Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Trudy Parolin, Founder of A Touch of Energy, located in Mississauga, ON, Canada.

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

My business is focused on overall wellness that encompasses the mind, body, and soul connection. When the energetic body is disrupted by stresses, be it from outside sources or internal, that stress will eventually manifest in the physical being. The mental, emotional, and spiritual elements of who we are, compose our physical being. Encompassing all these elements, I find it very beneficial to my patients, who range anywhere from infants to the elderly!

Stress is the leading cause of more than 75% of all sicknesses and diseases. When working with my patients, we work together to determine the best course of action and start from there. Working with the energetic body, the zones and meridians, the lymphatic system, and the soft joints and tissues, including the muscles of the body, treatments are geared toward the person's individual needs. So essentially, each treatment is customized especially for them to provide the best outcome.

My customers have referred to me as an intuitive bodyworker, and to me, that is a title that I hold with high regard! Listening to the body is key in health care. More times than not, it’s not the presenting discomfort that is the issue. “Our bodies communicate to us clearly and specifically, if we are willing to listen.” (Quoted from Shakti Gawain)

Tell us about yourself

As someone who used to be a runner, I noted that I started gaining weight running long distances, so instead of changing what I was doing, I would run longer and harder… and continue to gain weight. I mean, who gains weight running!?! I found a holistic nutritionist in Mississauga whose husband was an elite runner, so I figured, “if anyone knows how to fuel a runner’s body, it will be this lady,” and so the appointment was made. We tried different diets, which I followed to a tee, and still no results. When a person says, “you’re an enigma” when you are looking for help, it’s a little deflating, but I was not giving up.

The nutritionist asked me if I had ever heard of Reiki and if I would be willing to try it. Of course, at the time, I had NO clue what it was, and when she explained to me what it was, I had to stop myself from laughing and thought to myself, “not a chance, lady, what are you trying to sucker me in for!? How much is this nonsense going to cost me? Not a chance”! However, out of my mouth came, “I’ll try it.” Being a person who is true to their word, I showed up for this appointment I didn’t want to go to, and well, I made a second appointment thinking it was a one time. It wasn’t, and that was the onset of my journey. I learned the modality and techniques of Reiki and proceeded to go on to become a Master and Teacher of the Usui method of Reiki.

My results in helping people were really quite surprising (even for me), and when I had one lady come in for a treatment, it changed everything. This lady came to me with deep issues that we discovered and started to work on - very effectively, at that. The only problem was Reiki was not covered by her benefit provider, and she had to stop her treatments (but kept the benefits of the treatments) - so I knew I had to do something that would help my people and back to school I went to become a certified foot Reflexologist. Only to find out that reflexology is not covered by benefit providers either! Unless you have a delegation. So, back to school I went again!

I had a hard time deciphering if it was physiotherapy or massage therapy, but physio just didn’t resonate with me, so massage school it was. Not as simple as it sounds! That course is no joke! From there, I went on to be registered and certified as a lymphatic care practitioner with decongestive therapy training. Not many people know about the lymphatic system and its importance to our existence! Think immune system!! All these modalities have helped me on so many levels, to help those who come to me, and I am truly, truly grateful for each and every one of them. I love what I do - I care about what I do, and I care about the people I treat. I put my best into each and every treatment, and apparently, my love and care for what I do resonate with my patients. Again, I am very, very grateful & blessed.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Honestly, it’s the word-of-mouth referrals. If I can play the smallest part in making someone’s life a little more enjoyable, pain-free, relaxed, and stress-free, and they share this with someone else, that’s the greatest accomplishment. It lets other people know that there really are people out there who care.

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

Self-care! I’m sure you’ve seen this time over time again - self-care, hands down, is the greatest struggle. When you are taking care of others, it’s so easy to exclude yourself from the equation, as your focus is on helping your patients and your family, doing research, and taking classes to further enhance your patients’ experiences with you; it is super, super easy to leave yourself out. We tend to view self-care as selfish because so many people rely on us, but if you’re not taking care of yourself, you really can’t be of service to others. Self-care is the furthest from selfishness - it’s imperative! You can’t pour from your cup if it has nothing left to pour. I still struggle with this - and after injuring myself by not including myself in a regular self-care schedule, I’ve learned really fast that I matter too and that I NEED to put ME first so that I can continue to help others.

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

  1. Patience! Building a business is time-consuming, expensive, overwhelming, and downright scary, but don’t give up! You just need to have patience.
  2. Put yourself out there! Find functions - trade shows - donate time, and just put yourself out there - at some time, somewhere, someone is going to remember seeing your name!
  3. Put thought into your business name - it is an extension of who you are, not just what you do - and never make your end goal all about the money - sure, you need to get paid for your time and work, but anyone can make money. People will spend their money on quality services. If you’re reflecting a goal of finances, then your service will broadcast that. If you’re reflecting a goal from a place of true care, I guarantee you your service will scream it, and people will hear it!!!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://atouchofenergy.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atouchofenergy.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_touch_of_energy/

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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