Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Misha Patel, Founder of Therapy with Misha, located in London, UK.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Therapy with Misha supports women in healing trauma from narcissistic abuse and toxic relationships. I predominantly work with the South Asian community because I understand the stigma surrounding mental health in the community; however, my diary is open to everyone.
Like many of you reading this, I didn't know what narcissistic abuse was until after I had experienced it. Sadly, it can occur from any close relationship, whether it be from a romantic partner, a parent, an in-law, a sibling, a friend, a colleague, or even your child, but we aren't taught about it at school, and it can be very subtle and hard to recognize so many victims struggle to reach out for support feeling like they are alone. It can be extremely damaging to your physical and mental well-being – often leaving you with a loss of self-worth and shame. You are not alone, so please do reach out for support.
Tell us about yourself
After overcoming my own trauma and complex PTSD from narcissistic abuse, I pivoted my business and certified as a Narcissistic Abuse Specialist, Narcissistic Trauma Informed Coach, Hypnotherapist, NLP practitioner, and Brainspotting Practitioner. My main aim was to become the person I needed and couldn't find when I was feeling alone, scared, and confused from what I had experienced. I am now on a mission to educate others about narcissistic abuse, the resulting trauma, and how to overcome it to thrive.
What motivates me is not wanting anyone else to feel as alone as I did or continue to live a life that fills them with dread. It doesn't have to be that way! I am living proof it can be done, and I wanted to give other women and now men that hope too. I also saw the impact of trauma passed down through generations and saw how healing ourselves could break the cycle for future generations.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Definitely the transformations in my clients. They have been able to turn their struggles into strength and their pain into power and purpose. I am also really proud that I was selected to speak to an audience of over 100 South Asian women at an event for entrepreneurs and also be a co-author for the Amazon Number 1 book Fairy Tales Re-Told.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Managing running a business, children, and a household. Being a single mother to two young boys, I had to learn to set boundaries and set working hours because in the early days, if I wasn't working in the business, I was working on the business or thinking about the business all day. Setting boundaries meant I could give my children and my business my best.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Networking is so important. Surrounding yourself with like-minded entrepreneurs gives you your own cheerleaders to keep you going through the tough times but also advise and support you through the good times.
- Look after yourself. Running your own business can take over your life if you let it, so remind yourself you cannot give your business your all if you are run down. Just like a regular 9-5, it is important to schedule breaks during your working days and set working hours that suit your lifestyle.
- Never compare yourself to anyone else and allow yourself to make mistakes; you only learn from them and remember every big business out there started somewhere.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
If you are contemplating starting a business or expanding yours, just do it because if you don't, someone else will! What scares us the most is what helps us to grow, and starting a business can feel scary but take small steps, and once you start, you WILL find your way.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://therapywithmisha.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapywithmisha/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapywithmisha/
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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