Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Claudia Ferrara, founder of Connetic Balance, located in Bolton, ON, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Connetic Balance is a Yoga + Wellness Studio. We offer a wide variety of yoga classes but also offer many unique specialty classes and experiences such as Full and New Moon Ceremonies, Breathwork Classes, Meditation Classes, and so much more. What makes us unique is that we have a focus on reconnecting the mind, body, and soul connection that so many of us struggle with on a daily basis.

We like to think of ourselves as a "one-stop-shop for your mind, body, and soul." Our focus is on our students, in whatever capacity that they may need on any given day. We aim to provide professional, thought-provoking classes where you can push beyond your own boundaries in order to find growth.

Tell us about yourself

I come from quite a diverse background. I studied Business Sales and Marketing + International Commerce in school, but after finding it difficult to find a job and from that struggle, I got introduced to Martial Arts - which is now part of what I do for work. I am the program director of 2 academies. I have been a yoga practitioner since 2009, and when I got introduced to Martial Arts, I realized how beautifully the two worked together. I always knew I wanted to open my own studio but just never knew when or where.. and it wasn't until the space above our Martial Arts Academy opened up (plus a couple of hundred signs from the Universe) that everything really started. It was all entirely unplanned and scared me half to death because I felt like I hadn't "planned enough," but I decided to take a plunge. I knew I had not only the capabilities and knowledge to start a business but the drive and passion that it would take to persevere through whatever I would encounter throughout the journey.

I absolutely love what I do. I get to meet so many incredible people that I wouldn't have otherwise met, but more importantly, I make a lasting impact on people's lives. That is what truly keeps me going, keeps me inspired, and pushes me to be and do better. The feeling you get when you help others grow to become their best version is indescribable - not only is it empowering for me, but it is also humbling. My work is centered around making people feel good about who they are and believe in themselves again; there truly is nothing more rewarding than when someone finally gets there, and you know you were part of that journey.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is that I was able to build a studio that is exactly what I wanted it to be. The ambiance/energy/vibe of a Yoga studio is an incredibly important factor that people consider when looking for a place to practice - if it doesn't feel right to people, they won't come back. I spent so many hours brainstorming and envisioning not only what the studio would look like - but what it would FEEL like. When I have new clients and students walk in.. almost always, their first impression of the studio is how incredible it feels when you walk in, as if you've transported to a completely different world.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of the hardest challenges is managing your schedule. Once you own your own business, you no longer work a set amount of hours in a week - you dedicate as much time as necessary, even if it surpasses 60+hours a week! The amount of time working on/in the business isn't the challenge itself, but more so ensuring you are allowing time for your own personal down-time and to still incorporate all the things you love and spending time with people who you care about! You still need to remember to take care of yourself, or you'll be no good to anyone else!

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Make sure you are passionate about it - you're going to spend a huge chunk of your life talking about it, growing it, facing challenges, etc., so truly enjoying your product/service will help you ride the highs and lows of doing business.
  2. Don't wait until the business is open and operating to get your clients/customers. Start networking ASAP, make those contacts, market yourself, put yourself out there, and begin selling/giving your product or service to give them a taste of what you will be offering.
  3. Be creative! Take a moment to identify what makes your product/service different than what's out there. And on the same note, recognize that you don't know everything, or perhaps your vision may need a little tweaking - being open to new ideas or changes will help you in the long run.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Starting a business is terrifying; it is so easy to get caught up in all the what-ifs and the risks involved - but if you truly feel passionate about what you can offer.. do it! Life is so incredibly short not to take that leap of faith. Even if your venture doesn't work out, the amount of growth you will gain from the overall experience of building a business from the ground up is priceless.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://conneticbalance.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/conneticbal
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conneticbalance/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.