A brief introduction about Alenka and her business:
A Canadian, now living in Los Angeles, Alenka has spent almost 15 years in the corporate world as an overachiever. Eventually it caught up with her and she burnt out. A year later, just as she was recovering mentally, she tore apart her ankle and has spent the last two years recovering from it. When following the doctors' advice wasn't working, she started conducting her own research and began a holistic approach to healing, backed by science. She soon realized that for those who have not found answers in conventional medicine, finding solutions elsewhere is incredibly confusing. Leveraging the skills she gained from designing and building software for others, she decided to create something that would connect experts to those in need. Currently in development, SAHA is a platform that will match vetted professionals to individuals based on shared values.
Who are your customers?
1. Health providers who have a holistic approach to wellness, and help people with burnout 2. Those who have or are going through burnout in relation to chronic pain, chronic fatigue and or chronic stress.
What was your background prior to starting your own business?
I have spent my career in corporate, primarily bringing different types of software to life.
What made you take the leap to start your own business?
I went through a series of my own health issues and event with good health insurance and living in a major city I was not able to find answers. I saw there were many people who fell through the cracks, and it became a problem I couldn't stop thinking about.
Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
I didn't! And I was scared to jump in for a while and needed to do a lot of personal growth to be in a place where I was ready.
What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way so far and what have you learned from it?
The biggest challenge I've encountered, was that I was often getting in my own way. The first 6 months in many ways I was avoiding putting myself out there because I was terrified. I had to learn to be comfortable in front of a camera, to learn to lean into what I already knew and learn that I'm much more prepared than I realized, to really overcome the need to be perfect. Surrounding myself with an incredible community has made a huge difference.
What accomplishment are the most proud of to date in your business?
In just over a year, while working a full time 9-5, I've gone from an concept to launching a prototype. I've built an incredibly supportive community and found a purpose that drives me in a way I never anticipated.
What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?
We're launching a free prototype of our holistic provider matchmaking system in the next couple of months, with the full launch of the platform next year.
What is your top productivity tip?
What is the one thing you need to do today that is either blocking someone else, or is a deadline that will have consequences? If its not important and urgent, then it can get done another time.
On the flip side, how do you avoid burnout?
Rest, listen to your body and respect its needs. Running a business is a marathon not a sprint, and if we ignore our body's needs they will catch up to us.
What is your approach to work-life balance / integration?
I block chunks of time to work on my business, and check in with my energy levels and decide on what I'll be working on based on that. I try to schedule time with loved ones at least 2x a week and do at least one thing a day to take care of my body/mind.
What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?
How many incredible people and resources there are, I feel like its hard to explain and I still keep learning about so many more each week.
What's the one app on your phone you absolutely cannot live without and why?
On my Android, the calendar app integrates all of my calendars into one place (3 different calendars). I use it for absolutely everything.
What is your favorite business tool or solution and why?
Google Keep, its a very simple note taking app but its free and simple to use and works across devices. I can jot down something quickly and with minimal clicks. I have a series of pinned notes that I copy and paste what feels like hundreds of times a day. I have one for all my social links, my bio, a boilerplate introduction etc.
What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?
Running a business is hard, but for me I feel that i have found my purpose. Find something that drives you, that becomes something you think about in your free time. That drive will be what gets you through the hard times.
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About the Author
Jessi Anderson
Jessi Anderson is the Marketing and Creative Director at Entreprenista, driving innovative campaigns and creative strategies that inspire and connect women entrepreneurs within the community.
