Establishing your own firm or practice is an incredibly daunting task. From myriad of legal and regulatory hurdles to the financial and career related risks, professionals who choose to start their own firm have to overcome so much and so we wanted to reach out to those who’ve done it successfully for advice, insight and stories.

Naomi Slater

I started my practice because I had a burning passion for three main things: 1) To be independent and make my own rules 2) I wanted to teach the knowledge that transformed my life and relationship 3) I deeply desired to help and guide others on their journey of healing and evolution The first step I had to take was deciding that I was going all in!! I had to overcome my fears and limiting beliefs around what I thought I was capable of and also learn to feel comfortable with the ebbs and flows of being an independent business owner. I think one of the best decisions I made early on was to take a course on how to create an online business. In general, I think that seeking counsel from others is incredibly important if you want to be a successful leader and business owner.  Read more>>

Joey Szolowicz

To speak to the early days of opening my own wellness coaching practice, I need to rewind the clock to roughly 8 years ago to 2016. this may seem shocking considering my business; Aligned Strength & Wellness only officially launched this year (2024)! Like many in the fitness industry, I got started by virtue of experiencing my own journey to a healthier lifestyle. As a corporate director in a high stress industry I spent years making work my priority while everything else (especially my health) came second. Then one day about 9 years ago, I looked in the mirror and realized that I didn’t recognize who I saw staring back at me. The person in the mirror looked unwell, overweight, unhappy, and as though he needed a change. Read more>>

Kristin Rea

I finished my 200 hr, year-long training to become a Certified Yoga Teacher and just as I was getting my footing and looking at places I might teach- COVID struck. Studios shut down, and the ones that did stay open were primarily virtual, which is a very different experience than teaching in real life. I saw a need in the community for in-person yoga classes that were both safe and accessible. Some teachers were beginning to move their classes outdoors and it got me thinking… if I could teach somewhere outside of a studio, where would I like to go? Was there a way to make the class fun and draw in students both experienced and brand new to the practice? I heard of goat yoga, but they’re known to be a bit feisty and high-energy. The idea didn’t really appeal to me but….then I thought about farms nearby and how adorable and calm the Alpaca is. On a whim, I googled ‘’Alpaca farm in KC’ and sent an email to the first farm that showed up on my search. I was giggling to myself, thinking how random but fun it would be. However, I didn’t expect anything to come of it. As if by fate, I got a personal reply within minutes! They had been already been considering having a yoga class at their farm, but didn’t know any teachers. So, my ‘Alpaca Yoga’ classes began! Read more>>

Arden Greenspan Goldberg Lcsw Ceds-c

I always knew I wanted to work with children, families, and adults to teach them how to better help themselves by becoming more authentically attuned to themselves. I knew that I needed extensive training, so after social work school and working a few years in the field, I decided to go into a training program, Where I would be supervised and develop a part-time private practice as well as exposure academic courses. Little did I know how much that encompassed over the four year period and how much I would change as a person, so much more ready for a private practice. I was able to take about six young adults that I was working with into my private practice full-time. From there, it was about extensive networking with colleagues in the field to expand my private practice. I also noticed that my patients would refer to me as well. that always felt like a vote of confidence in my skill set as a compassionate, empathic, caring human being. Read more>>

Nova Li

Starting a business as a mom with a 3-year-old and as an immigrant has been incredibly challenging. The process involves far more than just skills and technology-it’s navigating complex regulations, endless paperwork, and finding the motivation to push through tough decisions. However, my passion for dentistry and my desire to set a strong example for my son kept me moving forward, one step at a time. Initially, I planned to take take over an existing practice, but circumstances let me to start one from scratch. Without the extensive training I’ve received over the years and the loyal patients who have supported me across every practice I’ve worked for, I wouldn’t have had the courage to take this leap. Read more>>

Brita Destefano

The early days of starting Progress Through Play were both exciting and challenging. I was driven by a passion for helping families navigate common infant challenges like oral ties, tummy time struggles, and developmental milestones. The first steps involved extensive research to identify the needs of my target audience and creating a business model that aligned with my values and expertise. I utilized my own experiences as a new parent to craft an approach that would be holistic and supportive to families of infants in the Denver area. Establishing an online presence through social media was key, as it allowed me to reach and educate families directly especially during the unpredictable pandemic times (which hit right after I opened by practice). Some of the biggest challenges were balancing the administrative tasks of setting up the practice while staying focused on the heart of my work—providing support and care for families. If I could go back, I’d prioritize delegating tasks earlier, such as outsourcing administrative duties, setting up systems for documentation, and getting expert help with my website, to free up more time for growth and connection with my clients. My advice to young professionals considering starting their own practice is to stay rooted in your purpose, invest in building a community of support, and don’t be afraid to adapt as you grow. Every challenge is an opportunity to refine your vision and serve your clients better. Read more>>

Deneen Joyner

I started out in the field of Social Work. Helping people to provide direction and guidance towards living a better life, has always been my primary focus and concern. I learned a lot about the resilience of people and the ability to forgive as it relates to families. I worked in this field for over 30 years, concentrating most of my professional skills and knowledge working with children and families in trauma. I retired early due to the emotional demands that was required for me to be effective as a servant. I decided to return to school to pursue a master’s degree in adult education, believing that I could use my love for training others to chart a new career. However, during this time, I experienced a spiritual awakening that prompted me to begin a healing journey. Read more>>

Johanna Torres

I started my practice gradually, building it up over time. For five years, I saw clients part-time while maintaining a full-time job. It wasn’t until some major life changes pushed me to take the leap that I transitioned into full-time private practice. Looking back, I feel fortunate that I had already laid a strong foundation. Moving into full-time practice wasn’t as overwhelming as starting from scratch might have been. While there was still plenty to learn, I wasn’t juggling both building a caseload and figuring out how to run a business. Instead, I could focus on understanding the business side of private practice. Read more>>