Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tova Marin, Owner of Blue Sky Wellness Studio, located in Portland, OR, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Blue Sky Wellness Studio is a multidisciplinary clinic offering acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, and naturopathic services. We serve the local community, and our patients range from infants to adults, those seeking general wellness, many with chronic or acute pain, and people who've experienced workplace or motor vehicle accidents.
Tell us about yourself
I am a native New Yorker who, at the time, was looking to set out west for greener pastures. My experience was in solo practice only, but I was introduced to someone looking to sell a clinic in Portland, OR. It was well outside my wheelhouse but sounded interesting, and I jumped at the opportunity.
I was originally introduced to acupuncture while seeking treatment over a decade ago. The acupuncturist became somewhat of a mentor to me and encouraged me to pursue a degree in Chinese Medicine. Part of what inspired me was the level of commitment and care the practitioner had for my health. That commitment is pretty consistent across my field, but it was not something with which I had experience up until that point. As a practitioner, the connection and ability to help people navigate through their health challenges is incredibly humbling. I also love running the practice and feel like I have the best of both worlds - patient care and practice management.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is overseeing the level of growth we've had over the past several years, both in volume and the scope of services we offer. One of our core values is the emphasis on patient care that goes above and beyond, and that is something that is palpable to anyone seeking services. I'm proud of the level of community involvement we share, as well as our ability to provide services to those in need.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about owning a business is the responsibility and time commitment. The hours required to develop and maintain success goes beyond anything that I could have anticipated. It's challenging to find a good work/life balance when work requires so much all the time, but it's essential in avoiding burnout and preserving creativity.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Creating, developing, and running a business is hard work. There will be plenty of people who tell you that you can't do something. Those people bring you down. Surround yourself with positive people who believe in you and have your back.
- Recognize and appreciate your strengths as well as your weaknesses. For areas where you are lacking in skills, delegate those tasks to someone who does them well. And in general, delegating tasks is essential to growing a business.
- Know that there will be ups and downs. It's easy to keep your spirits up when a business is thriving, but all businesses have busy and slow periods. Prepare for those slow and low times - know that it doesn't last forever, to actually anticipate and have a plan in place to weather them.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.blueskyportland.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueSkyPortland/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blue_sky_portland/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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