A Small Business Success Story

As my practice grew, my role changed from author to entrepreneur. Both are creative endeavors, but I was in foreign territory. I became mired in the non-glamorous parts of being a business owner –learning acronyms like ADP and EDD—and I lacked the skills for managing money or people. I was working 14 hour days, answering  phones and emails, filing medical claims, negotiating deals on office spaces and training staff.   

One year into our business boom, with 12 therapists and 2 offices, I was flat broke. I learned that growth doesn’t equal profit. Sunk by taxes, high overhead and no financial management skills, I sought out PACE Women’s business center in downtown LA, a non-profit organization that teaches business skills to female entrepreneurs. I joined their mentor program which connects retired business leaders with female entrepreneurs. Soon, I learned accounting skills and financial strategies that helped my business to become  profitable while growing.
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​ I’ve learned that the role of CEO is to focus on the big picture; to see the system as a whole, so I could create the most efficient, smooth and cost-effective flow rather than getting lost in the everyday small details."

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