Small Business Spotlight: Mindful is the New Skinny

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

• Business: Mindful is the New Skinny
• Owners: Jodi Baretz, LCSW, CHHC
• Website: www.mindfulisthenewskinny.com
• Address: 153 East Main St. Mt. Kisco, NY 10546

How did you come up with the name of your programs?
As a therapist and holistic health coach, clients were coming to me with chronic stress and anxiety or trying to lose weight after many failed attempts. What they were missing was nourishment from the inside out. Mindfulness is a great way to calm the chaos in our minds and transform our relationships with our kids, spouses, bodies and ourselves.

Why start a business in this town?
I chose to join The Center for Health and Healing which is located in Mt. Kisco. It is a place for holistic studies and holistic health, and I am grateful to be a part of this community of talented practitioners.

Briefly, what business are you in?
I am a psychotherapist and a holistic health coach with a private practice located at The Center for Health and Healing. In addition, I run a Mindfulness Bootcamp for groups and speak at different venues on the topic such as schools, PTA’s, and corporate settings.

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?
People have ingrained beliefs about mindfulness and meditation and it is challenging to get them past the spiritual stereotypes. There is nothing religious or new age about it. Meditation is simply an exercise to train your brain to become more mindful and to stay in the present moment. Our minds tend to wander to the past and future, and staying in the present allows us enjoy what is happening in the moment without the constant thinking and judgment.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

I am excited when I am asked to speak for groups and share my passion. Teaching people mindfulness techniques and a different way to see their stress gives me such pleasure and never feels like “work.”

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?
I have done several talks for non-profit organizations and schools, and write for local magazines.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@patch.com.