Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Elyce Semenec, founder of ES Wellness, located in Brooklyn, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is ES Wellness. I am a Yoga, Ayurveda, and Meditation Coach supporting women who are making an impact in the world but who are exhausted and overwhelmed to feel centered, focused, and balanced with Yoga and Ayurveda so they feel physically flexible and mentally adaptable, ready for the challenges of life, work, and leadership.
My clientele is creative, entrepreneurial women aged thirty-five and older who are making an impact with their work (while also caring for their families) and who recognize the importance of refilling their own energetic cups so they feel their best every day. All ages, all bodies, and all walks of life are welcome.
Tell us about yourself
I've taught yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises for the past twenty years to all ages, from moms with newborns and toddlers to public school students in grades K-8, adults, and active older adults. I've taught yoga series and workshops out of my house, in gyms, in NYC public schools, in corporate offices, in city parks, and most recently, on Zoom. It was during the Pandemic that I pivoted to an online format and started focusing specifically on impactful women who were juggling it all- work, families, and careers. As a single mother, I know from my own experience that busy, working mothers benefit from a consistent Yoga and Ayurveda practice that includes breath work, meditation, supportive daily routines, and nourishing foods specific to their unique constitution. Ongoing, nurturing support encourages the nervous systems to relax and physical aches and pains to diminish, which creates room for more joy and creativity to show up.
What motivates me each day is the community and relationships I've formed with my students and clients. Also, being of service is part of my nature. It's second nature for me to share the tools that have supported me for decades with other women who want to feel their best each day by putting their self-care at the top of their "to-do list."
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is that after quickly pivoting online during the Pandemic, I started working with a mentor in my field. Reaching out for help along the way is the best thing I've ever done. Asking for help does not come easy to me, but I'm getting better at it.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Wearing all the hats of responsibility, all at the same time! Taking care of clients, bookkeeping, marketing, content creation, and also delivering the content. All of this, plus being the brand of the company. This has produced some workaholism tendencies, to say the least! This year I have more awareness of my health and am taking breaks when I find myself overcomplicating things or hanging on until something's "perfect."
Also, it can be lonely working alone! Connecting with a friend on the phone or for a walk in nature is an ongoing ritual I maintain for my mental and emotional health.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Have at least one person on your side who has your back and is willing to listen to the ins and outs of your wins and challenges as you build your business. This might start with a friend, evolve into you working with a mentor, and eventually expand into you being a part of a group of like-minded entrepreneurs.
When you're passionate about what you do, it's easy for your business to eat up all of your time. I recommend remembering that you are a human being, not a robot! Start each day by connecting with yourself first with meditation and exercise. And enjoy your morning tea (or coffee) before checking emails and work-related stuff. Oh, and have an "off button" at the end of the day. I set my computer to shut down at 8 p.m. every evening.
I've learned that the best way to have a sustainable, maintainable business is to grow organically. You don't have to have a gazillion offerings or products to be of value to your clientele. Start with one product that you believe in wholeheartedly, and make it really great. If you grow your business slowly and steadily, your clients will grow with you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.eswellnessyoga.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElyceSemenec Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/es.wellness/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elyce-semenec-03793324/
Read this interview on the Go Solo Subkit site: