Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health & wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Abigail Long, CEO of The Type B SLP, located in Rochester, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a Speech Language Pathologist, creating evidence-based materials for other like-minded SLPs! My customers are busy speech therapists serving preschool through elementary-aged caseloads who have a passion for their work (but don't necessarily want to spend hours upon hours creating lesson plans and activities every weekend, on top of the often insane amounts of required paperwork!)
Tell us about yourself
I started this business about six years ago when I realized how much I LOVE helping other busy, tired SLPs. It gave me such joy knowing I could help even one burnt-out or overwhelmed speech therapist by making his or her day just a little easier with a print-and-go resource from my shop. I have a presence on Instagram where my followers come and tell me how much my work has helped them or tag me in their classrooms to show off the material they used from my store. It fuels my fire to this day!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think my biggest accomplishment as a business owner is knowing I started this business by myself and built it all on my own. No loans, no handouts, it's truly 100% something I can say, "I did this! Me!" Especially as someone with zero entrepreneurial experience! This is certainly an achievement I don't take lightly, and I am always proud when I look back at how far I've come.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I think one of the hardest things that come along with being a business owner is that it can be a bit isolating. Without owning a business, it's really hard to grasp exactly what it is I do all day, every day, and the multiple facets of running a business successfully. I am the CEO, but I'm also the photographer, the copywriter, the editor, the graphic designer, the social media specialist... the list goes on. Sometimes it gets a bit lonely, not being able to complain about a coworker to someone or celebrate a win. It's just me, myself, and I!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Some things I wish I knew sooner that I'd share with anyone wanting to start, run, and grow a business are: first, don't let fear stop you. Failing is part of the process, and I promise you'll learn and grow from those mistakes!
Second, don't forget to celebrate the small wins. When my business reached its very first thousand-dollar month back in 2018, I rolled my eyes. However, my husband had a plaque made for me. It was a very eye-opening moment, and I promised myself never to stop celebrating both the small and big wins. Just last week, I bought myself flowers to celebrate a huge and successful launch. If we can't celebrate our business, who is going to?
Thirdly, don't compare yourself to others in your niche. I know this is probably one of those "well, duh" moments, but even after six years, I sometimes forget this. Comparison IS the thief of joy, and I will actively isolate myself from social media when the comparison game starts setting in. I've learned to only compare myself to myself because that is the only thing I have control over. Mute the noise, and I promise you'll be a happier business owner!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://thetypebslp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetypebSLP/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.type.b.slp/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigail-long-335442b2/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.