From the origin story of their businesses to the ways they allowed themselves to grow as entrepreneurs, our Female Founders series gives a view into the lives of successful women from a variety of industries. Join us for today’s feature, Olivia Papakyrikos, offering a behind the scenes look at some of what she has done to succeed so far, advice for those starting off, and plans for the future.
What’s your business and how did you get started?
My business got started as a small business launch providing sport psychology services, truly an experiment, as I did not know the first thing about running a business. The beginning was rooted in my own experiences as an athlete navigating injuries and I really just wanted to help other athletes and performers. At that point, my business was called Legendary Mental Skills. I started it after graduate school to help support other athletes who have gone through struggles with injury and other mental obstacles. As I got more experience in the field and got licensed as a therapist, I expanded my business to include the therapy component and further specialized my skills in the eating disorder world as well as in working with high performing individuals.
What is one thing you’re really proud of that you’ve created or accomplished?
My greatest source of pride is the network that I’ve built. I feel really proud when I get a client referral from a past client that spoke highly of our work or from a provider that highly recommends me. In my field, we do not get a lot of feedback per say, so these moments and even client testimonials are a huge reminder for me of how far I have come and the services I provide.
What’s your favorite thing about being a business owner?
I love the autonomy of my schedule and the flexibility. Working for big companies/treatment centers in the therapy world can be very exhausting and the turnover rates are very high. You are seeing so many clients and it is both emotionally and mentally draining. Having my own practice allows me to control how many clients I see per day and per week which allows me to maintain my own mental clarity while also providing high-quality care. I can give my clients my best, versus feeling really burnt out and overloaded.
What is the boldest thing you’ve ever done in business?
The boldest things I have ever done in business would be chasing new opportunities with confidence. I love walking into a room of people, sparking a conversation and if it makes sense, pitching my own services. I have gotten a lot of “No, thank you” in the end, but every time, it has led to developing meaningful connections and when it does lead to a “yes,” it has led to some really rewarding work.
What’s one thing you’re currently excited about for the future of your business?
I’m very excited about expanding my business so I can help other athletes and individuals. I’m planning to step further into the executive coaching space, working with more businesses and corporations on how to help support their staff and improve performance. I am also excited about launching a new virtual athlete support group that I have been brainstorming for a while now!
What’s your best business advice you would give to other women?
Do it scared. Take the risk. Take the leap. I truly believe there’s never a perfect time to start. When I first started my practice, the first six months on my own I was terrified of failing. I didn’t know I had what it took to run a private practice as they never taught practical business skills in graduate school. It was really scary for a while but in the end, it was the best thing I could have ever done. Take that leap of faith as it really can work out. Start somewhere and just keep working at it.
