Denise Alba: Founder of Brave Wellness Studio, Redefining Mental Health Through Holistic Healing

Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business

Born to immigrant parents from Mexico, I am a licensed psychotherapist turned entrepreneur from San Diego, CA. I am the proud founder of Brave Wellness Studio, the first mental health wellness studio in San Diego, offering holistic psychotherapy, daily yoga classes, community circles, retreats and the first mental health yoga school, all under one roof! I found such healing from my own anxiety struggles through therapy and yoga and wanted to open a space where people could do the same with the support of community.

Who are your customers?

Anyone who want to foster holistic mental and physical well being and make positive but tough changes in their life.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

Prior to opening Brave, I was a full time Psychotherapist at a local Children's Hospital. I worked with teens and families who struggled with Depression, Anxiety and Suicidal Ideation find ways to take control of their mental health symptoms.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

I saw first hand how people were stuck in this "sick cycle." Patients would return for treatment about a year or so later. While we were providing some skills to better their mental health, there was a component missing, the physical! I knew that I had to take the leap in order to provide a space for healing of the whole person. Unfortunately, our system is broken and I was unable to practice therapy in this way in the space that I was in. I made the decision to take the risk in order to provide the physical offering for mental health care in a place that was supportive and built community.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

I had zero thought or desire to become an entrepreneur. I had no idea that I could do this! When I realized I had to do this in order to reach and help more people, it was just automatically switched on. I honestly think it was there all along, just needed to be nourished and paid attention to.

What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way so far and what have you learned from it?

The biggest challenge was to build myself into an entrepreneur. I had no idea how to do that. I just wanted to help people and let me tell you, business woman 101 is not taught in grad school! I had to learn (and continue to daily), how to be a business women and to add to that, how to be a Latina business women! I had to find ways to take up space (all 4 foot 11 inches of me) in a room full of men. I had to learn how to make decisions to make a business successful so that we could reach more people. I learned that this path requires a community of like minded people to help you thrive. I joined communities like Entreprenista, got myself a business coach and opened myself up to a bigger network.

What accomplishment are the most proud of to date in your business?

To date, I am most proud of our "Brave School of Yoga," which launched last year as the first school of yoga with an emphasis on mental health. We teach aspiring yoga instructors a mental health approach to teaching yoga. This is not only a trauma informed school, but also offers a unique experience to teacher trainings, weaving in the importance of mental health in each training.

What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

In the next few years you can expect us reaching more brave souls. We want to be accessible to more people whether that is virtually or physically. Keep a look out ;)

What is your top productivity tip? 

Routine! I have found that I am most productive in my day when I stick to my morning routine. For me that looks like quiet time to read something fun, have a cup of coffee and get my workout out of the way first thing in the morning. This routine helps tame my anxiety, keep me focused through out the day and be able to tackle whatever comes my way that day. 

On the flip side, how do you avoid burnout?

Unplug and check in! I have "sacred days," in which I do not check my email, focus on being present with my family and nourish my inner child. I find that having a day or two of this a week helps avoid burn out.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

You cannot do this alone. At the beginning I was in the mentality that I needed to just grind and not ask for help. Now, I realize it takes a village of like minded women to help inspire and support each other to thrive. I love connecting with women who are on this journey.

What is your favorite business tool or solution and why?

Honestly, Canva. Call me old school, but this has been the best tool to get my creative juices going.

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

Find your why. Why are you doing this work, make that your mantra and find a supportive community to be part of this journey with.

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