THE BUSINESS
Healing Roots Wellness Center offers clinic services, studio classes, and events that facilitate group healing. The center supports local practitioners offering services such as tai chi, yoga, reiki, massage, and acupuncture. The center is also expanding to offer workshops in women’s health services like breast health and menopause classes.
Emily said, “We want to help people feel rooted and empowered, and we offer scholarships, donation-based classes, and fundraising events to make wellness accessible to everyone. My favorite part of the job is connecting with people.” She also acknowledged that entrepreneurship has some obstacles. “Learning how to say ‘no’ was difficult, but I know honoring my needs is essential to preserving my own wellness. I also had to struggle to learn how to tell employees when they were not a good fit for our business.”
THE ASSISTANCE
Maren Valentine, a consultant at the UW-River Falls Small Business Development Center (SBDC), helped Emily see a bigger view of her business. “Maren provided industry reports and helped me create a business plan,” Emily said.
The business plan was part of the Entrepreneurial Training Program (ETP) offered by the SBDC. “Meeting with the other entrepreneurs in the program was so valuable. It was useful to see how and why other small businesses were choosing to pivot, and useful to get feedback on my own mission and vision,” Emily said.
Maren said, “Emily is a true visionary when it comes to healing in a community setting. Her passionate, ethical, and creative approach to making wellness services accessible to everyone is reflected by the team that surrounds her and the clients that are drawn to her business. Healing Roots has become a trusted cornerstone in the River Falls community as a place that is safe, welcoming, and supportive to all that seek it out.”
Another way the SBDC assisted Healing Roots Wellness Center is through classes offered as part of the Main Street Bounceback Technical Assistance program. “My employees were able to register for a human resources course and for marketing training that was very helpful!” she said. Emily also received a grant from the Doyenne Group for training courses on business as well as emotional and personal development.
Accomplishments with UW-River Falls SBDC
- Industry report
- Business plan
THE COMMUNITY
Giving back to the community that has been so supportive, especially the River Falls School District, is important to Emily. “We were thrilled to offer the third annual gratitude and wellness retreat for teachers and support staff. We love to thank and support local educators by giving free services like hand massages, tips from nutrition and life coaches, tarot readings, and lymphatic draining sessions.”
“We also partner with Abundant Yoga Community, a local non-profit organization whose mission is to make yoga accessible to all. We want to thank River Falls Business Leaders, a local group that sponsors Taste of River Falls, Ladies Night Out, and other events to support local businesses.”
Emily’s advice to others hoping to become entrepreneurs is to “invest in yourself to invest in your business. Self-care is the most important first step.” Thanks so much to Emily and to this local business that continues to bring wellness to the River Falls community.
