We were lucky to catch up with Audra Morelock recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Audra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?

The journey of starting my own business was both exhilarating and challenging. The initial steps involved setting up the operational aspects of the business – filing necessary paperwork, managing taxes, handling accounting, and generating business reports. While these tasks seemed daunting at first, I found invaluable support through the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center and the Women in Entrepreneurship group. Their guidance made navigating these essential business functions much smoother.

However, the true test came in the form of a mental challenge. The lack of immediate traffic and success was difficult to grapple with. It required patience and perseverance to understand that building a client base takes time. During these periods, the networking groups I was part of played a crucial role. They kept me inspired and motivated, constantly reminding me of the value I was bringing to the community.

Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing about my journey. The ups and downs, the successes and struggles – they all contributed to my growth, not just in terms of professional skills, but also in overall maturity as a person. Each experience, especially the challenging ones, taught me invaluable lessons that have shaped who I am today.

For young professionals considering starting their own practice, my advice is this: ensure your passion for what you do is genuine and deep-rooted. When times get tough, and they will, it’s this passion that will keep you going. It’s what will drive you forward even when you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight, but with persistence and belief in your vision, you can do anything.

Audra, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Certainly. Here’s a more concise version:

I’m Audra, founder of The Well Mind Collective. After nearly three decades in corporate leadership, I found deeper fulfillment through meditation and yoga. This personal transformation led me to formal training in meditation teaching, with yoga certification in progress.

The Well Mind Collective is a unique sanctuary in Knoxville, offering a secular, meditation-first approach. Unlike local spaces rooted in religious traditions or yoga studios, we guide individuals in cultivating their own meditation practice without religious affiliations.

Our services blend my corporate experience with spiritual practices, providing accessible tools for stress reduction and improved well-being, especially for busy professionals. We offer meditation classes and workshops designed to help you find balance in your hectic life.

What sets us apart is our approachable, open-minded atmosphere. Our goal is to help you develop a mindful presence that allows you to reveal your extraordinary potential. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a curious beginner, you’ll find a welcoming environment to explore and grow. Our methods are grounded in both ancient wisdom and modern science, making meditation and mindfulness relevant and practical for today’s world.

At The Well Mind Collective, we’re here to help you develop a meditation practice that works for you. Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, improve focus, or find moments of peace, we’re here to support your journey to a well mind and elevate fulfillment across all your life domains.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

In the field of meditation and mindfulness teaching, I’ve found that success goes beyond formal training and knowledge. The most crucial elements are maintaining an unconditionally friendly demeanor and approaching all situations with equanimity. This mindset allows me to embody the principles I teach, viewing experiences as neither inherently good nor bad, but simply as they are. This approach creates a non-judgmental space where clients feel comfortable exploring their inner selves. Additionally, practical business skills play a vital role. A solid understanding of digital marketing helps in reaching and engaging potential clients, while active networking within the community builds trust and awareness. It’s this mix of inner calm, openness to others, and a bit of business savvy that really helps a meditation practice thrive and make a difference in people’s lives.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I’ve experienced two significant pivots in my life, both of which profoundly changed my career trajectory and personal fulfillment.

The first came after dedicating over a year to a massive project at a company, prioritizing work over family. This imbalance led me to realize that success at the cost of personal life wasn’t what I truly wanted. I made the bold decision to switch industries, taking a step back from my leadership role to start anew. This move, although challenging, turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It allowed me to find enjoyment in my work while also having quality time with my family.

The second pivot occurred more recently when I found myself in a well-paying job but lacking life satisfaction. I remember saying out loud to the universe, “I don’t want to do this job anymore.” Remarkably, the following week, my company sent an email seeking volunteers for a severance package. I saw this as a sign and took the opportunity. This decision set me on the path to becoming the owner of a meditation studio and starting my own business.

These pivots taught me the importance of aligning career choices with personal values and life goals. They showed me that sometimes, taking a step back or making a dramatic change can lead to greater fulfillment and unexpected opportunities. My journey from corporate leadership to meditation studio owner is a testament to the power of listening to your inner voice and having the courage to make significant life changes when needed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wellmindcollective.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellmindcollective/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wellmindcollective
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audramorelockpm/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wellmindcollective
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-well-mind-collective-knoxville?osq=the+well+mind+collective
• Other: https://insig.ht/eanP9yeyoNb?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=live_stream_share