Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Madison Hudgins, Director of Breast Rehab, located in Ottawa, ON, CA.

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

Breast Rehab is one of a kind. We are proud to be one of the few interdisciplinary clinics in Canada specializing in breast surgery and cancer rehabilitation. Our treatments are designed for clients who undergo surgery for breast cancer as well as prophylactic mastectomy, breast reconstruction, gender-affirming procedures, and breast reduction or enlargement.

At Breast Rehab, we will conduct a detailed whole-person assessment to develop a tailor-made treatment plan. We work with you to help you achieve your goals for wellness. Above all, we see you as an individual and will treat you with respect, compassion, and care.

Our talented team has expertise in physiotherapy, pelvic floor physiotherapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, kinesiology, and lymphedema therapy.

Tell us about yourself

Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with many different patient populations, building a wide skillset. I have worked alongside elite-level sports teams as an athletic trainer, gaining several trainer and coaching certifications, as well as with MVA patients, orthopedic clients, prenatal/postpartum clients, geriatric patients, and more.

During my career journey, I became more and more drawn to women's health. My first encounters working closely with women began while I was studying at the University of Ottawa when I became involved with Mothercraft Ottawa as a birthing and parenting companion. Following this, I began training and providing nutritional counseling to young female hockey teams. As my experiences in women's health grew, so did my passion. Being able to connect my love of health care, women's health, and fitness training was always a dream but became a reality with the acquisition of Breast Rehab.

I am very grateful for the opportunity to participate in many individuals' journeys back to doing what they love after breast surgery. Working alongside many incredible healthcare professionals at Breast Rehab is an absolute pleasure, providing an interdisciplinary team approach to care. As a young female entrepreneur, I am so proud of the clinic I have grown, and I am so thrilled to do what I love every day, to get others back to doing what they love!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As a business owner in the health care field, it is hard to put my finger on what my biggest accomplishment is. I feel immense pride in helping a patient regain arm function enough to lift their child again or play their favorite sport. I am fortunate to be a part of these big wins for many people. Regarding the management aspect of business, I am incredibly proud of having added two new disciplines to my practice in the first year of ownership and being awarded and recognized for my investment into my workforce. It has been a dream of creating a work environment where continued education is supported and encouraged, so for this passion to come through so apparent to not only my staff but also my community felt like a huge accomplishment.

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

One of the hardest things of business ownership is compartmentalizing business, from patient care to personal emotions. As a health care worker, I am innately empathic. With a patient population composed primarily of oncology clients, it becomes challenging to have such strong emotions for your clients' journeys and struggles while maintaining a functional business model.

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

When it comes to business ownership, there are so many tactical and logistical tips that can be provided, but I think to be successful and continue to love what you do truly, these are my 3:

  1. Have passion. You have to be passionate and believe in what you do on a deeper level than just financial benefit alone.
  2. Have boundaries. Sometimes with passion comes the desire to work 24/7 to see out a dream, but it is important to have boundaries to protect your wellbeing and personal relationships.
  3. Be brave. As a young female business owner being brave is so important. I get questioned and challenged often about what I do. It is so important to be brave enough to stand up and educate those challenging you and prove that you are worthy of respect and merit for what you do.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Just go for it! You will never get anywhere if you're always afraid to start.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://breastrehab.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breastrehab
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breastrehab/
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3yLFyuz


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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.