We are delighted to introduce you to one of our Women’s Business School graduates Jo Stevens, founder of The Zen Zone.
When did you start your business?
I started my business in 2018.
What was the inspiration behind starting this business?
Mental Health, my husband was diagnosed with PTSD in 2014 and his diagnosis not only effected him but our whole family. And it was through that journey that I realised the importance to taking care of your own mental health to support those you care about.
What are you most excited about in your business?
Being awarded 3rd place in the AusMumpreneur awards was so exciting!! I was also very proud to support Veterans and their partners through my mindfulness programs.
What has been the most challenging thing about starting your business?
My self belief, thinking that I don’t know enough. It has definitely been the most challenging.
What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a business?
If you want to start a business, make sure it is something that you are passionate about. You have to be willing to get up and move forward everyday to fulfil your dream and if you are not 100% passionate it will not work.
Why did you choose to do the Women’s Business School Programs?
As a new business I was unsure of what I needed to do to move my business forward. I had the passion, but I had no idea of where or what I had to do to make it a successful business.
What did you enjoy the most about being part of the program?
The weekly power calls were fantastic, being able to talk about our fears and goals and to have someone in my corner was incredible.
What surprised you most about the program?
The friendships and connections that I made, I thought because it was online it was going to be difficult, but I connected with some wonderful ladies and still able to reach out for support.
Which module was the most helpful and why?
I have to say it was Finances, I was actually doing my accounting on a spreadsheet! My accountant is so proud of me for actually having a proper system.
How did the program help you in your business?
Doing the Women’s Business School gave me the strength to move forward. We started when Covid hit and at the time I thought my business was over. As a service business, I was face to face with people, but now I have created 2 online programs and I truly have to say it was because the program gave me the strength to believe in myself again.
What has been the best thing about starting your own business?
The best thing is being able to help people, I love to be around people and seeing the joy, the relief, the reflection that they get from doing one of my mindfulness programs. It brings so much joy to my life.
Would you recommend the Women’s Business School to other women starting a business? Why?
I would definitely recommend the business school, the support system, the connections. It is so worth it, and I loved every minute of it!
What’s happening next in your business?
I am about to launch an online program that teaches Five Foundational Mindfulness Exercises to support mental wellbeing. This course will provide Carers/ Mental Health First Aide/ Teachers with a quick and effective Mindfulness Tool to help people reset if they are feeling stressed or as a great tool to clear the mind when it is overloaded.
What are your big plans for the future?
For The Zen Zone to be known as the business to contact to provide Mindfulness Tools to support their Business/Team/Family. My goal is to provide quick and effective Mindfulness Tools to support mental wellbeing, to bring an awareness of how important it is to take care of our mental health.
To learn more about Jo Stevens and The Zen Zone, please visit the website, LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram.
Applications for the award-winning Women’s Business School Accelerator program are now open!
Follow the link to apply today: https://womensbusinessschool.lpages.co/wbs/