Sometimes life takes you in an unexpected new direction. Emma Heywood was an actress and performer who had struggled much of her life with mental health, trying every therapy in the book. One day she tried a form of hypnosis, Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT), and the results were so transforming that she knew that this was her calling. Today, Emma Heywood Hypnosis utilizes the power of neuroscience, deep empathy and energetic flair to help clients recognize and release old behaviors and blocks that have held them back from expressing their highest potential. She’s thrilled that she can help others find their path, self-esteem and love for themselves. 

Emma’s practice is new, and at TheWMarketplace, we find that she has a lot of great advice for anyone starting a business and finding joy in what they do every day.

What motivated or inspired you to start Emma Heywood Hypnosis?

I have always been extremely passionate about mental health and wellness. I dealt with mental health issues from a young age and explored every type of therapy. After years of focusing on my artistic career, I felt that something was missing in my life. I finally listened to my intuition that I am also here to be a healer. After I experienced hypnotherapy myself and had the most profound healing of my life, I knew this was the modality I needed to share with the world. I am now a Certified Hypnotherapist and practitioner of Rapid Transformational Therapy...The transformation my clients experience is what brings me such profound joy, they continue to motivate and inspire me every day! I feel so grateful that I listened to my intuition.

What is something you know now that you wish you knew when you started your business?

I think I was so focused on the actual work I do that I didn't fully realize the actual part of having a business. The logistical things were definitely overwhelming at first, but what I learned quickly was to ask for help! Here in Washington, the Washington Center for Women in Business (WCWB) was absolutely amazing. You don't have to figure things out alone! Asking for help and guidance is a wonderful thing. I also wish I knew that it's important to just get out there! It doesn't have to be perfect right away; you learn SO much along the way! Also, have great bookkeeping from the start!

Why did you decide to join TheWMarketplace?

I was fortunate to be a part of the Quick Startup Her-Commerce program through the WCWB! When I was given the opportunity to be in this program and join TheWMarketplace I jumped right in! I love being a part of a community of fellow women entrepreneurs. I learned quickly that owning your own business can be lonely, and to feel part of an incredible community of women is really comforting. We also get to support each other’s businesses which is wonderful, because we all know how tough it can be!

What has been the most challenging thing about getting your business up and running?

I think in the beginning the most challenging part was building consistency. I had this idea that people would just arrive easily and that's really not how it is in the beginning. I learned quickly I really had to put myself out there. I thought my life as a performance artist was vulnerable, but owning your own business is actually way more vulnerable in my eyes!

What has been the most rewarding part of owning your own business?

Definitely getting to work with my clients! There is nothing more satisfying than seeing people transform their lives before my eyes. It honestly can make me cry thinking about it. Everyone deserves to feel good and the fact that I get to support people in their healing journey – the magnitude of that is not lost on me. I care so deeply about my clients and my gratitude for the work I do is constantly flowing through me!

How long have you been in business?

I've been in business for five months! The beginning was definitely a slow process, and at first I put a lot of work in without seeing results. But all that work finally caught up and two months in I hit a stride – and once I hit that stride of being confident in how I showed up and the results I was getting my clients, it feels like I've been in a flow now for a couple months. Of course, there are ups and downs still, but my sense of ease is way better than it was in the beginning of my business.

Do you have a mentor?

In the beginning everyone at the WCWB were absolutely phenomenal and I consider them to be mentors of mine. I knew I was great at the work I do, but I had no business background so the support and knowledge they gave me was incredible!

What communities have been important for you as you've developed your business?

With the therapy I do, my intention really is to bring healing to everyone. Though along the way I've been working more and more with artistic and creative folks. With my own artistic background I have a deeper connection with what they're going through and it's amazing how talented people can be, though they don't believe in themselves and they deal with anxiety. So working with creative souls has been developing for me as of late and it's been a deep joy to bring them the confidence they deserve to go out in the world and share their gifts!

Do you have items, photos or mementos on your desk that inspire you each day?

Oh yes! I have affirmation statements all over. Because I know that our subconscious minds are always on, always absorbing! Your mind responds to the pictures and words you tell it, so I make sure I have inspiring photos and words constantly in my orbit!

>> Learn more about Emma Heywood Hypnosis and the power of Rapid Transformational Therapy