Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Allana Alexander, Founder of A2 Pharmacy Solutions, located in Birmingham, AL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
A² Pharmacy Solutions is a new pharmacy-based clinic in Birmingham, Alabama. The practice model essentially flips traditional retail pharmacy on its head. We primarily provide clinical services (I.e., disease state education and management, COVID-19 testing, immunization, travel vaccines, wellness screenings, diabetes prevention, and education, etc.), and prescription dispensing is an additional service. Before the popularization of the automobile and the physician office practice model, pharmacists were integral in providing healthcare services to the community. While the physicians of yesteryear made house calls, pharmacists evaluated and treated patients in their absence. Pharmacists have always been the most accessible and frequently visited healthcare providers. Even today, 90% of Americans live within 5 miles of a community pharmacy. Patients can speak to us via phone or at the pharmacy counter without an appointment. I started A² Pharmacy Solutions with the goal of returning to the roots of pharmacy practice while further expanding pharmacist accessibility. Pharmacists do more than count pills, and that's why A² Pharmacy Solutions puts clinical services at the forefront instead of dispensing.
Tell us about yourself
While educating on disease state management in my community and at healthcare conferences, I identified a need once I began receiving requests to educate one-on-one and at private events. When I decided to make services more comprehensive, it was clear that a brick-and-mortar would be best. I am a small-town girl and know what it's like to have limited access to quality healthcare services. Being able to bridge that gap for others is my daily motivation.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Expanding access to quality healthcare services in rural areas.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Taking the road less traveled. This is also one of the most rewarding parts of being a business owner! It brings so many opportunities for personal and professional growth.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Document your journey from inception to completion. You may be the blueprint for someone else.
- Extend yourself grace to make mistakes.
- Don't go it alone. Network, network, network!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Entrepreneurship is hard. If it were easy, everyone would do it. It's hard, but it is worth it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://a2pharmacysolutions.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/a2pharmacysolutions
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a2pharmacysolutions/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doctorlany/
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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