Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nicole Laird, owner of Hays County Physical Therapy and Wellness, located in San Marcos, TX, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We are a women's health-focused physical therapy and fitness company. We help women dealing with bladder issues, pelvic pain, pregnancy, and postpartum issues and help women navigate all the changes our bodies go through in order to confidently return and continue the activities they love to do. We offer physical therapy specialized for women's health concerns in addition to our fitness and wellness classes and one on one sessions both in person and virtually.

Tell us about yourself

I have been a physical therapist for about ten years now, and after having my first son knew that something needed to change. Starting back in the gym after my six-week "all clear" from my doctor, I very quickly realized that the lack of support, guidance, and mix of information out there regarding postpartum recovery and women's health issues was astounding. I knew as a physical therapist that I could change that one person at a time and help women avoid the mistakes that I made during my recovery and avoid injury and pain along the way. I shifted my focus of practice to support women and never looked back. In 2019 I started my physical therapy practice part-time and had never looked back. It is such a joy to help women go from, "I am scared to do that 5K or lift the weight or chase after my kids because I might do something wrong." to "I just ran 6 miles no problem, chased my kids, and hit a personal best on my weight lifting." My goal is to continue to help and serve as many women as possible so they can find that confidence in themselves again.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is growing from a part-time solo practitioner, jumping in full-time in January of 2020, surviving and thriving through 2020 and 2021. Now, we are a core team of 5 with many more fitness instructors, and we've moved into a larger facility so we can continue to thrive, grow, and serve. The fact that we continue to help women despite the past two years is huge!

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

As a female business owner, mom, wife, friend, etc., the elusive balance of career and family/relationships seems like the most challenging part. I feel the pull daily to be in my practice, serving my team and my clients, but also being there for my family. Setting boundaries has been a priority so that I can continue to take care of my personal mental, physical, and emotional health while I take care of others as well.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Find mentors who align with your vision.
  2. Don't be afraid to start; just take that leap, yes, it's scary, but it is so worth it.
  3. Don't forget to celebrate the small wins along the way and take time for yourself.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I want women to know that the things that you might be nervous to talk about or have been told are "normal" after childbirth (pain with physical intimacy, bladder leaking with laughing, coughing, sneezing, jumping, etc., and heaviness or pain in the pelvis) do not have to be your normal. There is help and support for you to end these issues. That's what our practice is here for, and we'd love to help spread the word that you don't have to just deal with it.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://hayscountypt.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hayscountypt
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayscountypt/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hayscountypt
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hayscountypt/

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.