Holly Essler is the founder and a clinical therapist at Empowering You Therapy, a mental health private practice focusing on empowering others through therapy.
“We treat adults, couples, teens, and children and offer a wide range of therapeutic services. We specialize in treating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, ADHD, life changes and more. We offer brain based therapeutic modalities such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), EFT (Emotion-Focused Therapy), and Somatic Experiencing.
At Empowering You Therapy, we believe in your inner strength and untapped potential. Together, we will uncover and build upon these strengths, propelling you towards your goals. Remember, it’s okay to not be okay. Embracing this truth allows us to find the courage to heal and grow. We all deserve happiness, fulfillment, and a life lived to its fullest. We help our clients take control and rewrite their story.”
AZF: What is your “life motto”?
HE: “There is no ‘right time’. There is just time and what you choose to do with it matters.”
AZF: Did you always know that you wanted to be an entrepreneur? If not, when did you realize that it was the right path for you?
HE: “I don’t think I used the word ‘entrepreneur’ growing up when people would ask what I wanted to be. I did, however, have a feeling that I wanted to do something different than the typical 9-5. It wasn’t until later in life, after gaining experience in different roles and industries, that I realized my passion for creating something of my own and making a tangible impact. Throughout my career, I found myself drawn to innovative ideas, problem-solving, and the freedom to explore new possibilities. These experiences, combined with a desire for autonomy and a drive to pursue my own vision, eventually led me to venture into opening my own private practice. It’s been an exciting and challenging journey, but looking back, I can see how each step along the way has prepared me for this path and shaped who I am today.”
AZF: How do you feel best supported?
HE: “I feel best supported when I have a strong network of trusted individuals who genuinely believe in me and my vision. This includes friends, family, and mentors who offer both encouragement and constructive criticism when needed. Knowing that I have people in my corner who are rooting for my success, even when times get tough, provides me with the motivation and resilience to keep pushing forward. Additionally, having a supportive team within my business is essential. Surrounding myself with talented and dedicated individuals who share my passion and drive helps alleviate the pressures of entrepreneurship and allows me to delegate tasks and responsibilities effectively. Moreover, self-care practices such as exercise, meditation, and spending quality time with loved ones also play a crucial role in helping me stay grounded and maintain my well-being amidst the demands of entrepreneurship. Ultimately, feeling supported means having a network of people and practices that uplift and sustain me through both the highs and lows of the journey.”
AZF: What motivates you to keep going admist the challenges that come with being an entrepreneur?
HE: “What motivates me to keep going amidst the challenges of entrepreneurship as a therapist is the profound sense of fulfillment I get from seeing my clients thrive. Knowing that my work can make a tangible difference in someone’s life, helping them overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, is incredibly rewarding. This deep connection to my clients and their progress serves as a constant source of inspiration, driving me to push through the inevitable challenges of running a business. Additionally, the opportunity to innovate and evolve my practice to better meet the needs of those I serve keeps me energized and excited about the work I do every day.”
AZF: Describe your perfect Saturday morning.
HE: “The perfect Saturday morning for me begins with breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, followed by hitting the slopes for a morning of exhilarating skiing with my husband. Gliding down the snow-covered mountains, surrounded by breathtaking views, fills me with a sense of freedom and joy. After a few runs, I refuel with a cozy lunch at the lodge before continuing to explore the slopes. Skiing allows me to embrace the thrill of adventure and connect with nature, leaving me feeling invigorated and ready to make the most of the weekend ahead.”
AZF: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young entrepreneur who is just starting out?
HE: “Embrace failure as a learning opportunity. Understand that failure is not the end, but rather a valuable stepping stone on the path to success. Each setback provides an opportunity to learn, grow, and refine your approach. Stay resilient, stay focused, and never be afraid to take risks or pursue your dreams with passion and perseverance.”
AZF: What makes you most excited about being an entrepreneur?
HE: “There’s a unique satisfaction in building something from the ground up and seeing it grow and succeed over time. Entrepreneurship allows one to take pride in the businesses they create and the impact they have on their clients. Entrepreneurship allows individuals to bring their creative ideas to life and innovate in their chosen field. The opportunity to solve problems and create something new can be incredibly fulfilling. There’s a lot of similarities with therapy and entrepreneurship as both involve growth and a continuous learning process along the way. What better job can you ask for??”
Follow the Holly Essler on Instagram and LinkedIn or visit Empowering You Therapy’s website for more information.
About The Foundress
The Foundress is a creative community of female entrepreneurs established by Coley Arnold and Lindsey Holt, owners of Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market. The women-led networking group currently has over 120 members who receive exclusive access to mentorship from experienced female entrepreneurs and industry leaders; community gatherings that feature expert speakers and the opportunity to connect with like-minded women; as well as monthly Mastermind Groups where members can brainstorm and collaborate together.
Every Friday AZF will spotlight a member of The Foundress and her business in the online series Foundress Fridays. Learn more about The Foundress and join the community at www.foundress.co.
