Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Jenelle Sandy, Owner of Tahoe Family Hearing Clinic, located in South Lake Tahoe, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Tahoe Family Hearing Clinic is just as the name states. We are an audiology practice serving all ages, from newborns to the elderly, to bring hearing health access and awareness to our small mountain community. We believe that all people should have equitable access to preventative and therapeutic services related to hearing health. Knowing that many patients had to travel a minimum of 1.5 hours for access to a skilled hearing professional was the fuel we needed to move forward with opening our own practice in town for improved access to specialty care. We offer hearing protection, diagnostic testing, speech perception testing and hearing aid, bone conduction, and cochlear implant services for all ages.
Tell us about yourself
I have always loved working with people and children. From a young age, I was babysitting and volunteering, seeking connection with people in my community. I have also always loved nature. I grew up in nature, playing in the woods and splashing in the ocean. Both being outdoors and connecting with others feed my soul, unlike anything else. I spent the majority of my professional career working in a pediatric specialty hospital. I embraced the challenges, successes, and continual education to be the best audiologist I could be. What was missing was the outdoors.
When I moved to South Lake Tahoe a few years ago, I gave up a big part of myself as a pediatric cochlear implant audiologist in search of the other side of myself, the side that felt whole when in nature. As I settled in and grounded myself in my new environment, I then began to long for my practice again, to be face-to-face with patients and to continually learn about the latest and greatest technologies for hearing health. That drive led me down the road to opening a private practice, Tahoe Family Hearing Clinic. It is no small feat, opening a medical practice, but it was possible because I knew I wasn't done sharing my knowledge and expertise with patients and families. That's what motivates me to keep moving forward and growing. It is both humbling and uplifting to be able to give back to my community, and I am thrilled with the practice thus far!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
For the past few months and years, I have been hyper-focused on the ins and outs of being able to run a successful medical practice. It's easy to get lost in the details, but when I take a step back and realize what's in front of me, my biggest accomplishment is staying true to my vision. I have been able to help people meet their full potential while also realizing my own. I have sought balance in my life so that I can be present for myself and my family. With that, I am able to commit more to my patients.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The pressure of success. Now that we have successfully opened the practice, I now worry about its long-term success. I put a lot into the brand and hope that we continue to thrive in town for years to come!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have a support system, whether that be a partner to bounce ideas off of or an advisory board of sorts. Be sure you have people on your side who have your best interests at heart.
- Follow your heart! It is easy to get wrapped up in the details and lose sight of your vision, so remember why you started in the first place.
- Don't lose sight of the joy it brings you. If you're not happy, consider what may be missing to bring that spark back to your passion.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.tahoefamilyhearing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087052120567
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tahoefamilyhearing/
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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