Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sophia Ansari, Founder of Let's Play Therapy Institute, located in Chicago. IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Let's Play Therapy Institute provides professional development courses related to play therapy and the expressive arts for mental health professionals.
Tell us about yourself
I am a mental health professional, author, educator, and full-time geek! I am passionate about play and the expressive arts and finding ways to bring clients' interests into the healing process. Incorporating comic books, video games, board games, and pop culture can provide a framework to process experiences and help individuals gain perspective. Several years ago, my former supervisor encouraged me to teach one of my favorite topics---superheroes! I created a workshop on merging creative healing techniques with pop culture. The workshop went so well that I was asked to teach on other topics, which soon led to teaching outside organizations, and before I knew it, I was teaching clinicians all over the world! Let's Play Therapy Institute was created to provide high-quality, experiential workshops to helpers, healers, and educators globally. I am inspired by those who strive to positively impact the lives of children, adolescents, and adults through the therapeutic and transformative power of play.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I am so proud of the global reach to Let's Play Therapy Institute has had. We have thousands of professionals and students who attend virtual and in-person training every year. The global attention has led to amazing teaching opportunities with media companies and the video game industry.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a business owner is that in the beginning, you are wearing all of the hats! I had to learn how to be a bookkeeper, website developer, graphic designer, marketing department, customer service, etc. It can take a lot of time to learn all of these new skills, and it can take you away from other important tasks.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Focus on your superpowers (strengths)! Make a list of your skills and successes and reflect on them often and celebrate them!
- Don't let imposter syndrome be your kryptonite! Embrace your fear. Yes, even superheroes get scared. Accept your fears, feel them, and then leave them behind and move towards your values. Don't let your fear hold you back; let your drive for success propel you forward!
- Lean on your sidekicks (support system)! Being a business owner can feel lonely. It is important to find other business owners and create a support network in which you can elevate and encourage one another.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://letsplaytherapy.org/collections
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsplaytherapy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsplaytherapy/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/letsplaytherapy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/letsplaytherapy/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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