A certain independent mindset is needed for the self-employed. Healer, licensed massage therapist, educator, advocate, author of two books Jacki Gethner had that early on.
We got to know Jacki at a recent Solo Business Meetup.
What her business does:
Healer, educator, advocate, author of two books. She has presented locally, nationally and internationally. Jacki founded the non-profit Women of a Certain Age (WOACA) 10 years ago. WOACA’s vision is a community in which all older women have the knowledge, skill and self-confidence to develop and sustain healthy relationships.
How did you start out as an entrepreneur?
“I’ve been self-employed my whole life. I started out working in a Colorado hospital in the adult and adolescent psych units in my early 20s. The staff told me if I wanted to continue working there I would have to go to college. I didn’t want to do that; I was a single parent back in 1984, I felt my 1st responsibility was to being the best mom I could be.
I wanted to go into massage therapy. I asked friends and family for money for massage school. As a result, in 10 days I had raised $6000.”
What’s working now?
Jacki collaborates with governments and faith-based groups.
“Using my years of experience in different ways. For example, I developed skills working in the HIV/AIDS community in the 80’s. After that, I used those skills to address families with children in hospitals.”
She educates people on wise decision-making and intimacy. In addition, she helps vulnerable populations with self-care.
Lessons Learned:
“Live your life. Take risks that are well researched. Mistakes are part of the journey. Some of the best opportunities come from volunteering.”
Visit Jacki’s websites: https://www.jackigethner.com/ and https://www.healthywomenover50.org/
Start your solo business today! Jackie B.’s Best Beginnings can help.