We had the good fortune of connecting with Rebecca Mokuolu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rebecca, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
Failure is relative. If you simply view failure as a way to get you from one point to another in your story, you will be resilient in your business journey. Since embarking on my journey with OT by the Sea, I have constantly been reminded that this mindset will truly propel you forward. There have been plenty of ways that I’ve had to pivot on this entrepreneurial journey running an occupational therapy practice in a new city. I can label many experiences so far as “failures,” OR I can view it all as part of an experiment. Trial and error. When you are able to remove yourself from a rejection/failure mindset, you can simply take the next best step forward, knowing that each part of this process has a role to play. These failures can then become a stack of valuable lessons in your toolbox instead of pain or defeat. You get to decide how you want to frame your mindset.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We are OT by the Sea, a holistic occupational therapy practice that serves clients across the lifespan in natural environments (home, beach, park, community). At OT by the Sea, we are in the business of empowerment. OT can be so many things…it’s helping a mother find confidence again postpartum via a wellness plan and education for her infant’s developmental milestones, supporting a child build their confidence in a novel task, facilitating a baby meeting their developmental milestones, teaching a child how to ride a bike, preparing a young adult for an interview, helping someone with recent stroke navigate their home or reintegrate into their career, teaching a young child mindfulness and regulation strategies, helping someone with low vision navigate a grocery store, completing a home safety assessment for an elderly loved one…the list goes on! We love being able to work with other providers and businesses in the community who are also a part of our client’s everyday lives.

OT by the Sea is set apart by serving our clients in their natural environments and outdoors when we can. I have found for myself the power of healing in nature and a comfortable space, and wanted to implement this into all that we do at OT by the Sea. I realized after working in the hospital for so long that there are SO many ways to utilize OT outside of the traditional model. This way, we get to be conduits of our client’s independence AND confidence in the most natural setting that works for them and their families. We offer concierge in-home and community OT services, as well as many group offerings- from Baby & Me groups, to Summer Camps, Job Skills Training Programs, and more.

As the leader of OT by the Sea, I am passionate about building a platform of specialized therapists and supporting them as they go out and serve families across the lifespan around LA and beyond while simultaneously supporting our families through individualized services, group therapy, camps, and retreats. I have spent time coaching other therapists on their business journey which has been greatly rewarding and a way to give back to this profession and others who are dedicated to do more and see more for our community.

If a road like this was easy, everyone would do it. believe every twist and turn of this journey has been an irreplaceable part of the process. You learn more about the business, yourself, other people, the city, the needs of your market, and so much more. Through my faith, I am reminded that this calling is far bigger than myself and that if I focus on taking one small step that moves the business forward each day, then the momentum continues. Building a business can often feel lonely- I felt that way for a good bit of the year. I have since joined some amazing communities that I feel supported by and it truly makes all the difference. We are not meant to run this race alone!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Living in Santa Monica is the best because you can literally be on a hike overlooking the city, and 15 minutes later you can be on a surf board or in the sand. It’s truly the best. My usual guest itinerary includes a yoga class, a walk down the California Incline and then back up the Montana Ave Stairs to head down the road for some coffee. We might take a road trip to Malibu or Ojai for a hike and lunch because that drive is just breathtaking. I’m not one to sit in LA traffic just to eat, so I’ve really found my favorite spots in walking or biking distance between Santa Monica and Venice. A new local favorite these days is Sogno Tuscano off Montana Ave for a pastry and coffee or dinner and live music. Also a big fan of Cassia, Calabra, and Tar & Roses for dinner. There will probably also be a sunset drink at Elephante and a Sidecar donut involved at some point in the weekend. When you live near the beach, you don’t have to plan much but being outside!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people that have had a role in where I am today. My family, many professors, patients and clients, students, authors, friends, mentors, the list goes on. Even people who may have had a transient role in my life and would not even remember the one liner they said in passing that somehow still sticks with me today. Yet today, I’d like to recognize my husband. This sounds cliche, however I believe there was a divine reason we were brought together beyond our own love story. My husband is quite the opposite of me in every way- a risk taker and a dreamer, confident and a bold leader, ruthless and determined. Through his prayers, support, and encouragement in my life and my business journey, I have begun to believe in myself more and grow in confidence as a leader and as a business woman, something I never thought I could be. The boldness to start a business in a new city was truly spurred on by having a wonderful man who has given me space to build a business, guidance and unwavering support.

Website: www.myotbythesea.com

Instagram: otbythesea_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089039156295

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