Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shelly Beall, owner of SB Wellness Group, located in Baton Rouge, LA, USA.

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

My business, SB Wellness Group, has been around for 26+ years serving businesses, their leaders and employees, helping to create healthier, happier, and safer employees and companies with our programs. My team of wellness professionals has over three decades of experience in workplace wellness and health promotion, including targeted, evidence-based programs like our Weight Management and Health Risk Management programs.

I started SB Wellness Group to go into a large company in my area and run their on-site fitness center. Once there, my heart kind of broke for the people coming in. They needed so much more than weights and cardio. I began looking for programs to meet those needs and really helped pioneer worksite wellness in our area. Over the years, this journey has taken me in so many directions. We not only develop, implement and manage various worksite wellness programs for many different kinds of clients, but we also deliver whole-person wellness and life coaching, mindfulness and mindset programs, leadership coaching and programs, and much more.

On any given day, you may find me giving a mindfulness talk and leading a meditation session, doing a workshop on burnout, or teaching a fun dance class to some of my clients. My team and I love a challenge and love to come up with creative new ways to help people live healthier and happier lives. That is our mission and at the heart of everything we do.

Tell us about yourself

I put myself through college teaching group exercises and personal training, among many other interesting jobs that have led me to this path. I have had my own health battles over the years but grew up in a very active family. The combination of these two has lent itself well to my growth in the health and wellness arena. I believe that to be successful in helping others change their habits, you have to come from an authentic and genuine place to begin with.

I am very passionate about learning all that I can about health, well-being, self-growth, and even more so about sharing it with others. I've always found myself in these teaching or leadership roles, even at a young age. I'm the oldest of 5, so I'm sure it began there. Growing up, I loved to dance. I began choreographing dance routines in middle school, and my dance teacher assigned routines for me to create and teach to other classes. I found myself teaching students who were more experienced and definitely better dancers than me. I just had the passion for doing it. That is my driving force for everything I do. I even have classes for our clients to help them find their passions and live with more purpose in their daily lives. To me, this is one of the cornerstones of good health.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I have grown my company through word-of-mouth and reputation. I take pride in the fact that we keep our clients - they don't leave us. We build strong relationships founded on trust and connection. These are so important in helping people create lasting and impactful change and in assisting companies in creating a culture that nurtures that.

I also have a team of people who work with me that are like family. They are like-minded, passionate, and hard-working. We have helped thousands over the years create a healthier lifestyle, reduce health risks, and live happier and better lives. Each and every time we develop or initiate a program, we ask how it will benefit the participants. What will they get out of it? These are the things I'm most proud of, which keep me going each day!

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

I am a small business, so the hardest part is wearing all the hats and juggling the many roles I have to play. Over the years, I've had to learn how to delegate and trust others to take on things that either I'm not great at or that I just don't have time to do. The transition in growth at different points can be so hard for a small business. I have learned to be kinder to myself when we have those growing pains. I remind myself at those times that "I'm here because I've done a great job. Now what?".

I used to be much harder on myself. We have to remember that it can take a village and we are only one person. It's easy to get overwhelmed and sidetracked by the details of running a business. Passion and heart will only take you so far. There is another reality that needs your time, and that's all the things a business requires to run smoothly that so many people don't think about.

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

  1. Take a hard look at the purpose of the business. What is the goal? Does it line up with your core values? Are you able to be your authentic self in doing this business?
  2. Don't do it alone. Find mentors and other professionals you trust or admire and seek their advice, knowledge, and help. I had no idea how to start a company or run a business, but I knew how to run a fitness center and how to do the job. I sought help from many different avenues to help me with those details. I still do that today, even 26 years later.
  3. Know yourself - your strengths, weaknesses, abilities, and how others perceive you. Self-awareness is one of the top traits of healthy leaders. If you plan to start and run a business, this is a skill that you will definitely need.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I want to say to businesses and business leaders out there that your employees are your most valuable asset. It just makes good business sense to support them in being as healthy, safe, and well as possible. Creating a culture that nurtures healthy habits and encourages better work-life balance lends itself to more productive and dedicated workers. Creating lasting and significant behavior change involves a multitude of ingredients.

Our team has a formula that works and a large tool kit of tools that we know works because of our years of working one-on-one with clients and helping entire companies create healthier environments. We want clients to know that there isn't a quick-fix, one-size-fits-all approach. Wellness doesn't happen overnight, and you can't save everyone. However, in time and with the right support, you can create a culture that will help many and even save lives.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.sbwellness.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sbwellnessgroup/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sbwellnessgroup/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sb-wellness-group/

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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