In conversation with Mississauga entrepreneur Linsey Denham.

1. What exactly does your business do?
I am an Emotional Support Specialist and I help all ages to 'feel' better with the help of Bach Flower Remedies, Reiki healing and Mindfulness/Meditation

2. What inspired you to start your business?
I was a nurse for 26 years, mainly neonates and children and so I had lots of experience helping whole families deal with their feelings. My own mental and physical health broke down a couple of decades ago and I found these three modalities saved my life and so I transitioned into helping others with them...and also my great set of fully-listening-ears.

3. How has your business adapted to the new world?
I am from Scotland and I haven't fully established myself in Mississauga yet. Not being able to get out and network has been a challenge, as has not being able to teach my courses face to face. I teach all three modalities and also run workshops and retreats.
I work with a client 2-4 times weekly who has ALS, so have limited my exposure to protect her. This means that I am not seeing any clients face to face which is limiting but necessary, for now.

4. What are you most proud of from a business perspective?
I am authentic and honest and caring and it reflects in how I connect with my clients. I suppose my client relationships are what I am most proud of.
For Covid times, I am proud of the wonderful, free information that I provide on social media, daily.

5. What's been the largest obstacle to overcome and how did you do it?
Marketing is my biggest obstacle and that is a pre-covid obstacle which has been intensified for me with covid. I offer simple and safe solutions for mental and emotional health issues (including how to cope with you're feelings about 'all-things-covid) but I struggle to reach the people who need me. I have yet to overcome this obstacle but have met some wonderful people online who just may offer the right guidance.

6. What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs?
Cut yourself some slack and go with the flow. Freely give of yourself as much as you can but first and foremost, look after yourself. You cannot help others if you run yourself into the ground. Consider doing a ten minute daily mindfulness practice, to check in with yourself. It will help you to catch negative thoughts before they grow arms and legs. Also pick up some Bach Rescue Remedy. It does what it says...rescues you from the 'storm'

7. What message do you have for the community as we continue to navigate the global pandemic?
Have Courage and Be Kind

linseydenham.com