Hello Sharon, what sector did you start your own business in?
I have started my own business as a postpartum doula. This means that I support parents when a new baby joins the family. I support all kinds of families in every constellation, including single mothers, heteronormative families, and queer families. The support I offer is in-house, meaning I come to the family’s home and assist them according to their specific needs. For example, I teach them how to care for their newborn, provide healthy nourishing food, give sessions of touch to the birthing parent to support recovery, and offer a ‘closing the bones ceremony’ to close the pregnancy and birth experience.
‘Utilising strengths and passions’
How did you get into it?
Before I moved to Germany I had experience with my own bodywork practice. After moving , I worked in an office while raising my young children. Now that my children are older, I have found the time and space to go my own way again, to go my own way again. I was looking for a profession that would allow me to utilise my strengths and passions, which include caring for others , teaching, strengthening bonds, cooking and providing touch. Holding babies is just a bonus!
How are things going for you?
It went well. I have already supported several families and offer group and private and private baby massage courses .
How important is the meaningfulness of your work to you?
The desire for a more meaningful professional experience led me to change my profession. As a mum living abroad in Berlin, I remember the challenges of the time after the birth without my extended family and support network.This can be quite lonely and challenging. Even simple tasks such as preparing a healthy a healthy meal become complicated with a baby in your arms. The time after the birth is a unique time, in which everything changes for every member of the family. I make sure that all family members find their place in the new dynamic, establish a connection with the baby and that the woman giving birth can recover and rest.
What have been your biggest challenges so far and how have you overcome them?
My biggest challenge was to be recognised by the local institutions and to expand my business as a foreigner. The andersberater:innen have supported me in many areas, from branding and business planning to the development of my website.
What goals have you set yourself?
My goal is that more families can start their journey with a sense of support, confidence confidence and connection with their newborn. Parenting a newborn can bring with it many questions, fears and loneliness. I want to create a safe space for every family, where they can relax and gain confidence and gain confidence through my guidance and loving care. One of my main goals is to recognise the unique needs of each family and find the best way forward, supportthem without judgement and with lots of attention and a smile.
Which work did you overestimate or underestimate?
I overestimated how long it would take to win customers. Once I got started, things went quite well, and I hope it stays that way. I underestimated the time needed for administrative tasks, the preparation of documents, price quotations and advertising.
“I assess what ‘ s not going well or what’s causing stress and then break it down into small tasks.”
How do you motivate yourself when things aren ‘t going so well?
On difficult days, I take a deep breath and remind myself of my goals and the decision I have made to improve life for myself and others. I assess what is not going well or what is causing stress and then break it down into small tasks. For example, if I have to write something for the public, I formulate it, get feedback from a friend or colleague, let it sink in and then try again, always keeping my goals in mind .
” Make sure you have the right people to support you.”
What 3 tips would you give other founders?
Do something that you enjoy. Our work, especially as a self-employed person, takes up a lot of space in our lives. Make sure that the job you do is something you enjoy, that you enjoy, as this will keep your motivation and interest high.
Make sure you have the right people to support you. It ‘s not easy to do everything alone, especially when each of us has our special knowledge and qualities, but also our blind spots. Take the time to consult with others, be it with friends or paid support.
Try out new things and challenge yourself. Not everything will work, but some things will. It takes time to find out which customers or locations you want to work with. In the beginning, for example , I tried to open a baby massage course in an area I didn’t know, I didn’t know, so my opportunities to publicise myself were limited. In the end, the course turned out to be a private course for a couple. Maybe it wasn ‘t the course I had imagined, but I discovered that I really enjoy giving a private course.
If you had one wish . What would you wish for?
That there will be no more wars and people will be kinder to each other.
Thank you very much Sharon.
Hier geht es zum Angebot von unserer lieben Kundin Sharon: >> https://doulasharonstein.com/
