic location.  I have had the opportunity to work in some wonderful remote locations (think Caribbean) and from coffee shops, co-working spaces, airport lounges, right through to cruise ships.

Whilst there will be slight variations regarding rules and working practices throughout the world the basic outline for creating and operating any business is basically the same.

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

I first started out offering remote services, think proof-reading, basic admin, database cleansing, that type of stuff (note: this was long before the whole ‘work from home’ idea had become the norm) and I am glad to say I have never looked back.  It was amazing how quickly people adapted to the concept of hiring someone to do the work remotely.

After several years I did a bit of research and realised that there was an obvious lack of information for anyone wanting to become a remote worker.   Following some brainstorming I decided to create something that would fill this space.  A basic website, a lot of research, plenty of content writing and several discussions with a trusted associate, helped me flesh out the concept and develop the idea further.

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

The whole concept of my business is about giving something back, so I have found the best way to raise awareness is through forums.  This allows me to share information and answer questions that are directly relevant to the community.

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

Like most businesses when they first start out it is getting an audience - and keeping them.  There is no point producing content after content if no-one is going to read it!  Perseverance is key.

How do you stay focused?

I just think back to when I first started out in business and how nervous I was - is this going to work?  Where is my next pay-check coming from?  Can I do this! This helps me focus on what the readers are looking for and helps me develop content that will guide them through what they need to do to become successful.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

This is an easy one to answer.  Everything I do is with the end-user in mind.  What do they need to know?  What can I share with them? All of the information I provide is shared freely. No signing up for courses, no having to subscribe to get information, no having to buy templates or information packs.  All information is provided free of charge – I truly believe in giving something back.

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

As I mentioned earlier, engaging with people on business forums, or other sites like Reddit and Quora, allows me to reach a wide variety of people throughout the world where I am happy to share information with them.

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

Do your research.  Stick at it.  Allow yourself time to get your customer base – nothing happens overnight.  Make sure you have enough funds tucked away to cover any lean periods.  Be flexible and ready to adapt to any ongoing changes in the marketplace.

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

I think any of the apps that allow people to stay connected get a big thumbs up from me.  We all need to be able to support each other, even if it is just a few quick words sent over Messenger or WhatsApp, or any other social media platform, which allows people to feel included, valued, and not forgotten about.

I love a bit of space – literally!  My favorite blog, at the moment, would be anything to do with space.  We are sending out new highly equipped telescopes, we are looking for life on other planets, we are hoping to return to the moon – it is absolutely fascinating.  NASA and the UK Space Agency both have some fantastic reads at the moment.

My favorite book would be The Hobbit, and also Lord of the Rings, I know that means I have chosen two books, but you can’t have one without the other.  I first read them as a young girl, and I just loved the fantasy of the journey, the ring, Gandalf, meeting the elves, battling Orcs, and of course Gollum who was the lost soul in all of it. Frodo had to suddenly deal with situations he had never come across before and it was interesting to see how he dealt with the choices he made.  A bit like life I guess.

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

Oh, I love anything that is free.  There are loads of ‘try before you buy’ resources out there and most offer a basic free product.  Sometimes the basic product will be all that I need but there are times when a paid for version is required.  For me things like TeamViewer, Dropbox and Evernote are all great for sharing data with clients.  I also couldn’t be without Google Calendar. Absolutely everything gets listed into the calendar ensuring that each event is categorised by time, date, importance, colour coded, etc - an absolute necessity for me.

Who is your business role model? Why?

I like people who I guess have similar values to myself.  Think Oprah Winfrey who regularly gave unexpected gifts to her audiences attending The Oprah Winfrey Show, or Deborah Meaden who through her work on the UK Dragons Den programme has freely shared her business knowledge with aspiring young entrepreneurs.  These women are strong, business individuals who many young people look up to – they are certainly excellent business role models.

How do you balance work and life?

I try to schedule work around my home life, rather than the other way around.  I know that might sound a bit counter-productive to running a successful business, but actually it reduces a lot of stress and worry.  If I want to nip out shopping during the day, go for a long lunch, or do an early morning yoga class, I do.  I just organise my schedule so I will complete the work in the evening, or at the weekend if that suits me.  

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

Did I mention my two cats?  They are a great distraction at the end of the day – well actually throughout the day too as they tend to come into the office and plonk themselves on my keyboard.  A few cuddles with them in the evening (and a cheeky glass of red wine) and everything re-sets so I am ready to start fresh the next day.

What do you have planned for the next six months?

Over the next six months I intend working on some new, exciting content.  This will be focused on remote working as an employee, rather working as a self-employed remote worker. 

For the self-employed remote worker I also expect to develop a few more guides on how to deal with different types of customers and what to do if things aren’t going quite as expected.

How can our readers connect with you?

If anyone would like to follow me on Twitter they will be informed of the latest news and links to the most recent articles.

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@AssistantAdvice

"Get out there like your life depends on it" with Melanie Marten

Photo Credit: Johan Hagen

Melanie Marten founded the boutique PR firm The Coup Public Relations in Berlin in 2010. In addition to serving a selected B2B and B2C clientele with global communications campaigns, she founded the DIY PR platform PRontheGO to support creative entrepreneurs on their journey of starting a business. Right now, Melanie is establishing a second hub for global Public Relations in Athens, Greece. 

What inspired you to start your business?

I was (only) 25 years old when I started my own public relations agency, The Coup, which I still run today, 12 years later. From the first 9-to-5 job I took after school, I knew I had to be my own boss. It was the idea that entrepreneurship would offer endless opportunities that I was obsessed with, and still am. I was rebellious, with an enormous amount of energy and drive, and still am.

On top of that, my supervisor at the time ran the business in an extremely old-fashioned way where being subordinate to the hierarchy was rewarded. The story unfolds with him handing me my notice. It was a blessing that we didn't get along at all, so he freed me from a career my family thought I should pursue at the time. I then started out as a freelancer, offering all different kinds of talents of mine to the creative scene in Berlin. I've promoted musicians and their performances, planned photoshoots for creative campaigns, and guest-managed events, to name a few of the gigs I've taken on. As my talents unfolded in the creative sector, I grew to become a PR consultant and was recommended as such. It wasn't until I was already running The Coup that I studied journalism on the side.

Where is your business based?

Today, I run The Coup and PRontheGO from the two creative hubs Berlin, Germany, and Athens, Greece. I extended to Athens from my desire for new creative input – and this city delivers. There is something liberating in the air, and creative energy is all around.

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

I remember growing up as a child my granny would constantly say to me “Du kannst Baumstämme in Bewegung setzen!”, which means “You can set tree trunks in motion”. She would say this when she got mad that I would keep everyone active and on their toes lol. But this is also my entrepreneurship persona, where you would constantly hear from me “let’s do this”. So the first steps for setting up shop would also be me going out, being on the phone, and talk about what I have in mind, so people would advise me and mention my plans to their network as I create the framework for starting a business.

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

Building brand equity takes time – whether it is your personal brand or about establishing your company, endurance is rewarded. I am doing public relations for so many years now that those years are the biggest advantage for me in terms of the growth of my network and experience. To be involved with The Coup and PRontheGO in exciting in-person events is a great way to create experiences to connect those brands to. With the pandemic, however, brand awareness comes mostly through thought leadership articles where we would advise entrepreneurs about trends in public relations.

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

It has always been a challenge to master the actual workload that comes with running a business. It was crucial to learn to prioritize, to delegate, and when to say no. It took years to learn not to get overwhelmed, and to find a balance.

Also, to come up with the discipline for the unloved things such as accounting and filing tax papers is a challenge for me and many other entrepreneurs. Who likes to sort papers? Not even my accountant likes that, and there is a lot of forms and filing I have to prepare regularly. Fortunately, future generations likely won’t have to deal with this, since accounting will be completely digitized and done by algorithms and artificial intelligence. A client of mine, Numarics, a fintech startup from Switzerland, does one hundred percent automated accounting. Unfortunately, it is only available for businesses based in Switzerland at the moment, so I am still sorting papers whilst knowing there is a top solution out there.

How do you stay focused?

That is a great question since the focus is everything to become successful. For me, it is essential to listen to my very own body rhythm. I am most focused for the first 3 to 4 hours right after I get up – so I try to accomplish the tasks that need a big focus as soon as possible after getting out of bed. I have a second phase of high focus in the early evening hours. So I try to have small breaks in the afternoon since my workday stretches out quite long.

Little breaks go a long way for me, and I swear by power naps, or simple calls with family and friends to relax in between. I had to learn that healthy living choices are key to focus, so I try to eat organic as much as possible, and I go for runs. Latter supports not only fitness but mental balance which is crucial to thriving. Focus is a precious good. If you are at peace with yourself, it is easier to achieve focus. Focus on something that you do because you are interested in it also leads to higher self-love. You take away the focus from things that may not work well in your life, and you put the focus into your venture. I believe there is an opportunity for healing in this.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

I believe in cooperation, or “coopetition” as it is called when you choose to collaborate with your competitors instead of starting a race. I am always interested in what other entrepreneurs with similar ideas or business models are up to, and I try to find ways to collaborate to promote both our businesses.

It is valuable to learn from your competitors which features and services work well and do not work so well for them to understand the needs of your common audience better. However, focus on your own original ideas and approaches is crucial to create an authentic product, service or feature.

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

For the DIY PR platform PRontheGO.com, to gain traction our partnerships with PR experts from all over world were crucial. Together, we advise creative entrepreneurs on how to start with PR. Thought leadership articles and newsletter cooperations with competitors led to more traffic and users. This proof-of-concept was needed so that we can now go into the next phase of developing the DIY PR app.

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

Get out there like your life depends on it. Your business surely does. Put your head down and focus, then believe in yourself and spread the word about what you are doing. Use all resources available to you. The fewer resources you have, the more creative you need to become, and the more creative you become, the more opportunities will open up for you.

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

For getting in contact with journalists, I love and recommend Qwoted.com. I love The Daily Carnage newsletter for PR and marketing inspiration. My go-to book is The Art of Worldly Wisdom by Baltasar Gracián.

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

A recent discovery of mine is the ideation directory for growing your business through content by Growth Content Planner. The experienced content marketer behind it put together all the channels which we can create content for, plus lists the channels for your output. I use it as a guide to unlock potential.

Who is your business role model? Why?

The entrepreneurs I choose to work with to develop their global PR campaigns also are a source of inspiration for me. Jazz Gill, Founder+CEO of the boxing fitness brand SPARBAR®, is one of them. Jazz grew the brand by building a thriving community around it, where the role of SPARBAR® as a brand is to be a platform for boxing enthusiasts.

How do you balance work and life?

I wouldn’t necessarily say that I balanced work and life completely. I am still known as a workaholic, to be honest, and live a life where clients and colleagues become friends, and we even go on trips together. However, I am protective of my very personal time that I spend with old friends and /or family and would not mix that with business.

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

There is nothing better than a summer in Greece to decompress. This lures even the most work-obsessed people like me away from the laptop to tour the islands and visit their ruins and temples, eat in tavernas, watch stray cats sunbathe and dance the night away at a full moon party. Thankfully, I put this down as “research” for my client Valef Yachts who offers once-in-a-lifetime yachting trips in Greece.

What do you have planned for the next six months?

Our daily business at The Coup is to open up new markets for our clients with global communications, and we continue to do so – hopefully with more business travels involved again once the pandemic calms down. For PRontheGO, we are developing an app with which every entrepreneur will be able to execute PR activities by themselves.

How can our readers connect with you?

Find out more about The Coup Public Relations at https://thecoup.de/. Subscribe to the newsletter of PRontheGO.com. And connect with me via LinkedIn.

"Consistency is key" with Kristen Reyes

Photo Credit: Carli Wentworth Photography

Kristen Reyes is the owner of Sey Interiors. She is a Registered Interior Designer in the state of Texas with a decade of professional experience. With a focus on renovations and custom furnishings in residential and boutique commercial applications, she brings intentional and client-inspired designs to life. It is her passion to create beautiful spaces that also solve design dilemmas for her clients.  She resides in Richardson, Texas with her husband, Carl, and two fur kids, Aspen and Ben.

Can you tell our readers about your background?

My dad owned a construction business, my grandpa owned a construction business and looking back for generations, many of my relatives also had a career in design. I guess you could say my career was something I inherited as I never saw myself following any other path. After graduating from Miami University’s School of Architecture and Design with a BFA, I spent the early years of my career working for commercial architecture firms. It became increasingly clear that I loved the design, but not the corporate structure. After working in offices for six years, I started working for a small design firm where I felt my love for my career start to truly bloom. I honestly thought I would stay at that job forever, but suddenly that feeling of discontentment arose again, seemingly out of nowhere, and would not go away.

What inspired you to start your business?

It was a combination of several life events, but I think the pandemic was really what pushed me. Like a lot of people, Covid-19 caused me to consider what I wanted life to look like. I think it is very easy to let life “just happen” and never stop to think about what is personally important. It took a lot of introspection and conversations with my family and trusted friends. Then suddenly, I couldn’t resist starting Sey Interiors. It was as if a spark ignited and everything fell into place.

Where is your business based?

I am based in Richardson, Texas which is a suburb outside of Dallas. I also work with clients virtually.

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

It was important for me to lay the groundwork before I started telling people about my business. My husband is an accountant and helped me set up my LLC and financials. I purchased project management software that would help me keep future clients organized. When I had all of the back of house items in a good place, I told a few close friends before publically launching. Through their referrals, I received a few leads that turned into signed contracts. This helped smooth the transition between my previous job and entrepreneurship.  

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

Word of mouth does not sound very glamourous, but it is the best tool for building brand awareness, especially in a service-based industry. For me, this has included reaching out to local contractors to share about what I do and how I can make their jobs easier. Last fall, I also purchased a booth at a local Home and Garden Show to meet potential new clients. I also share my business via local Facebook groups, NextDoor, and really anywhere a potential client would be. Showing up and putting myself out there as much as I can have been rewarding, even though it is definitely exhausting too.

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

The interior design market is quite saturated. Building a presence online can be challenging, especially for a new design company. Marketing in the industry relies heavily on photographed evidence of a job well done. I am honestly still trying to overcome this one as completing construction projects during Covid with backorders and delays has been a major challenge. However, I have gotten creative, shared progress work, and even designed things just for fun so I have content to share consistently.

How do you stay focused?

This is another really tough aspect for me as I have ADHD. My focus can ebb and flow, so I have implemented skills to help me hone in. I have a physical planner that I write my to-do lists in, I work with a therapist, and I give myself the grace to work at my own speed.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

How I differentiate myself is really quite simple… I showcase what I create, how I help make a client’s life better, and my personality. Hiring an interior designer can kind of feel like dating. I might be the right fit for one client and not the right fit for another. This means that though there are other interior designers out there, none of them are doing exactly what I am doing in the way I do it. That gives me the confidence to know the right clients will find me.

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

Consistency is key. I post on Instagram regularly and though I haven’t grown quickly, I have grown consistently and gained great clients from it. In addition, putting my business out there by networking online, reaching out to contractors and realtors, and genuinely being unafraid to promote myself and what I am creating has led to building great relationships. Building brand awareness for local service is most successful when the recommendation comes from a trusted neighbor, partner, or friend. You never know where your next referral will come from.

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

Do not play the game of comparison. I think, as entrepreneurs, we have to have a level of competitive spirit within ourselves. It can be very challenging to stay in our own lane. Every entrepreneur is on their own journey of building their business and hitting setbacks that others don’t see. It is easier to give grace to ourselves when we are not constantly looking at who seems to be doing “better.” The only person to compare ourselves to is the person we were yesterday.

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

My favorite app would probably be Instagram… for better or for worse. I use it as a tool for connecting with other designers, industry professionals, and potential clients. It is also an ideal place to share what I do and look for inspiration.

Style by Emily Henderson is my favorite blog. I love the way Emily and her team write in a friendly and informative fashion. She also shares about interior design from an interior stylist’s perspective which is very opposite from the “form and function” side of the industry I come from in the commercial world.

My favorite book is Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller. He challenged my thinking in a lot of ways and was a big influence in my formative early adult years.

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

The “I have ADHD Podcast” by Kristen Carder has been an absolute game-changer for me. I was not diagnosed with ADHD until my 30s and spent most of my life being really hard on myself. Unknowingly, I was hard on myself for things that are mostly outside of my control. Listening to this podcast has helped me to learn about how my brain works in a way that makes sense.  I would highly recommend it to anyone else who deals with the effects of ADHD.

Who is your business role model? Why?

Michelle Lynne Pant is an interior designer and business coach. I started working with her in mid-2021 and she has been an incredible inspiration on how to handle the business side of design. There are so many other designers I admire as well… Leanne Ford, Joanna Gaines, Heidi Caillier, and Jean Stauffer, to name a few.

How do you balance work and life?

I love my job, so this is incredibly hard for me! The best way for me to gain balance is to force myself to take breaks. I distance myself from electronics by taking walks with my dog. I also sign up for classes that are unrelated to my business so I allow myself scheduled time to think about things that aren’t work-related.

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

Drinking a fancy coffee, spending time with my husband, and traveling somewhere new. And… online shopping.

What do you have planned for the next six months?

I will be celebrating one year in business in February, which feels like a really big milestone and I have come so far since I started out. I have tons of projects that will be wrapping up mid-year, so getting them photographed and updating my website will be huge. My husband and I are also planning to start renovating our own home soon, so my professional and personal life are about to collide!

How can our readers connect with you?

You can follow me on Instagram @sey_interiors or directly on my website: www.seyinteriors.com.

Healing from the Ground Up with Dr. Elizabeth Trattner, A.P. DOM

Photo Credit: Charlotte Trattner

Dr. Elizabeth Trattner has dedicated her life’s work to helping and healing others. Her highly individualized and holistic approach to getting to the root cause of her patient’s health issues, along with her extensive training is what has allowed her to maintain a thriving practice for the past 25 years. She has just opened her doors of Helia House in Miami, Florida, the first completely nontoxic healing center in the United States.

In addition to patient care, Dr. Trattner is a sought-after author and speaker who lends her expert knowledge to her peers. Early in her career, she penned a chapter on holistic protocols in Cosmetic Dermatology: Principles and Practice, by Dr. Leslie Baumann, Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami. She has also written for the American Diabetic Association, The Fullest, American Spa, and many other outlets. 685 as of today 

More recently she has been invited as a guest speaker twice by the Academy of Regenerative Practices where she provided insights on how to speak with patients to get more compliance with care as well as how to help patients stay healthy while traveling.

Since 2017, Dr. Trattner has been a committee member of the Global Wellness initiative, Beauty Meets Wellness, and served as Co-Chair of Latina Beauty Meets Wellness, Redefining Cultural Beauty and Inclusivity.

Guest speaker at Ultra Wellness Luxury Travel: how to Keep your Guests Healthy while Travelling.

Additionally, Dr. Trattner has become a top source in her field for media, who rely on her expertise to disseminate information on a wide range of health topics. She has been featured in more than 685 national news outlets to date.   

She continues to educate both consumers and industry on tried-and-true practices as well as the latest wellness trends.

Can you tell our readers about your background?

From an early age, I yearned to be a doctor, spending my childhood devouring and memorizing health and medical encyclopedia pages. While in college, my concern for women’s health led me to volunteer in women’s health centers and to advocate for women’s issues. My pursuit of a medical degree was sidelined as I faced my own health complications. Soon after graduating and experiencing tremendous personal loss, I became chronically ill and battled a rare, life-threatening auto-immune disorder and severe asthma.

Having faced several near-death episodes, my journey to overcome my debilitating health conditions began. Along with my quest I’ve accumulated profound personal experiences that have shaped my medical perspective, culminating in a career that spans nearly thirty years practicing Integrative, Chinese and Energy Medicine, nutrition, and other modalities of healing. Through years of managing a chronic illness, food allergies, and multiple chemical and environmental sensitivities.

I continue to persevere, refusing to allow these challenges to define me, even having a healthy child after being told I’d never be able to. These health crises and the isolation they create have become all too common in our frenetic society. This certainty, along with my personal growth and healing, compels me to devote my life to helping others overcome their personal health challenges by merging my integrative medical training, my degree in Chinese medicine, my skills as a former concierge, and my own medical odyssey. I have developed a unique capacity in private practice treating and coordinating care for my patients, ensuring that they are properly guided through a team of caring practitioners. I am especially sensitive to the expertise of my patients’ physicians as I work closely with them to effectively integrate their treatment for optimal health outcomes.

As a Doctor of Chinese & Integrative Medicine and Licensed Acupuncturist and a graduate of the University of Arizona’s Center of Integrative Medicine’s IHeLp inter-professional program, I was one of the first to open an Integrative Medical practice in Miami and am a strong believer in personalized medicine. I have been specializing in women’s health, weight management, allergies, autoimmune diseases, environmental illnesses green beauty, and cosmetic acupuncture for over 25 years of practice. My approach to treating patients is highly individualized and holistic, digging deep into patients’ health and medical history to create protocols to help heal through both traditional and non-traditional methods. 

I am honored to be the only acupuncture physician in the country to have been invited and completed a prestigious medical rotation at the University of Arizona’s Center of Integrative Medicine under Dr. Andrew Weil. I am also a member of the esteemed Global Wellness Initiative: “Beauty Meets Wellness,” helping to redefine beauty and wellness standards as well as create aesthetic responsibility with other health and beauty leaders across the country. 

As an ardent believer in combining Chinese medicine with western medicine, I actively triage patients for other physicians for comprehensive care. My practice is further supplemented by training and initiation from the Shamans of the Andes. My nutritional counseling background stems from my chef’s training certificate earned at the Natural Gourmet Cooking Institute in 1991.

For the last twenty years, I have become a reliable source for media and have been quoted in hundreds of national outlets including Forbes, Newsweek, Coveteur, Huffington Post, Ocean Drive, and have been interviewed on several local and national television shows. Most recently I had my personal journey and practice featured in Allure magazine. Along with my signature Gemstone Facial based on gua sha, cupping, acupuncture, and other modalities of Chinese Medicine and holistic green beauty. I was recognized by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in a feature article in their industry-wide publication. I have appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show alongside my mentor Dr. Andrew Weil.

Where is your business based?

Miami, Florida.

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

Dr. Weil said to me in the early 90’s” what are we going to do with you” “where should you go to school”. He helped me determine my career path as a Doctor of Chinese Medicine and subsequently, I did a medical rotation in Integrative Medicine with him and got my certification for the Arizona Center of Integrative Medicine in Tucson. I graduated at the top of my class, summa cum laude, and score in the top 1 percentile on my boards.  I just recently completed my lifelong passion project, Helia House.

Helia House is the true essence of a healing space, an all-encompassing, well-building from the ground up, with every last detail.  From the type of sealant used on the windows to the type of wood used for the cabinetry, millwork, and doors; nothing within or around the building is toxic. As someone who suffers from Multiple Chemical Sensitivities and knows the negative effects of poor air quality, harmful building materials, and lack of sunlight, Dr. Trattner’s dream has been able to create a space where she and her patients can breathe freely, not have skin irritations, headaches and feel foggy while inside. Helia House delivers.

“I invested my heart and soul into Helia House and it was crucial that I work with the partners that understood that this is not just a green space, but one that is completely non-toxic,” says Dr. Elizabeth Trattner. I chose a team that includes LEED-certified architects, a LEED-certified and Florida Green Building Contractor, an Environmentalist who supervised every item in the building, a Feng Shui Master, and many other talented and highly educated colleagues all of who were committed to creating a pure, safe healing space.  Our team went up and beyond than regulatory thresholds for the sustainable certification, making it completely clean, non-toxic to fulfill our mission as a true home for healing. 

Implementing the same technology used in surgical rooms and environmental hospitals, Helia House has 6-stage technology that kills viruses, bacteria, and mold within seconds in the air and immediately on surfaces. During the construction phase, the space was remediated 3 times ensuring no mold is present whatsoever and special ductwork was installed so that mold, viruses, and bacteria cannot grow.  All of these systems far surpass the sustainable certification and follow our own high standards of hygiene and clean air standards as integrative and functional medicine professionals. 

No VOCs, formaldehyde, chemicals, toxins, or Prop 65 items, or pesticides were used in building Helia House. The garden features only plants native and grown in South Florida and has been Xeriscaped for minimal water consumption, complying with Helia House’s ethos. 

Interior furnishing such as the treatment tables are eco-friendly and made from recycled material.  The Okeo Tex Cotton and Linen curtains have been tested for chemicals, pesticides, and phthalates in addition to common things like lead and arsenic.  

Helia House is a space with a whole new level of healing that carries the energy of the earth. The name Helia derives from Greek origin and means ‘sun’ which is reflected in the building itself. The fully restored mid-century modern building is flooded with natural light, which minimizes the need for electric lighting, and all indoor lighting was made by female artisans in Morocco, Tunisia, and Italy. 

Additionally, Helia House revolves around the concept of sacred geometry and crystal energy.  Helia House features more than 1,000crystals throughout the property, with crystal grids laid personally by Dr. Trattner in the garden, treatment rooms, floors, walls, and doors.  Crystal grids use stone energy in a synergistic way where the sum is greater than the parts and those in Helia House were designed for healing and positive intention for all who enter the space.

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

Social Media is a blessing and a curse. As a woman of a certain age, it is hard to adapt but I took a course in social media and it has been an incredible tool for my work

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

There have been many bumps in the road, but all have been incredible learning experiences for me. If life was easy, we would never get the opportunity to grow as people and practitioners. Having had health challenges my entire adult life has been taxing but offered an incredible learning experience that led me to treating patients and delivering compassionate care in my practice. My own health issues forced me to seek non-traditional medicine when answers weren’t available to me in western medicine. I was determined to get better and found ways to heal my body through integrative medicine.

After earning my board certification in Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, I took a very different path working for a plastic surgeon who at the time was the President of the Florida Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. It was an incredible two years where I learned about skin health and how patients heal from trauma. I pioneered integrative protocols for pre-and post-plastic surgery to speed up healing times, reduce side effects, and enhance outcomes. I then transitioned into private practice caring for diverse patients, including chronically ill patients who, like me, need to round out the care they receive through conventional Western medicine with other integrative modalities.

How do you stay focused?

A ton of sleep, Matcha, exercise, Pilates, organic, healthy food, and no alcohol.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

I just built the first nontoxic healing center in the United States.  I created the gemstone acupuncture facial that has garnered international press. I have always been able to see ahead. I always tell my daughter, don’t look right, don’t look left, and keep moving forward,

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

Social Media and connecting with other leaders in the community.

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

Believe in yourself even if no one else does.

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

For me, Natural Health, Natural Medicine by Andrew Weil M.D., is the book that began the transformation in my life in the ’90s.

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

I love Instagram, Later for scheduling, Canva to create. It is a way to express yourself and get a message put in a creative way.

Who is your business role model? Why?

My friend Emily Bench of Pilathon. She has created a beautiful space for Pilates. She is a former doctor who excels in her career in every way.

How do you balance work and life?

Sleep and Family are everything to me.

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

Working out, snorkeling which is sensory overload and deprivation, Pilates, and sleep.

What do you have planned for the next six months?

I just launched Helia House which is keeping me busy. I will begin to teach the Gemstone Acupuncture Facial to other acupuncturists and mineralogy, a class on how to work with crystal energy.

How can our readers connect with you?

Website: www.elizabethtrattner.com

Phone: (305)682-9358

Email: elizabeth@trattner.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreliztratts/

Instagram: Http://www.instagram.com/Heliahouse

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drelizabethtrattner/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/acumom

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/acumom/

"Understand that what lies between you and your dream is what you believe about yourself and your product or service" with Maureen Kemeny

Photo credit: Andrea Costrino

Maureen Kemeny is a certified Health and Wellness specialist who helps motivated women over 40 years old to lose weight, reclaim their health and optimize their wellness. Maureen works with professional women and business owners who strive for a successful, purpose-driven life and who understand that they can only reach as far as their health will permit. Her motto is: “Our health is our greatest wealth.”

Can you tell our readers about your background? 

When my brother was 23 years old, he was in a car accident that paralyzed him from the waist down. I had always been an active person, but I don’t think I fully appreciated the value of movement until my brother was unable to move.

Then about 15 years ago I was also in a car accident. Doctors recommended surgery and cautioned that I would likely never run again. I reflected on the importance of running in my life. Before my accident, I had already completed some races. Exercise was- and continues to be- my main way to release stress and maintain a positive mindset. 

I, therefore, decided to forgo surgery and instead work hard to heal my body. I discovered that to heal my body I also needed to really focus on my mind and emotions. Through tedious PT exercises and a huge mindset shift, my perseverance paid off. Within five years after the accident, I ran the Boston Marathon and competed in my first half ironman.
What inspired you to start your business?

The accidents were two events that really sparked my passion for health and wellness. Yet another huge inspiration for my business came from being faced with a rather large obstacle. I was living in New York State with my husband and two children. We had moved across the border from Canada. As a landed immigrant, New York state would not recognize my Master’s degree so I had to drive across the border every day to my job as a School Psychologist. Holidays in the two countries vary enough where I was unable to be with my family during many of the holidays. All of this combined forced me to find a solution. That solution became the seed of what is now LifeSwitch, Inc.

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

I became a certified Nutritional Coach and Personal Trainer and started personal training part-time in New York State at age 43. Two days a week I coached and the remainder of the work week I continued to cross the border for my School Psychologist position. I registered my business name and advertised my services by putting brochures in people’s mailboxes; I didn’t even have a website! My clients came entirely from word-of-mouth. 

Fast-forward twelve years and the school board I was working at completely dismantled the psychology department. I then made the choice to run my own business full-time and pursue my passion. I named my business LifeSwitch because my goal in this endeavor is to not provide women with yet another fad diet or “get immediate results!” exercise scheme, but rather to guide them in a lifelong switch towards health and wellness. 

Along with my other certifications, I became certified as a Health and Wellness Coach through the American College of Sports Medicine.

Where is your business based?

As I learned about the world of entrepreneurship, my business changed and evolved. At the start, it was 100% in-person coaching in New York State. My first shift to online marketing was the creation of a weekly newsletter for my subscribers. Now- partially thanks to the pandemic- my business is 100% online. Although navigating how to provide effective weight loss coaching online was a huge challenge for me to overcome, this shift has allowed clients from all over the world to participate in my programs.

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

My weekly newsletter really helps in warming up potential clients. They get to know me and receive tips and information directly related to my programs. I write about overcoming obstacles, setting goals, weight loss, exercise, and many aspects related to health and wellness. To encourage newsletter subscriptions, I provide a PDF weight loss guide to anyone who signs up.

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

My car accident and the dismantling of the school psychology department were definitely two of the greatest challenges I have faced. 

I overcame injuries from the accident step by step, day by day. I had to have faith in myself and my body and keep going even when I wanted to give up. I had to learn patience and strength of mind.

Getting rid of the psychology department (and therefore my job) was a different type of challenge than the car accident. I had to either go back to school and redo my Master’s in the USA, or take the plunge and accept the risks of becoming an entrepreneur. Overcoming this challenge was really about just getting started and presenting myself and my skills to the world. 

How do you stay focused?

It can be a challenge! What works for me- and is also part of what I teach- is goal setting with a detailed plan. I make a plan for the day, week, month, year. It helps to break down the task into smaller pieces to encourage instead of overwhelm. 

Most importantly, I’ve had to learn how to become the CEO of my brain. The hardest part of being an entrepreneur is not giving in to discouragement. Being the CEO of my brain means learning how to be comfortable with failure and vulnerability. On a daily basis, I remind myself that the quality of my thoughts will determine the quality of my actions and my final results. Therefore, I need to be constantly vigilant and take ownership of my thoughts. There isn’t room for blaming or emotional immaturity. 

How do you differentiate your business from the competition? 

Many weight loss programs outline what to eat and what to do for exercise. Unlike my programs, they ignore the root cause- how the clients become overweight and why they are struggling to lose weight and keep it off. My Master in Psychology helps me delve into the beliefs that are limiting the success of my clients. This allows for a long-term change instead of temporary success.

Furthermore, my advice is geared toward women over 40 because our bodies change so much as we approach and go through menopause. It is only natural that what worked for women in their 20s may not work in their 40s.

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

Despite the migration from in-person to online, my most effective marketing strategy continues to be word-of-mouth. By focusing on quality over quantity, my clients are happy with their results and recommend my programs to others.

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

My best advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to understand that what lies between you and your dream is what you believe about yourself and your product or service. Anyone can learn the skills that are needed to run a business. What will ultimately determine your success is your ability to believe in yourself. 

Learn that failure means nothing to you. Failure is needed to understand what works and what doesn’t work in your business. You will fail and that’s ok. The more you fail, the closer you will get to your goal. 

Lastly, new entrepreneurs tend to look for teachers and programs to show them how to get the results they want. So much time and energy is wasted in looking outside of yourself for the answers. Learn to trust your own intuition. Learn to value your own thoughts above all else. 

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

I have a relatively new app called Levels that I’m so excited about! It reads my blood-glucose monitor and teaches me which foods create the biggest glucose spikes. This is really important data for weight loss. I then take this information and teach it in plain English to my clients. 

Lately, I’ve been listening to podcasts more than reading blogs. My favorite podcast is The Life Coach School. This podcast teaches how, ultimately, our success is based on our beliefs and thoughts and how thought errors can undermine our success.

My favorite book is currently The Deep Dive. This book is about how to change mindset and how to recognize our own limiting thoughts, as well as strategies for changing mindset. It’s a very interesting read.

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

I’m part of a social media membership group called What the Heck to Post. I’m not at all savvy with social media, so this resource is particularly useful to me. The membership comprises monthly calls, daily examples of what to post on social media, a Facebook page for questions, etc. It really helps me navigate the social media world of marketing my business. 

Who is your business role model? Why? 

Brooke Castillo, founder of The Life Coach School. 

She provides a wealth of great resources and clearly lays out marketing details. Her information is clear and understandable, and is laid out all in one place. She knows how to communicate, deliver content, attract business and has done it all in a field with a lot of competition. She has created a very successful business and teaches how to replicate what she did

How do you balance work and life? 

I’ve learned a lot through experience and through trial and error. I rely on my calendar daily. On the weekend, I sit down and schedule out my week. I first pencil in what is most important to me: meditation, contemplation, exercise. I do my most important things early in the day so they are more likely to get done. Through my experience over the years I have learned to not sacrifice sleep in order to get things done. Sacrificing sleep leads to reduced energy and quality of work. I’ve also learned that it is vital to make myself a priority. I can’t show up for others if I can’t show up for myself. 

What’s your favorite way to decompress? 

Anything that combines movement with nature! Walking, hiking, biking, running,... There is a state park close to my home that is right on Lake Ontario. It’s a beautiful, quiet area. On clear days you can even see the Toronto skyline across the lake. 

I also enjoy decompressing by spending quality time with my family and loved ones. 

What do you have planned for the next six months? 

My husband and I have a trip to Costa Rica planned next month - fingers crossed we can still safely go. Later in winter we will drive to Florida for a month for some warm weather. The beauty of an online business is that I can do it anywhere (as long as there is Wifi).

On the business side, I will continue with group and private coaching and supporting my health club community. I will be adding new content to my group program, Reset, Renew, Results. I’m excited to grow the content and improve the quality of this program for my clients’ benefit. 

How can our readers connect with you?

They can visit my website at maureenkemeny.com to find information on the programs I offer. The next group weight loss program begins January 25, 2022. Here they can also subscribe to my newsletter, book a free consultation and find links to my social media platforms. 

"If you have something that you are passionate about and that you really believe in, go for it" with Kate Pepler

Photo Credit: Mirror Image Media

Kate Pepler graduated from Dalhousie University with a BA in Sustainability, Environmental Science and a minor in Marine Biology. For a year after completing her degree, she was feeling overwhelmed with the doom and gloom narrative of our Earth’s health. This helped her “Eureka!” moment of creating The Tare Shop – which combines all of her passions – oceans, reducing plastic pollution, environmental education, and fostering community – into one community-based business – The Tare Shop.

Can you tell our readers about your background? 

If you had asked me 6 years ago if I’d be running a business with two locations, I wouldn’t have believed you – I never thought I would be an entrepreneur! I grew up in Toronto, on Toronto Island, and always loved playing outside and being in nature. It was when I moved to Halifax on the East Coast of Canada that I really fell in love with the ocean, and decided to focus my studies on Sustainability, Environmental Science and Marine Biology. In the summers I ran a sailing school, and thought I would spend most of my life teaching sailing!

What inspired you to start your business? 

After graduating in 2016 from Dalhousie, I was honestly pretty overwhelmed and depressed. It felt like I had spent my five years at university studying all the ways we are destroying the world, without much focus on the innovations that are happening to fix our mistakes, or the BIPOC communities that have been fighting for our planet for centuries. 

It was through this depression that I started an online website (that is no longer running) to share environmental stories to inspire action – when all I hear is the doom and gloom narrative it causes me to shut down, but when I read of inspiring stories, that’s what inspires me. Through this, I fell into the zero-waste movement and started making steps to reduce my waste. It was SO hard to do – there was no where in the city that made it accessible, easy, and affordable. Recognizing a gap and a need, I had the idea to open The Tare Shop. 

I spent a year writing the business plan, and then putting it down asking myself “who do I think I am to open a business?” I didn’t go to business school, and didn’t believe in myself. It was after speaking to other business owners, that I realized going to business school isn’t a pre-requisite to opening a business, and a lot of entrepreneurs didn’t go to business school. I then flipped that narrative from “why me” to “why not me”! 

Where is your business based?

We have an online store that ships worldwide! And we have two locations in Nova Scotia, one in Central Halifax and the other in Downtown Dartmouth.

The Tare Shop is a package-free grocery store, coffee shop, and community space. We sell all our basic grocery needs (and more) and lifestyle products that help folks reduce their waste.

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

After making the decision to open a business, choosing a name and starting an Instagram page were my first steps. From then, I started conducting market research and used social media to help with that! 

Creating a solid business plan and cashflow template were so important – it really help me think through all aspects of the business, and was also required for the loans I received. 

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

The most successful thing I did, especially at the beginning, was being really active on social media, and sharing behind the scenes. I shared pictures and videos from the construction, got feedback from our community, and never turned down a media opportunity. 

Before our brick and mortar location opened, I did a lot of pop-ups around the city at other businesses and my former university, selling lifestyle products, and started selling  products online. This really helped spread awareness about the business, bring in revenue, and start building a customer base!
Being really transparent and active on social media, really helped build trust and community with our followers, and has definitely been a key to our success.

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

I think my business challenges have largely been in my own self doubt and imposter syndrome. Reminding myself that I do know what I’m talking about, that I am an expert in my field has helped me when I’m having these doubts.

Going to therapy and talking to other leaders in my industry has been huge for my own self growth, and strength as a leader. 

How do you stay focused?

When I am finding it really hard to focus, or procrastinating I set a timer for 10 minutes and work on the task at hand uninterrupted for 10 minutes, usually I’m on a roll so I’l keep going when the timer is up! Keeping my phone on the other side of the room also helps me from getting distracted.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition? 

The biggest thing that differentiates us is that we are a Certified B Corp, and really value our community. We donate 1% of our sales to different organizations each quarter and these have been nominated by our community.

The sense of community around our business and valuing our customers input is also what sets us apart – we aren’t just a grocery store.

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

Being active and consistent on social media has proven to be the most effective marketing strategy. Having a feed that stays consistent, looks good, and provides value has helped drive revenue and brand awareness. 

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

Just DO IT! If you have something that you are passionate about and that you really believe in, go for it!  Running a business is a ton of work, and if you’re not passionate about it, it’s not worth it. Having the passion and love for what you do makes the tough days worth it. 

Another piece of advice is to know when to ask for help and creating a network or business owners that you can talk to. Running a business can feel isolating, but having people to share successes and challenges with in invaluable. 

What's your book? Why?

Profit First by Mike Michalowicz! That lead me to working with my Profit First Coach April Stroink which has saved my business, especially through COVID. Not coming from a financial background and always hating numbers, learning how to read my books, and manage my money has been key to my success.

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

Asana! We started using asana as a tool for our team and it’s been life changing. My team can assign me tasks and the app reminds me to to them, and I can assign them tasks. It’s such a great tool for project management and team management.

Who is your business role model? Why? 

I think I really pull inspiration from those around me! From my team and other business owners in my community! There’s so many incredible people I’ve connected with and have become friends with and they’re all so inspiring. 

How do you balance work and life? 

This is such a hard one. I’ve hit burnout too many times, so have had to learn to put myself first. In the first few months of opening our first location, I got so sick from burnout that I actually had to close the shop for a few days as I was too sick and got my staff sick! That was a big lesson that if I don’t take care of myself, the business suffers. 

So not working evenings and weekends is one way that I ensure I am taking care of myself. I also have a dog, which is a lot of work, but makes sure that I get out for at least one big walk a day and have to give him the attention he needs. 

What’s your favorite way to decompress? 

Recently I’ve rediscovered reading (for fun) and the library! I’ve been going through a book a week almost and it’s been so nice to escape into another reality that isn’t in front of a screen. Instead of scrolling on my phone in the morning or before bed, I’ll read my book!

Also running and working out are so key to my mental health. I notice my mood is so affected by not working out and moving my body.

What do you have planned for the next six months? 

Honestly, just getting through! It’s been a really tough year, and learning to juggle the two businesses has been a steep learning curve. I’m taking the next six months to focus on the two businesses and grow them — then maybe there are some plans in the works!

How can our readers connect with you?

Check out our website: thetareshop.com

Instagram:@thetareshop

TikTok: @thetareshop

Sign up for our newsletter

"Set the bar high and work hard to achieve the goals you set for yourself" with Theresa Fowler Pittius

Headshot credit: Danny Sanchez Photography

Theresa Fowler Pittius is an East Coast-based vocal & acting coach and mentor who specializes in audition/callback prep, self-tapes, college audition prep, career counseling, and artist development in branding/marketing. Her students have been seen on Broadway/tours, film and television series on HBO, NBC, Netflix, FOX, Hulu, and more. She works with performers of all ages from coast to coast on a daily basis, both virtually and in person.

Can you tell our readers about your background?

I started out as a performer myself. Three days after I graduated from The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC, I booked the national Broadway tour of Oliver!, produced by Cameron Mackintosh. I had an incredible experience touring, doing 300 performances of that show, then came back to New York and decided I wanted to get into film. I starred opposite Academy Award Winning actor Martin Landau in a short film, and learned so much in the weeks we filmed together, I decided I wanted to get into producing. I then created and executive produced a national nightlife touring production called the Bar-Top Bandits which ran for 7 years, including a residency in Rockefeller Center, NYC. After getting married I left the nightlife scene and started a digital marketing and pr agency with my business partner Cassie Galasetti called Social Sidekick. Soon after, I began private coaching young performers for film, television, and stage productions, finding a true passion in mentoring talent.

What inspired you to start your business?

I had always noticed that a large percentage of industry talent that I was working with in Manhattan actually lived in New Jersey, specifically the Monmouth County area where I was born and raised. I already had a performing arts studio in the works, and then met Jessi Clayton and we decided to create The Prep together, focusing on a professional track, competitive NY-level training here at the local level.

Where is your business based?

We opened a 4,000ft2 facility in Little Silver, New Jersey (1 hour South of Manhattan) about 2 weeks before COVID/lockdown in March 2020.

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

My partner Jessi Clayton and I spent hours putting together our business model, which is constantly changing with the challenges we face every day. When the pandemic started, we immediately adjusted to virtual only training, and spent the time we weren't able to be in our new facility - renovating! Our incredible interior design and construction team created a beautiful space, and we are so grateful we had the time during lockdown to be able to do so. On the training side, we listened to what our students and their families needed and took it from there.

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

My clients! When my students have a big booking, press interview, or successful performance, they post on social media and tag me and my business with a thank you. The ripple effect follows.

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

Finding time for myself. This is a constant struggle. I've been making a significant effort this past month to set that time aside for my own personal self care, and it's been going very well! When you're overworked and exhausted, you cannot give your best to your business.

How do you stay focused?

I take it one day at a time and am a major multi-tasker. Every day is a new adventure with new challenges, adventures, and celebrations.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

We have managed to remain unique in our business model and do not have any direct competition. We are a complete full-service studio and are constantly growing and evolving, striving to stay ahead in the industry and competitive with what our clients' needs are, making our business truly special.

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

We celebrate our students' wins and give aspiring performers a glimpse into what works in industry training. More than half of our new clientele comes directly from Instagram/Facebook, the rest is the word of mouth/industry recommendations. We are fortunate in that we do not need to advertise.

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

Keep your head down and focus on your own business, your own personal growth, and your own work. Set the bar high and work hard to achieve the goals you set for yourself. When you feel it's time to get an assistant, get the assistant. Let others help you who are excited about your business. You will be surprised at how quickly you grow.

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

My favorite app is definitely Instagram. I have seen so many businesses, including my own, grow tremendously from this app since day one. I've also enjoyed watching small businesses grow through Instagram. No one ever talks about it, but Instagram truly has been a blessing for so many small business owners.

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

Great question and this is tough because there are so many! I'd say my favorites are Canva for design work for social media posts, Wix for easy website design, Final Cut Pro for video editing and marketing, and Adobe Audition/Logic Pro for Voice Over recording and editing. These are tools I use in my work every week.

Who is your business role model? Why?

I love fellow Jersey Girl Barbara Corcoran's story. I root for the success stories of those who built something out of nothing. I admire hustlers, go-getters, and hard workers with no-nonsense attitudes. I have dear industry colleagues with who I have tremendous relationships because they are like-minded, and our relationships have led to great success for our mutual clients.

·How do you balance work and life?

Any truly successful entrepreneur will tell you that this is nearly impossible. My husband is a saint and not in the same industry. He knows how much I love what I do and fully supports my hectic work schedule. We spend evenings, weekends, and holidays together, and enjoy going on a few vacations a year when we can.

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

Going out with my husband, family, or friends to a nice dinner, or relaxing on my deck or in the hot tub with a glass of red wine!

What do you have planned for the next six months?

Creating unique and competitive hybrid instruction for our students that will help them with the constantly-changing industry. We have set up classes specifically geared toward the working actor's needs: Advanced Pilot Season Prep, Dialect Training, On-Camera Technique, Long Form Improv, Commercial and Animation VO, Home Audio Tech, Songbook Repertoire, Home Self Tape Demonstration, Personal Branding, and Marketing, Actors Access and Casting Networks Profile Info sessions, Agent and Manager Showcases and more.

How can our readers connect with you?

Instagram @ThePrepNJ and @TheresaPittius.

"Be open to change and constantly reevaluate" with Jessi Clayton

Photo Credit: Danny Sanchez

Jessi Clayton is the co-founder and co-owner of Professional Performance Prep. Jessi began her career as an actor and musical theatre performer for several years before falling in love with coaching and mentoring young, aspiring performers. Jessi and her business partner and Prep co-owner, Theresa Pittius, recognized that performing arts studios for professional actors and singers was almost nonexistent in central New Jersey and students would have to travel all the way to NYC for professional training and services. Jessi and Theresa capitalized on the opportunity and have been thriving in New Jersey with almost 1000 students all over the country and even a handful internationally.

Can you tell our readers about your background?

Growing up, my absolute favorite thing in the world was singing. I grew up on a farm in an incredibly small town in North Carolina where performing opportunities were minimal, but I did enjoy yearly recitals with my voice studio as well as singing weekly with my church choir. I knew music was my passion and calling so when it was time for college, I earned a Bachelor’s in music with a focus in voice at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. I graduated with honors in 2010 and moved to NYC right after to continue my education in musical theatre at the New York Film Academy. I auditioned and performed professionally for several years and began teaching voice lessons on the side as a means of extra income.

What inspired you to start your business?

I met Theresa Pittius through networking in the industry and we both saw a real need in Monmouth County, NJ for a performing arts studio that services aspiring, professional performers. We were surprised to learn there were not any performing arts studios in the area created to help young professionals navigate this insanely difficult industry.

Our passion to mentor young performers was the driving force behind founding The Prep. We worked really hard and were able to get a studio running very quickly! We soon became a one-stop shop for performers coaching them in singing, acting, voice-over, self-tapes, branding, and more!  

Where is your business based?

We are physically based in Little Silver New Jersey, but service students all over the country from Alabama to California to Texas. We even have acquired a few students internationally in Italy and Mexico! Something positive that resulted from the pandemic as we were forced to focus on our online database and we quickly expanded our platforms over Facetime and Zoom. 

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

Once we realized the need for a professional performing arts studio in NJ, we first began marketing to the local community who would typically travel to NYC for training and audition prep. We hosted several open houses in the beginning and teamed up with other small businesses to get our name out there. For example, we hosted a talent show at a local beach club and gave their kid members mini lessons to get them ready. We made sure all of our students felt like a part of the Prep family and did camps, cabarets, and even a few family outings!

We quickly began to expand not only in the local community but across the country using Facetime. Online sessions really are quite effective and have been important for The Prep in growing the number of students we can impact. It has been a joy seeing students from across the country continue to thrive in their craft when several of them we have not even met in person!

We have grown to almost 1000 students with a staff of 28 instructors all over the country in just three years!

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

We have capitalized on social media marketing such as Instagram and Facebook.  That has been one of the biggest contributors to our growth. My business partner, Theresa is really incredible with social media marketing and finding fun, new ways to get our students involved such as polls, Instagram contests with prizes, and shout-outs.

As we have continued to expand, word of mouth has been prevalent in our growth as well.  Once students and parents find out The Prep offers individualized mentorship in all aspects of the industry, they tell friends and fellow performers. We actually have been fortunate enough to have never needed paid marketing. All of our growth has been organic from social media or word of mouth.

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

To be honest, the biggest challenge I have had was doing a complete 180 from a performing artist myself to a business owner! Artist and business owner are two completely different sides of the brain. In the beginning, it was a challenge learning all the new skills I needed as an emerging business owner, but I truly believe work ethic and willingness to learn from others are key in getting to where you want to be.

How do you stay focused? 

Focus was always a difficult challenge for me growing up. In college I was diagnosed with ADHD inattentive which made so much sense! As a kid, the only thing I was able to focus on for long periods of time was music so I was always working extra hard to catch up in other studies. I have learned how to navigate pretty well despite this disability over the years. Some of my tricks are timed activities. I’ll set a timer for 20 min or so for a particular task and once that timer goes off, I get a 5-minute break. The other thing I have found that is really helpful is a clean workspace. I think cluttered if my space is cluttered! Tricks like this really help me stay motivated and focused on the task at hand.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

We are unlike other performing arts studios for two reasons. 1. We are one-stop shop offering sessions and education in all avenues of the industry. 2. We are true mentors to these students and guide them through this industry and process.

Most performing arts studios similar to us may offer education in an area or two of the performing arts industry such as acting and singing. However, The Prep offers expertise in voice-over, personal branding, singing, audition prep, acting lessons, self-tapes, we even have sound booths where we have recorded voiceovers with Apple TV, Disney Jr., and Nickelodeon! Being able to offer such a wide variety of expertise is really special. 

The other thing that sets us apart is our ability to not only provide education within the performing arts industry but true mentorship. Whenever students have questions about auditions, headshots, branding, what to sing for an audition, or even what to wear! We love helping them feel confident in their choices and that they are putting their best foot forward. 

Growing up in a small country town in North Carolina, I never had a performing arts mentor. I didn’t even know what a voice-over was! Being able to give back to these students and give them the mentor I never had has been a true blessing for me. 

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

The most effective marketing strategy for The Prep has definitely been social media marketing. Theresa is really good at catering to our younger audiences and using tools that captivate kids and teens. So much of our growth has been from social media marketing and potential students seeing the success of our current students.

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

Be open to change and constantly reevaluate. You must be willing to accept when something is not working, reevaluate, and plan to be different. The other piece of advice I have is to be humble enough to learn from others’ success. I have learned so much since co-founding The Prep and much of that is attributed to being willing to learn from others.

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

My favorite app is actually Audible. One of my goals in 2021 was to make reading books more of a priority and Audible was a great way to accomplish that.  I can listen to books while driving, working out, or doing laundry! Multi-tasking for the win!

I actually currently do not have a favorite blog but do love vlogs on Youtube. Amy Landino’s are really great for quick tips for business owners. 

One of my favorite books is Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin. I learned a lot about myself in that book and how to sustainably build habits based on personal tendencies. This has been a game-changer! Highly recommend.

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

My favorite business tool is Notion. I literally would be lost without it. It allows me to keep my life in one place and organized in files. I love old-school pencil and paper planners and journals, but also love the convenience of having everything in one place and knowing exactly where it all lives.

Who is your business role model? Why?

I have two really influential female business role models, Amy Landino and Christy Wright. Amy has a whole YouTube channel and several books on going after the life you want and how to do it. I have learned so much from her from structuring your ultimate morning routine, staying organized, and being an entrepreneur. Christy Wright has really inspired me by teaching me the importance of a balanced life. I am not at my best for fullest capacity when out of balance and her book, Take Back Your Time, is all about finding the perfect work and life balance for you.

How do you balance work and life?

Being a business owner and having the discipline to stay balanced is hard! I am the first to admit it’s a struggle especially when you’re in the early stages of your business. Starting my day on my terms is something that has really helped me. Whether it’s making sure I get my workout in first thing or just spending a few minutes by myself uninterrupted by emails, putting myself first before my business really helps me stay the most productive. The other thing that really helps me, is trying to have a hard stop and put my phone away at night. As a business owner and mentor, someone always needs you, but so does my marriage and husband.

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

Definitely working out! Not only is it part of a healthy lifestyle, it helps me feel less stressed and helps me start my morning on the right foot. I always feel more ready to tackle my day after a good workout.

What do you have planned for the next six months?

We are so excited for 2022! We can’t wait to see what’s in store for The Prep. Since the pandemic, we have been focused on growing our online database and I personally want to start focusing again on our local community. We have not been able to have any in-person cabarets or outings of any kind and I am so looking forward to being able to host those again hopefully this year!

How can our readers connect with you?

Instagram: @Jessi.Clayton; @theprepnj

Facebook: Jessi Clayton; Professional Performance Prep

Website: ThePrepNJ.com; JessiClayton.ner

Focus on your strengths…and let others do what you can’t with Connie Inukai

Courtesy of Jim Hailing Photography

Connie Inukai retired from teaching Technical Writing at the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University for almost four decades. After retirement, she became an inventor, author, contributor to Entrepreneur Magazine, creator of Write Your Selfie®, and a Grandmapreneur®.

At 74, Connie is reminding other Baby Boomers that “Passion has no expiration date!”

·       Can you tell our readers about your background?

I graduated from high school in the late 60s, and my most important objective in going to college was to find a career where I wouldn’t have to live paycheck to paycheck. Growing up with divorced parents and five siblings, we never had luxuries, and I had jobs throughout high school and college.

It taught us all to be resourceful. 

My saddest memory in high school was when my boyfriend, Clayton, was killed in a car crash. After three solid months of crying, I decided to live my life to the fullest in his honor. You see, Clayton was an over-achiever, 4.0 GPA and already accepted to Yale in his junior year. I will always remember him, as I strive to accomplish more than I am capable of through every step of my life.

I became a French major in college and also speak Spanish, and some Hebrew and Japanese. I wanted to become an interpreter at the United Nations until I found out that interpreters usually spoke about nine languages fluently. I then decided to become an English as a Second Language teacher because I was fluent in English! I eventually got an M.A. in Linguistics from Columbia University. After teaching ESL for ten years, I began teaching Technical Writing for 40+ years at Columbia University, Hunter College, University of Maryland, and Johns Hopkins University.

At the time, I knew very little about business but after retirement, figured that was the path I would follow.

At age 68, I invented Tip ‘n Split®, a handheld device to help people read the small print on menus and bills, especially in dimly lit restaurants. I added a calculating device to figure out a tip and split the bill in seconds. Then I wrote a book to show other inventors how to get free publicity. I just updated the book, “How I Got My Product on QVC, The Today Show, The View, and More…in Retirement.” 

During Covid, I started my new business, helping people to write their life stories based on pictures and captions. This is a project that people can work on from home. 

I am continuing to do what I love.

·       What inspired you to start your business?

If anyone had asked me ten years ago what I would be doing today, I would have never come up with this.

I used to be a college professor, teaching Technical Writing. I inspired countless college seniors to think about their careers and to learn good writing skills to support their technical skills.

I had no idea I would become an entrepreneur, especially at my age.

I got inspired for my business because, being in a high-risk age group, I rarely go out of the house, and I wanted to do something creative and meaningful for me and my family. I created Write Your Selfie®.

Let’s face it. We all want to be remembered after we’re gone.

If you’re a celebrity, people will know about you. But if you’re not a celebrity, like me, the only way your grandchildren and great grandchildren will know about you and their heritage…is if you tell them.

Sometimes you will have the opportunity to tell them about your parents and grandparents. Sometimes you won’t.

So...I told them in a book I wrote about MY life.

I decided to use my experience as a writing professor, author, and writing coach to guide others through the process of writing their life story. As a retired writing teacher for 40 years, I helped countless students put off their fears, doubts, and procrastination. I am now using those skills to help people write the story they have been longing to write.

·       Where is your business based?

I run my business out of my home in North Potomac, Maryland

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

I first wrote my own story. It was actually fun because I went through old photo albums and shoeboxes and got to reminisce about memories from my life, the lives of my siblings, and the lives of my parents and grandparents. I then learned how to search ancestry through Ancestry, FamilySearch, Findmypast, and My Heritage. I studied the differences between these sites. After I did my initial research, I made a website and put my book on the website for anyone to see. Then I created a course. After studying different online course platforms, I chose Thinkific. Marketing my course came next.

That process continues.

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

I have been on about 10 podcasts since the beginning of Covid. I think people appreciate that I became an entrepreneur at age 68 and am still going strong at age 74. 

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

My biggest challenge has been technology; fortunately, my son Matt helps me whenever I need him. I am also learning how to do technology myself.  

·       How do you stay focused?

It’s easy to stay focused when you love your work. I usually take a break to do something non- business-related, like watching a movie or playing with grandkids. After that, my full attention goes to my business.

·       How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

There are certainly other memoir-writing services. Write Your Selfie® is different because my book is based on pictures and captions. Each picture invokes a story to pass on to children, grandchildren, and future generations.

With Write Your Selfie®, I provide expertise and accountability for people who want to write their life story to pass down to children, grandchildren, and future generations. While there are other companies that offer a memoir-writing service, their fee is often upwards of $10,000. My legacy book is not so expensive and is based on pictures and captions; it is thus easy to write-and especially easy to read. Few people want to read a 1,000-page memoir.

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

I am using Facebook ads since most of the people who would be interested in writing their story are on Facebook. I use Instagram posts to attract a younger crowd, people who want to help their parents or grandparents write their legacy. I have also been featured on podcasts, where I speak about Write Your Selfie®.

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

The difference between having a good idea and making money from that idea lies in the execution. Many people have great ideas, but the vast majority will never follow through on them because life gets in the way. They don’t have the time, financial resources, or a successful process.

Here are some tips for new entrepreneurs:

ü You can’t do it alone. Build a team. Running a successful business requires experts in marketing, finance, and sales. My virtual assistant, Paulyn Pacinos, is half my age, but she has the knowledge that I need in today’s entrepreneurial world.

ü Focus on your strengths…and let others do what you can’t. For example, I’m a good writer. I was actually a writing teacher for over 40 years, but I know nothing about SEO, digital marketing, lead magnets, and most things technical. My team is now helping with those.

ü Know your customer. Not everyone is your customer. Find out what they want and give it to them. For my service, Write Your Selfie®, I am focusing on people who want to leave their legacy to children and grandchildren. Millennials might be interested in writing a memoir for their parents.

ü Get a mentor. I became an entrepreneur later in life…much later. I found my mentor, Ed Coleman, at SCORE.

ü Forget about being an overnight success. Anyone in business will tell you that.

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

I go on the audio app Clubhouse to connect with other entrepreneurs and learn from them.

A favorite book of mine is “Adaptable”, by Alexa Carlin. The author inspires entrepreneurs “to lead with curiosity, pivot with purpose, and thrive through change.” I also enjoy reading business magazines and trade publications to stay current with industry trends and expand my knowledge. Life and business will throw all sorts of obstacles, but if we continue moving forward, we will eventually succeed.

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

I use Fiverr, freelance marketplace services for business, for many of my business needs. Experts on Fiverr are able to create Facebook ads and other promotional services, including social media marketing, digital marketing, tech, and more. 

·       Who is your business role model? Why?

Edward Coleman is my SCORE mentor. SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors. When I first met Ed, he immediately asked me to write a business plan, projecting milestones for the next five years. Ed keeps me focused so that I can attain my goals, step by step.

Another business role model is Arne DeBeaufort, retired CFO of the American Red Cross. He helped me develop my business model and meets with me virtually every week to overcome obstacles and move forward.

·       How do you balance work and life?

Work-life balance is a term used for the idea that you need time for both work and other aspects of life, whether those are family-related or personal interests.

Acknowledge and accept that you cannot do everything all the time. You only have so many resources: time, energy, money, etc.

I always schedule time for myself; I am re-learning to play the violin. Time with my three children and six grandchildren is essential. When not in person, we talk on the phone and have regular Zoom calls. I am fortunate to have two young grandchildren living with me, so we play Bingo and Old Maid. I also have weekly Zoom calls with my five siblings.

·       What’s your favorite way to decompress?

I take a few hours, a few days, or a few weeks off. I learn a new skill. I practice the violin. I do something totally unrelated to my business. This often inspires me to do things a little differently in my day-to-day, and makes me appreciate what I do more. 

When we are working all the time, and are not taking enough time off, we face the risk of burnout.

·       What do you have planned for the next six months?

ü  Learn about SEO.

ü  Get on more podcasts.

ü  Create videos to promote my business.

ü  Write additional magazine articles.

ü  Hire more people to grow the business.

I have recently helped four friends edit their business-related books, using my writing skills. It’s easy for me, and it keeps my writing skills sharp.  

·       How can our readers connect with you?

https://grandmapreneur.com/write-your-selfie/

connie@grandmapreneur.com

"Understand what problem you're solving with your product/service, for whom, and why" with Bryttani Graddick

Photo Credit: Bryttani Graddick

Bryttani Graddick is a human resources professional, lifelong learner, and Creator & Founder of HeartWear JewelryTM. She works with creative Christian women to help them build statement jewelry collections that are *almost* as unique as they are! Her original designs are created in small batches so that women know they are wearing a distinctively different piece from what they'll find on anyone else. HeartWear JewelryTM provides beaded and polymer clay jewelry that is lightweight, unique, and great for sensitive skin. Bryttani believes in empowering women to be their complete and authentic selves, and it's hard to do that when dressed in the same things as everyone else.

Can you tell our readers about your background?

Of course! I'm a wife, a mommy to 3, and I work full time while running this small (and growing) business. Jewelry, for me, has always required extra customization since my ears are unpierced and my skin is super sensitive. While I did not go to school to study jewelry, I believe that how we present ourselves plays an integral part in how we feel about ourselves. Jewelry is just one way to show off our personalities.

What inspired you to start your business?

I've always enjoyed converting earrings to suit my unpierced ears. If I ever wanted to wear earrings, it was a definite necessity! I've always dreamed of making my own pieces -- necklaces, bracelets, etc. -- but it wasn't until I had daughters of my own that I felt the pull even more strongly. Their skin type is the same as mine, and their ears are also unpierced, and I didn't want them to have the same struggles and feel on the sidelines when shopping for beautiful and trendy pieces to wear.

Where is your business based?

HeartWear JewelryTM is based in the heart of Georgia -- Macon, GA. I'm born and raised in the city, went to college -- undergrad and postgrad -- in the area, and we're raising our family in the city. Macon is known for its rich history of music and arts, and I'm honored to contribute what I can.

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

Before starting the business, I created several jewelry pieces as Christmas gifts for my family and coworkers. After getting compliments on where I bought the pieces and questions on how they could get more, I knew I had to keep going. I started this business as a sole proprietorship to start small. I worked with our city's small business development services department to ensure that I had the necessary permits, licenses, and documents for state registration. 

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

HeartWear JewelryTM thrives on word-of-mouth referrals. Many clients purchase gifts for loved ones and their coworkers to give thoughtful, more personal gifts. Our returning customer rate is above 50%, which indicates that women we work with enjoy what we have to offer. While being active on social media also helps, our satisfied clients are our best source of prospective clients.

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

After being in business for two years, the most significant challenges have been finding creative ways to keep our community engaged and satisfied with what we offer. To overcome this, we periodically send out surveys to our clients and email list with questions on their preferences, challenges they face when shopping for jewelry online, and more. This real-time client feedback has been invaluable to helping us keep a finger on the pulse of our client needs.

I've found that clients appreciate the opportunity to share their perspectives on the products and their opinions of the business overall.  

How do you stay focused?

As a wife and mother who works full-time and serves in church, the best way I've learned to stay focused is to set a schedule for myself. It's easy to get stuck in continuously making pieces, brainstorming blog posts, and updating the website. However, keeping track of what's most important at that time (for the week, month, quarter) and scheduling time to tackle those things has helped me stay on track.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

When you think of buying jewelry -- in person or online -- there are typically a handful of brands that come to mind. Our biggest differentiator is the collaboration between the clients and HeartWear JewelryTM. Of course, women can purchase directly from the site, but they can also customize a piece from the site or even create a piece from scratch. This level of customization is because I want women to understand that they have the power to ask for anything in life that they want. They do not have to simply accept the status quo. 

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

Similar to the attention that we give our clients when considering their options to shop with us online, the most effective way HeartWear JewelryTM has grown is through the way clients are treated. It's the small details and the follow-ups that I find clients appreciate the most. From handwritten thank you cards to personalized video messages, to emails tailored to where they are in their jewelry journey, meeting clients, where they are, has been invaluable.

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

Understanding what problem you're solving with your product/service, for whom, and why is a great place to start. Too often, as small business owners, we jump ahead into the solution without considering how the person would be affected. Once you've understood that, the direction you can take with other aspects of the business -- from marketing to product packaging to product offering -- will be much more apparent. 

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

My favorite app varies by month, but it's a word puzzle game I love playing right now. It's challenging enough to keep my interest, but it's relaxing because it allows me to have some low-stakes fun. Low-stakes fun is always welcomed in a season of life, profession, and an entrepreneurial journey full of decisions

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

Canva is my number one favorite business tool because it helps me create polished, professional, and consistently branded images for social media and the website. 

Who is your business role model? Why?

This might sound strange, but I don't have one. Don't get me wrong, there are several business coaches I've had and have, and memberships I'm part of to hone my business and marketing skills; however, there's no one person that I'd like to model myself after. Good or bad, that's my honest answer.

How do you balance work and life?

Compartmentalization is everything. While I'm "me" in everything I do, it's only natural that some things spill over into other areas. That being said, I'm learning more and more the importance of doing things to take care of myself so that I can pour into others. To do that, I try to keep my lists separate from each other and know when it's time to step away to do something else or nothing at all.

What's your favorite way to decompress?

This is so hard to do, but the older I get, the more I realize it's non-negotiable. When I relax and unwind, I'm binging Netflix and eating barbeque chips if I'm not spending time with my husband. Over the last few months, I've started the Grey's Anatomy series (believe it or not, for the first time), and I'm now on season 8. Let's say I get the hype!

What do you have planned for the next six months?

For the next six months, my goals are to maintain systems that make my business work best. I want to get clear on what works and what works better to continue to reach clients and help them build the confidence to show up as only themselves.

How can our readers connect with you?

HeartWear JewelryTM is active on social media on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tiktok -- all @heartwearjewelry.

www.HeartWearJewelry.com

https://facebook.com/heartwearjewelry

https://www.instagram.com/heartwearjewelry/

https://pinterest.com/heartwearjewelry

https://tiktok.com/@heartwearjewelry