Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Keltie Cheney, owner of PhysioMatters, located in Dartmouth, NS, Canada.

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

My business is a single practitioner physiotherapy clinic that works with clients who want desire a high level of individualized treatment involving a "one on one" hands-on therapeutic care for most musculoskeletal problems. My clients are always involved with goal setting, achieving, and maintaining with my approach of "restore, strengthen, and empower." Physiotherapy should be all about the individualized treatment and focused attention to that specific client, and that is what they will always receive in my treatment room.

Tell us about yourself

I worked in a few private practices as a physiotherapist for about 17 years. I enjoyed my time working in a team environment. After my youngest child was old enough to start school, I began to have a few more available hours a week since "working motherhood" began 12 years prior. I wrestled with the thought: I have 17 years into this career-- do I want them to be the same as the next 17?" I loved my actual job -- helping people have less pain and get back to the activities they love but I also felt like I needed to challenge myself in a new, different direction. So I made a choice to work for myself. Be able to have the therapy I wanted, where I wanted, and when I wanted. It has been over two years since that decision was made, and I have never regretted it for a second.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a small business owner is being able to stay true to my values as a physiotherapist while being successful at client retention and client satisfaction. I highly value personal connection with my clients, getting to understand their issues, and helping to resolve them, even if it takes more time per patient. I am providing a helpful service to my community while providing for my family without compromising how I want to run my practice. I am grateful every day.

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

The hardest thing for me as a business owner is setting boundaries for taking time off. Booking off time in my schedule for vacation is hard because if I don't work, I don't get paid. And I have to remember that I work hard on the days I schedule so I CAN take time off with my family.

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

  1. Ask for help. But be very choosy about whom you ask for that help.
  2. Plan for the worst-case scenario but have faith in the best-case scenario.
  3. Know everything about your business, then delegate. But not in the reverse order. You are your business, so understand it inside and out before you pass it off for future needs. If you aren't on a strong foundation, you can't build up.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Running a business is not for everyone at every time of your life. Be patient, be confident, be particular, and do your due diligence. Going out on your own can be scary, but it should be more exciting than fear-inducing. Listen to your gut and know what you are getting into before you leap.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.physiomatters.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/physiomatters.ca

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.