Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Dale Kelly, Founder of Balanced Health Solutions, located in Sparks, NV, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My practice is a Functional Medicine practice that focuses on finding the root causes of someone's chronic disease by doing thorough testing. After we know what the underlying issues are, we work with that person giving them the proper diet and nutritional support to address those underlying root causes. This is very customized work because no two people are exactly the same. All out treatment programs are put together for that individual. I work primarily with people who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, thyroid disorders, and autoimmune conditions. I have been in practice for over 35 years and have worked with patients from coast to coast using telemedicine. Every patient works one on one with me throughout the process. I do not have other doctors or nurses, or health coaches. You work with me exclusively.
Tell us about yourself
My transition in practice to focusing on Functional Medicine came about because of my own health issues. I was diagnosed with a brain tumor back in the early 1990s and was told I would have to be on some really serious meds for the rest of my life that had bad side effects. After a couple of years of doing the traditional medical model of care, I finally took matters into my own hands and found a natural solution to the effects of the brain tumor by utilizing a Functional Medicine approach. I went back to school and did my advanced training in Functional Medicine, and now my practice is 100% in this field. I love coming to work each day and seeing the changes in people's health as they follow what I teach them in taking back their health. Seeing someone being able to reverse their diabetes and get off their medications while getting their energy levels back and their health back is so rewarding. You can see it in their faces as their lives change.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As a business owner, the biggest thing I like is being able to be my own boss. I have total control over all aspects of the business, and as such, I can decide how busy I want to be. I have friends who work in this field and have several staff members. But with that comes more stress, and for me, it is not worth it.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Because of the way my practice is set up, with me being the only person who brings in income, I do not get paid vacations or sick time or anything like that. I know if I want to take some time off that I have to account for that in my budget. People tell me all the time that I am so lucky that I work for myself, and I say yes, but I have never had a paid vacation or sick day in 35 years.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find something you are passionate about and focus on that. Do not try and be a jack of all trades. You will spread yourself too thin and never be a specialist.
- Start small and prove you can do it on a small scale first.
- Find a coach or mentor that you work well with. We all need coaches. Professional athletes all have coaches, and you should too.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.drdalekelly.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BalancedHealthSolutions
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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