Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Nicole (Nikki) Arguinzoni-Gil, Owner of Aloha Naturopathic Healthcare, located in Tarzana, CA, USA.

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

My business is Aloha Naturopathic Healthcare, I am a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, and I service all those who have health goals that they want to achieve through the use of natural modalities (like herbs, supplements, diet, ozone, etc.) and a holistic, individualized approach to care.

Tell us about yourself

There are several reasons that I got into the business I did. As a young kid, I saw many family members lose their lives to illnesses that we had no clue how to treat, and watching them suffer left quite a mark on me. I also had some personal health issues that I had to navigate on my own early on in my life. Trying to understand why things happened to my family or why they were happening to me was challenging, but trying to figure out how to treat these conditions or reduce suffering without causing any further damage was always the million-dollar question.

Beyond the physical aspects of what I saw and experienced, I also learned about how powerful the journey in healing is where the physical is just one small piece of a total healing picture. The spiritual, mental, and emotional make up of individuals varies from person to person and needs to be honored when supporting them on their healing journey. Some of us get this support, but unfortunately, most of us don't. In walking my personal healing journey, I recognized how incredibly important this was to incorporate into care.

Once I realized how impactful this could be, I moved forward with going to Naturopathic Medical School and went on to open my own business. I also felt that as a minority woman, it was a great opportunity to do something meaningful and do it in such a way that it inspires others to pursue their dreams and live their best selves. On a daily, I am blessed with the opportunity to meet people from all over the world who are looking for solutions regarding their health. These people share their personal stories with me and trust me to listen and figure out ways to not only get them better but to thrive in their lives. From where I am sitting, that is a huge honor, and that most definitely keeps me both motivated and inspired all the time.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I would say that my biggest accomplishment as a business owner would be having amazing growth through quality of care. The fact that my business has grown quickly and continues to see growth, I think, speaks volumes about the genuine level of care and commitment that our patients receive. It's the foundation on which this business was built and the foundation on which my business thrives.

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

One of the hardest things about being a business owner is prioritizing your time in a way that keeps yourself healthy. In a business like mine, you give a lot of yourself with your time and energy, and you also do the same in your family life. Thus, finding space to do self-care is often a challenge but is very necessary to keep yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually sound.

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

  1. Never let fear be a factor. There will always be obstacles, but if you want to make your dream a reality, you have to "believe" in yourself and your purpose, which will help you manifest your vision and overcome challenges.
  2. Be good to others. Remember that no one can get to the top by themselves. We all need support in one form or another. Whether it's an employee or your family members, you can't make your dream a reality without them. You may be great in your own right, but these people truly help lift you up and make you exceptional! Remember to be humble and kind and practice respect and gratitude for those who support you in making your vision a reality.
  3. Be adaptable and open to change. Without change, there can be no growth. Be receptive to new ideas and ways of conducting business. Know what your clientele needs are and if you can do things better than you are now, then make the adjustments or changes needed for better service. The growth of your business is often dependent on your willingness to make necessary changes and adjustments when needed. Committing to this aspect of business is often well received and is key to truly establishing and building your legacy.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Everybody has their story, their dreams, and their journeys. So much of our successes in life, work and non-work related, have a lot to do with living our best selves. Often, our businesses are just a sliver of representation as to what that means to us. Lifting each other up to help live our best selves in the way we see that for ourselves is something I strive to be supportive of. It's an honor to get to do that through my business daily, and I hope that anyone aspiring to open their own business or just starting out is able to stay true to their purpose and values as an individual, as it will allow them to not just succeed but empower others to do the same.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://www.wellnesswithdrnikki.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drnikkind
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnikkigil/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/alohadrnikki
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-arguinzoni-gil-nd-433024b/

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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