Throughout the month of December the Alexandria SBDC will be highlighting some of our clients to get an inside scoop of what their holiday season looks like.
Name: Mara Benner
Business Name: True North Executive Coaching/Four Directions Wellness
How long have you been in business in Alexandria? 5 Years
Tell me a little about your business(es):
Four Directions Wellness:
I began Four Directions Wellness, affiliated with the GW Center for Integrative Medicine, in 2016 with a ribbon cutting ceremony in Del Ray. Through the support of our community, Four Directions Wellness has provided hundreds of Alexandrians with an array of our award-winning holistic approaches. And my associate, Catherine Miller, and I have trained Alexandrians in a Japanese relaxation technique known as Reiki. This past month, we launched the FDW Community Reiki Initiative where we are offering complimentary Reiki through various nonprofit organizations! One of our first organizations has been through a partnership with Friends of the Guesthouse. I am always so grateful to be living “my best day ever” by working here in Alexandria! Learn more at www.fourdirectionswellness.com
True North Executive Coaching:
In the post-pandemic world, I launched True North Executive Coaching – combining my corporate/nonprofit leadership expertise with my holistic mind-body-spirit wellbeing knowledge. This process happened naturally as clients were seeking to relaunch into the new reality, navigate the changes and ensure balance in life moving forward. It has been a whirlwind journey but I am so passionate about partnering with others to align for their success! Learn more and request a complimentary consult at www.truenorthexecutivecoaching.com
How did you first learn about the SBDC? When I was first starting Four Directions Wellness, several of my initial discussions with Alexandria small business owners suggested that I reach out to the Small Business Development Center. The SBDC was a wonderful resource for me as a new entrepreneur and even now as a business who has been growing. Bill and Gloria provided valuable insights, reviewed my business plan, helped with my marketing approach and have always been available for questions that arise for my growing businesses. Thank you!
Something unique you are doing this holiday season with your business(es): As we plan for a new year in 2022, we all realize that it is a new day and navigating these changes can be tricky. Whether through a holistic approach like Four Directions Wellness or to launch new 2022 career initiatives through True North Executive Coaching, I am offering complimentary consults to see how I might be able to best serve you. Visit us today to register for your personal complimentary consult.
Favorite thing about the holiday season in Alexandria: Oh! When you live and work in Alexandria, it is incredible to see how our city sparkles and shines for the holidays. It makes shopping in Old Town festive for the holiday season. But I have to admit, that one of my favorite things about the holiday season is waking up at 5 am on Thanksgiving Day to help with Del Ray’s annual Turkey Trot. I love the excitement of the families who come back every year to participate in the annual tradition. It’s as if the Del Ray Turkey Trot signals the official start to the holiday season.
Something you are thankful for: I am really thankful for the incredible support and community available in Alexandria. Along with the SBDC, we are so lucky to have business organizations such as the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, the Del Ray Business Association, the West End Business Association and others that really help our businesses through the challenges of the past year. Thank you – I was so very thankful to survive and even thrive as we enter 2022.
Favorite Alexandria business to visit during the holidays (besides your own): Tough one but I have to say that my favorite is the Del Ray Wellness District. Here is why it is so important. This is a group of talented and expert wellness providers/practitioners who work together for their clients and with and for each other. The Wellness District is offering holiday specials because we have to remember our own self care through the holidays. (And I personally use the businesses for my health and wellbeing.) How very lucky we are to have so many amazing wellness providers located on the Avenue.
Favorite holiday tradition: For me, it is the Del Ray Turkey Trot that launches the holiday season and all of the excitement!
How people can find you (website, social media – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn):
True North Executive Coaching – www.truenorthexecutivecoaching.com
Four Directions Wellness – www.fourdirectionswellness.com
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/fourdirectionswellness
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/4directionswellness/
Linked In – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-benner-b689933/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/MaraBennerFDW