Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Carissa Beresford, Founder of Waterfall of Wellness, located in Mississauga, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a holistic wellness brand providing a variety of services & self-love products, including candles, body butters, Reiki, Spiritual Empowerment Coaching, Aromatherapy, workshops, intuitive energy work, and Crystal Healing. All of our products contain a hidden gem, a crystal inside. They are made in ceremony and scented with essential oils. Our mission is to empower new families to embrace self-care and find balance in their prenatal & postpartum experiences.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Carissa. I am of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry. I can tap into ancestral wisdom. This means I have naturally developed gifts that are divinely guided, such as intuition, healing, communication, and honouring interconnectedness. Within ten years of working as a Registered Early Childhood Educator, I observed that parents often put themselves aside to care for the family. Also, the rate of new moms facing postpartum depression is alarmingly high. 1 in 4 people faces PPD and anxiety.
I was called to share my holistic lifestyle to benefit others. My best friend rallied behind me, and I developed a body butter that was only four ingredients. In 2020, when my partner and I faced pregnancy loss, I used my products and "practiced what I preach." I decided to take the leap and register Waterfall of Wellness to signify my birthing of creative energy. Now, I am a new mother who has first-hand experience with the transition into parenthood and the challenges some face. I am using my lived experiences to help families. I am a certified Therapeutic Arts Life Coach, Spiritual Empowerment Coach, and Usui Reiki Master Teacher. I love working with the whole family. We have an Intuitive Art for Children program in development. We are constantly evolving and shifting to align with the divinely guided flow.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I am so grateful for connecting with a beautiful community that voted and made us an award-winning company in our first year of business.
We currently have 11 awards!
- CommunityVotes Mississauga 2021
- Platinum winner - Candles
- Platinum winner - Aromatherapy
- Platinum winner - Cosmetics & Perfumes
- Mississauga News Readers' Choice Awards 2021
- Gold winner - Holistic Health/Healing
- Gold winner - New Business
- CommunityVotes Mississauga 2022
- Platinum winner - Candles
- Platinum winner - Aromatherapy
- Platinum winner - Cosmetics & Perfumes
- Mississauga News Readers' Choice Awards 2022
- Gold winner - Holistic Health/Healing
- Gold winner - Alternative Medicine/Healing
- Diamond winner - Aromatherapy
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Facing rejection and continuing to put yourself out there. Not taking it personally and having your goals in sight can encourage you to stay disciplined.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Simplify - even your financial records, make them simple and easy to maintain.
- Know your market and stay up to date through research.
- Engage customers and build a community.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.waterfallofwellness.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wowmississauga
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wowmississauga/
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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