Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with David Khalili, Founder of Rouse Relational Wellness, located in San Francisco, CA, USA.

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

Rouse Relational Wellness is a sex and relationship therapy group practice primarily working with queer, BIPOC, and poly communities. We are located in San Francisco, CA, in the heart of The Castro district, and offer in-person and virtual therapy addressing shame, anxiety, couples conflict, sexual functioning concerns, open relationships, religious trauma, IPV survivors, and more. Our goal is to support our clients in truly loving themselves for who they are.

Additionally, I supervise pre-licensed and early-career clinicians who want to specialize in sex and relationship therapy. These training are done through our training program within our group practice as well as one-off workshops shared online.

Tell us about yourself

I'm a first-generation American-born child of parents who immigrated and met each other in the states. Being raised multi-racial, multi-religion, and multi-cultural, I have found empathy and a passion for working with others who don't fit so tightly into one category. Additionally, I truly love helping people find their passion and confidence in themselves and their relationships. Guiding individuals through healthier relationships motivates me to continue my work and train the next generation of clinicians.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We went from one to six employees and into a new four-office suite within one year. Engaging continuously in our community is one of the biggest forms of healing.

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

All of the juggling that is involved in the multiple aspects of running a business. I have (slowly) gotten better at not starting other projects that I get excited about until I finish the ones I have started.

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

  1. Ask for help. It's a strength to ask for help.
  2. Rarely does a decision need to be made quickly. Do your best to go slow and decide with a full mind and heart.
  3. Get that ego out of the way. Make choices and think through a lens of what will help you reach your business goals, not based on what might feel good or look good.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.rousetherapy.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rousetherapy/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rousetherapy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidkhalili/


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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