KCED's Elevate Podcast: Featuring Jessica Hansen of Willmar Hypnosis
Host: Michelle Marotzke, Kandiyohi County Economic Development & Elevate Community Business Academy
Guest: Jessica Hansen, Owner of Willmar Hypnosis, Spring 2022 Elevate Graduate
Introduction
Michelle introduces Elevate, a program designed to help entrepreneurs enhance their business knowledge.
Elevate is supported by the Southwest Initiative Foundation, Minnesota's Department of Employment and Economic Development, and Rising Tide Capital.
Today’s guest is Jessica Hansen, owner of Willmar Hypnosis, a 2022 graduate of Elevate CBA.
Jessica’s Business Journey
Jessica has always been an entrepreneur, running several small businesses before starting Willmar Hypnosis.
She had already established an LLC before joining Elevate but knew she could improve her business operations.
She discusses how hypnosis is often misunderstood and how she uses it for personal transformation rather than entertainment.
The Work of Willmar Hypnosis
Hypnosis is a natural life skill often dismissed due to misconceptions.
Jessica does not focus on entertainment hypnosis but rather on helping clients with behavioral changes.
Common reasons clients seek her services include smoking cessation, weight loss, overcoming fears and phobias, and confidence building.
Medical hypnosis is another area of focus, particularly for pain management and reducing medication dependency.
She also helps people navigate life transitions, such as retirement or career changes.
Michelle’s Personal Experience with Hypnosis
Michelle shares her experience of being hypnotized by Jessica and her students.
She discusses how hypnosis has helped her make small behavioral changes and reflects on a vivid time-traveling session.
Jessica’s Path to Teaching Hypnosis
Jessica became a certified hypnosis instructor after her own instructor retired.
She worked with the International Association of Counselors and Therapists to rewrite their training manual.
Becoming a certified school in Minnesota was a rigorous process, as private schools are held to the same standards as public institutions.
Her goal is to provide her students with business skills, which led her to Elevate.
The Role of Hypnosis in Other Professions
Hypnosis can be integrated into medical professions such as nursing and dentistry to help patients manage fear and stress.
Many healthcare professionals have used hypnosis to avoid burnout and improve patient interactions.
Impact of Elevate on Jessica’s Business
Jessica credits Elevate for expanding her business knowledge, especially regarding structuring her business and considering future growth.
The program helped her realize the importance of self-care as a single-member LLC since she is the core of her business.
Networking has been beneficial, though her smaller class size limited ongoing interactions.
She continues to revisit Elevate materials to refine her business strategy.
Future of Elevate & Business Assistance Services
Michelle announces a new business assistance program launching in early 2025, designed to help Elevate graduates deepen their skills in marketing, bookkeeping, and business expansion.
Jessica expresses interest in continuing education opportunities through the program.
How to Contact Jessica
Website: WillmarHypnosis.com
Location: MinnWest Technology Campus, Willmar, MN
Services: Private hypnosis sessions and hypnosis training courses
Conclusion
Michelle thanks Jessica for being part of the Willmar business community and for sharing her journey.
Listeners are encouraged to check out future Elevate podcasts on Apple, Spotify, and the KCED website (kandiyohi.com).
