Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mathew Hughes, owner of Body Science Therapy, located in Mississauga, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a group of dedicated, caring health care professionals (Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Registered Massage Therapists, Psychotherapists, Pharmacists, and Functional Medicine Practitioners) that strive to create change, and restore hope in people's lives. Our patients range from all ages, and anyone who suffers from any time of body pain, tension, movement restriction, athletic restriction, concussions, chronic pain, gut dysfunction, mental health dysfunction, etc. We aim to treat the root cause of physical and mental health. No band-aid treatments that don't last. No cookie-cutter approaches - we know each person is a unique individual and should be treated as such in order to achieve optimal outcomes.
Tell us about yourself
I love science. I love learning about the body, and I really, really love helping people. These passions together lead to a career in Physiotherapy. Which eventually led me to discover areas of the field that I believed would benefit from more learning and modern techniques. More patient-focused care. More attention to detail and continued education to benefit the patients and our community. I also believe that everyone in our group is important. Our administrative staff is equally as important as our clinical staff, and vice versa. I'm motivated by restoring hope in our patients' lives, fostering an environment where people who are discouraged and in pain can come and feel better, and also fostering an environment in which the staff can come into work and feel happy and appreciated on a daily basis. Overall, a place where everyone loves to be, both patients and staff!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think the growth of the business has allowed us to affect so many more lives than if I were working on my own. I started working in my basement treating patients, then renting a small room in a gym. Now we have eight clinicians and four administrative staff, so the effects are exponential on the lives we can reach. It's very humbling and provides me with tons of joy!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Managing and outlining expectations. Let the staff know ahead of time what the game plan is, so we are all on the same page. The continued evolution of discovering what our values are, the mission is, and putting the plan into place, or changing the plan as it evolves. Want to create a great environment for everyone to be in, but then have to say no or stick to foundational policies at times.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Have a few mentors in your field. Get clear on your values as soon as you can because they will guide your hiring and termination processes - I learned this through trial and error, which results in a longer growth process. Have an organizational structure, so you don't have to be the one to do everything. Delegate as soon as you can! This frees up your time and energy for the ability to focus on the big picture. You can't be the GM, Coach, quarterback, and the wide receiver (not for long anyway). Support your team and grow together.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Being an entrepreneur was never something I planned on doing. It happened very organically, so I didn't structure things (see top 3 pieces of advice above) in the beginning. Finding your values and structure early on will help create a more stable path. It is an up and down road; sometimes, the ups and downs happen multiple times per day, sometimes every other day. Stick with it. Find your calling and follow your heart.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.bodysciencetherapy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bodysciencetherapy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodysciencetherapy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-hughes-pt-75067b75/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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