Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Anna Walker, owner of Mend Mobile Health LTD, located in Langford, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
At MEND, it is our goal to make mobility and exercise rehab accessible to all! We see a wide range of clients, from competitive athletes to the elderly. For example, a Sprint Triathlete in a cycling accident to your elderly neighbour wanting to work on walking mobility around the home and garden.
Tell us about yourself
I remember one of the first things that got me started on the journey to injury rehab was the pool. When I was in grade school, I used to get out of social studies to assist a fellow classmate with Spinal Bifida. On land, she was limited by her wheelchair, but we were equals in the pool. As a grade 4 student, I don't think I knew how profound that moment would be in my career. I often still sit in a pool change room cold, soaking wet, and appreciate how far I have come.
One thing that has led me to where I am today is my determination and advocacy in my chosen profession - Kinesiology. Kinesiology is the study of human movement and its involvement with the brain and the body. I worked in corporate rehab, hospital, and community rehab for quite a while. I found it difficult to upkeep the standard of care while being stretched so thin. I was extremely underpaid for my services. There were no supports provided working under such financial, mental, and emotional stress in a healthcare system that is so dated.
The scope of practice for Kinesiologists overlaps with occupational therapy, physiotherapy, chronic disease management, mental health, and disability management. The combination of these skillsets makes us the workers ant of the rehab chain.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The thing I am most proud of and I hold as my biggest accomplishment is being able to provide my fellow MEND practitioners a fair living wage, flexibility with children/family commitments, and work-life balance. I do my best to provide them the outlets and mental health supports to my staff because I know how demanding community rehab can be.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I think one of the hardest things as a business owner is being taken seriously in an industry that is "new." Kinesiology is an intimidating word, and a lot of other health professionals are actually unaware of our scope and skillsets. Being a business owner means wearing many different hats.
I learned this the hard way and learned to be a manager, HR department, legal assistant, therapist, driver, cheerleader, admin, and accountant. Many hats mean messy hair!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My top three tips for anyone starting a business are:
Firstly, be passionate and LOUD about what you believe in!!
Secondly, do your research and be the best at what you do.
Thirdly, keep an open mindset and always continue to adapt and learn.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://mendkinesiology.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mend.mobile.health/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mendmobilehealth/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-leigh-walker-319440b7/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.