Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Rebecca Burns, Founder of Bruce Village Chiropractic, located in Port Elgin, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
By profession, I am a chiropractor. I provide assessments for and deliver treatment to the muscles, joints, and nerves of the body. My passion is providing care to folks during pregnancy and after birth. Some folks look for help with pregnancy-related aches and pains, some are looking to rehab after C-section, and some are looking to start or maintain activity after birth. Whatever the patients' goals are, we work together to find solutions and create customized treatment plans. These plans may include muscle and joint care, acupuncture, and/or home exercise, and rehabilitation.
Tell us about yourself
I graduated from chiropractic college in 2020 and opened Bruce Village Chiropractic later that year. Before my chiropractic journey, I studied anthropology. During my studies, I witnessed the power of storytelling and its benefits for both the listener and the speaker. When I listened to people talk about how they navigated health and illness, I realized there was healing power in telling your story. Every day I am motivated by my patients' stories to keep learning and growing as a professional.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I've been a business owner for less than two years, so I hope some of my biggest accomplishments are yet to come. However, the lesson that I have found to be the most valuable so far is that it is okay to say "no" to opportunities that don't align with my business vision and values. There may be an abundance of opportunities out there, but learning to only say yes to the ones that serve you and your vision can be hard, especially when cash flow is tight.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I think one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is being regularly exposed to the successes of other businesses on social media and comparing their journey with your own. It seems like a cliché to say, but this has been an unexpected challenge for me. I've loved using social media (Instagram especially) as a way to reach out and build community, but unfortunately, I've also found it much harder than I expected to continue to recognize my achievements when I've seen some of the cool things others are up to. It's important to recognize these hardships and focus on ways to grow, both as a person and as a business owner. I've found this struggle is helping me to learn how to celebrate my own successes while also celebrating the successes of those around me.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be kind to yourself. Opening up a business is HARD. It takes a lot of work, and you might face some self-doubt. But it's important to give yourself the same kindness and grace you give to others around you.
- Find a mentor. The mentor doesn't have to be in the same field as you (you'll be surprised by the insight you can gain from someone outside of your field!), but having a third party with whom you can talk through challenges can help both your business bottom line and your mental health.
- Make a business plan. Review it often. Why did you start your business? What is your vision for it? How are you going to get there? Write it down. Then review it - at least a couple of times a year - to remind yourself where you came from and where you want to go.
- Bonus tip: celebrate your accomplishments. It's so easy to keep grinding towards the next goal, but make sure you're taking the time to appreciate everything you've done.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.brucevillage.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BruceVillageChiropractic/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brucevillage/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-burns-6a69a6239/
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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