By Sarah Crawford
Scaling your own wellness business can feel like being dropped in a corn maze blindfolded. I’ve been there—passionate about the work I do and eager to help people, but overwhelmed by the business side of things. From hiring the right team to managing finances, the learning curve can be steep. But I’ve also learned valuable lessons along the way, and now, I want to share these insights with you so you don’t have to make the same mistakes I did.
Here’s how I started a business with two kids under two and scaled to over $1MM In less than 4 years while staying healthy, happy, and whole.
1. Build a Strong, Supportive Team
Why it matters:
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to practice running a couple other people’s businesses before starting my own and one of the first observations I made was the importance of maximizing your strengths. I remember watching the other business owners I supported doing everything themselves and made a commitment to myself that when I was ready to take the leap, I’d better be willing to build a team too. The thrill of being the person in charge was exhilarating, but the weight of trying to juggle every role soon took a toll. What I’ve learned is this: You can’t—and shouldn’t—do it all. Know what you’re good at and what you’re not.
My Experience:
My very first hire was a marketing director/coordinator. I had a bunch of practice doing the backend (inventory management, customer service, accounts payable/receivable) but I personally didn’t have any experience (or really interest) in learning marketing. My first big hire was a marketing team!
Tip:
Look for people who complement your strengths and fill in the gaps where you are weakest. Trusting them to do their jobs not only lightens your load but also enhances your service to clients.
2. View Costs as Investments, Not Expenses
Why it matters:
Spending money in the early days of starting a business takes you back to college when you’re fumbling through the couch cushions to find $0.25 for Taco Night! All the money going out in the beginning stirs up a lot of big feelings like fear and rejection but channeling those into momentum and opportunity is where the real magic happens. Sometimes those investments look like equipment and other times it looks like being abe to afford more people; shifting your mindset early in the process allows these costs to help your business grow, improve efficiency, and ultimately serve clients better.
My Experience:
One of the biggest investments I made early on was in people. By bringing new perspectives to the table, I was able to identify a clear market advantage and strategy, saving countless hours. Investing in the right tools—whether it’s staff, software, or training—was a game-changer.
Tip:
When you think about spending money, ask yourself: Will this allow me to work more efficiently or provide better service? If the answer is yes, it’s likely a worthwhile investment.
3. Acknowledge What You Don’t Know
Why it matters:
There’s a saying that “we don’t know what we don’t know,” and this has never been truer than when I started scaling my practice. I had clinical expertise, but the business side? I thought I did. But, I hadn’t actually had my name attached to everything in sight. There were so many things I didn’t know, and trying to figure them all out on my own was overwhelming.
My Experience:
I’ll admit it—there are still times I felt completely out of my depth, whether it’s dealing with taxes, navigating employee health insurance, or figuring out the best way to market my services. It’s constantly humbling, but I realize I have to ask for help. I hired consultants and coaches to fill those gaps.
Tip:
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek guidance from those who have walked this path before you. There’s no shame in not knowing everything. What matters is your willingness to learn.
4. Set Boundaries Around Your Time
Why it matters:
In the early days, I struggled to protect my time. I’d take on every client, respond to every email, and stay late trying to fix problems that weren’t mine to solve. What I didn’t realize was that this habit was setting me up for burnout. There are definitely seasons of grind and seasons of rest but the key word is “seasons.”While you might have the endurance to be all gas, no breaks, usually those around you aren’t and you jeopardize fracturing strong relationships based on lack of prioritization of other important things.
My Experience:
I had to make a conscious effort to prioritize my time—both for my clients and for myself. I started by signing up with classes that obligated me to showing up (I paid for a tennis lesson which meant I had to be there). That commitment to showing up somewhere else forced me to establish more protection around my time while I was working. I’d be lying if I didn’t say there was a bit of guilt associated with that in the early days, especially as a working mom who already struggled with guilt of being away from my kids.
Tip:
Set clear boundaries and be unapologetic about them. Your time is your most valuable asset. Be intentional about how you use it.
5. Build the Plane While You’re Flying It
Why it matters:
Starting and scaling a business is all about learning as you go. You don’t have all the answers, and not everything is going to be perfect from day one—and that’s okay. The key is being comfortable with discomfort and not waiting for everything to be “perfect” before taking the next step.
My Experience:
When I first launched my practice, I didn’t have all the systems in place that I wanted. But I moved forward anyway. I figured out solutions as problems arose, and often, I was still working on things in real time. This process taught me resilience and adaptability. I’ve seen perfectionism held so many others back in the early days, but embracing imperfection has been the biggest contributor to my growth.
Tip:
You are a master at what you do. That’s why you’re starting this business. Trust yourself to learn and grow as you go. Don’t let the fear of not having everything figured out keep you from moving forward. Perfection is overrated—progress is what matters.
6. Grow Slowly, But Steadily
Why it matters:
One of the biggest mistakes I made early on was rushing growth. I wanted to expand quickly, but what I learned was that rapid growth can be overwhelming if you’re not prepared for it. Slow and steady growth, on the other hand, allows you to build a solid foundation and stay in control.
My Experience:
I took my time with expansion. I started with a small, core team, and as demand increased, I slowly brought on more staff and expanded my services. This helped me maintain quality and ensure that I didn’t stretch myself too thin.
Tip:
Be patient. Don’t try to do everything at once. Focus on building strong systems and processes before taking on more clients or expanding your offerings.
7. Prioritize Self-Care and Mental Health
Why it matters:
When you’re passionate about your work, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle. But neglecting your own health will only lead to burnout. I’ve learned the hard way that self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
My Experience:
When I first started out, I thought I could work around the clock and still be fine. But I quickly realized that my energy and focus were dwindling. I had to make self-care a priority—regular exercise, taking time off, and simply giving myself permission to rest.
Tip:
Schedule self-care just like you would any other business meeting. Your well-being is essential to the success of your business.
Now’s the Time, Let’s Go
By building the right team, viewing costs as investments, acknowledging what you don’t know, and making time for self-care, you can scale your wellness business without burning out. It’s not about doing it all perfectly—it’s about doing it strategically, with intention, and most importantly, with support.
Building and scaling a wellness business can be daunting, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can do it without burning out. Trust in yourself, build a team that supports you, and remember that progress—imperfect and messy as it may seem—will always be more rewarding than perfection.
At Anchor Wellness Center, we are passionate about supporting independent health and wellness entrepreneurs who are navigating the complexities of scaling their businesses. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking to expand, we offer resources, mentorship, and a collaborative network to help you grow sustainably and avoid burnout.
Ready to take the next step? Let’s connect and discuss how we can support you on your journey to building a thriving, fulfilling wellness business. Contact us today!
