“At the heart of my business is self-kindness and compassion which have guided me every step of the way.”
Erica Webb of SelfKind started her business from very humble beginnings, renting a space at her local Country Club to teach a weekly yoga class. Over the years, that small start has evolved into what her business is today — an online space for highly sensitive people to explore movement and self-care, alongside 1:1 counselling.
Erica’s idea came directly from her own lived experience as a highly sensitive person navigating self-criticism, anxiety, and burnout. “At the heart of my business is self-kindness and compassion which have guided me every step of the way.”
At SelfKind, Erica works with highly sensitive and neurodivergent people, helping them befriend themselves and their sensitivities so they can live with more ease, self-compassion, and confidence in who they are.
Erica is a registered counsellor, yoga teacher, and somatic exercise coach, and she brings a unique mind-body approach to supporting individuals navigating anxiety, overwhelm, grief, trauma, and self-discovery. She works with clients through 1:1 counselling sessions, her online membership The SelfKind Hub, and her signature eight-week program SOMA:HOME.
Erica loves the autonomy of running her own business. As a sensitive and neurodivergent woman, she found a traditional workplace difficult to navigate. Working from home gives her the freedom to design her own schedule and plan ‘extroverted’ tasks to match her energy. “I love being able to create a business that is deeply aligned with my own values and focused on the people I’m best suited to support.”
“As a solopreneur, I work by myself all the time. Knowing there’s a network of women who get it, and who are building amazing businesses, is the best.”
Beyond her counselling and programs, Erica is the co-founder of High Sensitivity Australia, host of the long-running SelfKind podcast, and co-host of the Midlife Unfiltered podcast, with fellow HerBusiness member Anita McLachlan of Sequins and Sand.
Erica has been a valued member of HerBusiness for more than six years. During that time, she has contributed in many ways — as a guest on the HerBusiness Podcast, a Think Tank speaker, a participant in the Mastermind Experience program, a panelist at live events, and a Masterclass presenter.
Why did you start your business and what gave you the idea?
My business started from very humble beginnings, renting a space at the local Country Club to teach a weekly yoga class. Over the years, that business has evolved to become what it is today – an online space for Highly Sensitive People to explore movement and self care, as well as 1-1 counselling. The idea really came from my own lived experience as a highly sensitive person experiencing self-criticism, anxiety and burnout. At the heart of my business is self-kindness and compassion which have guided me every step of the way.
What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
I love the autonomy of running my own business. As a sensitive and neurodivergent woman, a traditional workplace was really tricky for me to navigate. I love working from home, dictating my own schedule and being able to plan ‘extroverted’ tasks to match my energy. I love being able to create a business that is deeply aligned with my own values and focused on the people I’m best suited to support.
What three pieces of advice do you wish you’d been given when you started?
- Understand your values. I think it would have been a game-changer to start with a solid understanding of my values and how they relate to running and showing up in my business.
- Plan for the long-term with appropriate systems. I have a tendency to see only what’s right in front of my face! Which can make longer-term planning tricky. If someone had guided me early on to develop appropriate systems for planning? It would have saved me a lot of time and stress.
- Your way is okay AND support and coaching can help. I’ve always seen and done things a little differently, which has led me to question if they are ‘right’. I would have loved someone to remind me, early on, that different doesn’t mean it can’t work!
What advice would YOU give someone thinking about starting a business?
Be clear on your why, your boundaries and your values. It’s so easy to create something that is all-consuming! Put systems in place at the beginning (I’m still chasing my tail on this!) and seek support from mentors and peers who share similar values.
What skills and knowledge areas would you recommend those starting out in business get acquainted with quickly?
Failing and getting back up again. Self-compassion is an invaluable tool for the entrepreneur. Learn it early, practice is often, and surround yourself with people who will remind you of it, too.
What does your IDEAL business look like? Even if you’re not there yet, what would it look like if your business was ideal?
My ideal business looks a lot like it is right now, but with more solid systems and more effective marketing strategies. I love being a solopreneur but my ideal business involves a very small team – perhaps just one other person – who can help round me out with the strengths that I don’t possess!
Key to my ideal business is being able to take my kids to school and pick them up, have the flexibility to attend appointments and professional/personal development (as well as my weekly rollerskating class!) and the stability to take frequent leave for travel with my family.
What problem does being a Member of the HerBusiness Network solve for you and your business? And, how?
Community. As a solopreneur, I work by myself all the time. Knowing there’s a network of women who get it and are building amazing businesses is the best.
Learn more about Erica and SelfKind.
