I had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Tasha Holland-Kornegay to discuss her newest project, the well-tech brand, WellnessIRL.com. This platform serves healthcare workers and those on the front line. Below, she shares her entrepreneurial journey and how she is helping our healthcare workers prevent burnout.
What is it like being a tech entrepreneur serving the healthcare industry?
It’s been really interesting for me. Since I don't come from a tech background, I’ve had to teach myself a lot. After spending so long in the healthcare industry, it’s nice to face new learning curves and take myself out of my comfort zone.
How did you come up with the name for your company?
“WIRL” (Wellness In Real Life) works on a few different levels for me. On one hand, I started WIRL after pulling myself out of a really challenging burnout episode. Once I made the necessary lifestyle changes to feel better, I was inspired to help my colleagues do the same. That’s when WIRL came into play — I wanted to make a platform that would give them actionable ways to feel better. On another note, a lot of other wellness programs have a lot of interesting things to say, but their messages aren’t always translatable into the lives of users. Because WIRL targets a niche I know so well, it can really promote “real life” wellness.
How do you build a successful customer base?
I’m a strong believer in social media. I’ve been able to connect with a lot of like-minded people by posting about things that matter to me, like burnout and work-life balance. Over time, I’ve been able to generate a lot of interest in WIRL just through my social media activity.
How many hours a day do you work on average?
Typically eight hours a day.
Can you describe/outline your typical day?
Yes, my days are always different.
Mornings--Responding to emails and calls
Morning Break--Grab my headphones (listening to relaxing music)
Afternoon--Reading anything tech
Lunch--Vegan dish
Mid Afternoon--Meetings
15 Mini Break--Mediation
End of Day- Prioritizing worklist for next day
How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
Of course, it keeps me really busy. However, I’ve been blessed with a supportive and understanding family. They know how much my work means to me, but more than anything, they know that they’ll always come first.
What motivates you?
When I think about WIRL, I just imagine what it would have been like if there was a program to bring me out of my burnout episode. It could have saved me a lot of worries and put me on a happier, healthier track. I want to be that person for my colleagues.
How do you generate new ideas?
I’m at my most creative when I’m calm or in the “flow” of things. Sometimes that means relaxing in my sunroom when an idea hits me, other times it’s going for an afternoon jog, encouraging myself to solve a business problem in my mind before I get back home.
What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?
I’m always worried that I’m going to burn myself out again, but I’ve managed to implement so many great wellness techniques into my life that I don’t worry about that as much as I used to. I think the most important thing you can do is just make sure you only give yourself a reasonable (and possible) workload every day, and plan in plenty of time to relax and do something fulfilling. That keeps the nerves at bay, and over time, you can get a lot done.
What are your ideals?
The ideals behind most of my projects and WIRL are simple: promoting wellness is the path to happier personal lives and more fulfilling professional lives. If we start there, it has a ripple effect that can change lives for the better.
How do you define success?
Being fulfilled. More than anything, I’m proud of WIRL for the good it will do for my colleagues. That’s enough for me.
Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
I don’t believe there’s a formula for successful ideas, but I do believe there’s a formula for successful people. What it consists of depends on the person, but it’s always going to be some ratio of work, life, satisfaction, passion, and curiosity. Bringing these into a personalized balance — and keeping that balance as long as possible — will keep you at your best.
What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
I like exploring new ideas and teaming up with new people I may not have met otherwise. It’s a refreshing way of life that keeps me energized and excited for the next day!
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
As a business owner and mental health professional, I can tell you that one of the most gratifying experiences you can have is knowing that you’ve created a business that directly improves lives. Whether I’m working at my healthcare practice or WIRL, it means the world to me.
