Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Romi Fung, Naturopathic Doctor, based in Richmond, BC, Canada.

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

I am a Naturopathic Doctor operating Dr. Romi Fung, Naturopathic Doctor, under a sole proprietorship in a clinic in Richmond, BC. I help support patients in being the best they can be through simple yet profound, evidence-based interventions and lifestyle modifications. I take a very thorough and functional approach to understanding the patients' body and physiology through a comprehensive consultation and laboratory testing. By digging deep into the root cause of my patient's problems rather than symptomatic management, we then bring about lasting changes in their health.

My patients typically seek me with digestive complaints and bloating, thyroid hormones, insomnia, fatigue, stress management, diabetes, and insulin dysregulation. Above these common complaints that patients seek for my expertise, I have clinical interests in brain optimization and focus on working with those living with dementia and cognitive decline.

Tell us about yourself

I have always wanted to be a doctor and grew up taking the required education in preparation for university and eventual medical schooling. However, I grew up with debilitating depression that took me out of school for four years (I did not officially start high school until I was 18, when everything came together for me) and was provided with medications and interventions that I felt only kept me stable, but not thriving. I was also born with a sensitive gag reflex that prevented me from eating much, which now I know contributed to my mood. I've sought out help and wasn't really given many answers.

What inspired me to go into the field of naturopathic medicine was when I encountered acupuncture. My father suggested I seek acupuncture and see if that would help my gag reflex and digestive problems. And after the first visit, I was sold. I remember that was the first day after my session that I ate a pork chop without feeling that sensation of wanting to vomit after eating. It was the most gratifying experience ever. Even though I still have the gag reflex, I am doing things that I never thought I'd be doing now, such as exercising, enjoying food, public speaking, and teaching medical courses. I also went for counseling, and my most recent counselor mentioned how I was not depressed but rather lacked purpose and went through empowering work. I did a google search of counseling and acupuncture, knowing those two were modalities that I would like to utilize together, along with nutrition, knowing how important that is for my mood. Guess what came out on top of that google search? Naturopathic medicine.

I have never turned back ever since when I found out about this profession. The more I read it, the more I fell in love with the philosophies and approaches this medicine took. I have gone to naturopathic medical school and have started up my practice in July 2018.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Through my practice as a solopreneur, I was able to reach out to hundreds and thousands of people seeking answers and gaining knowledge through my influence. I have been the recipient of several awards such as 'Best Naturopath' in several organizations in the past three years and was recently nominated as one of the 3 Top Young Entrepreneurs of the Year 2021 by the local Chamber of Commerce.

As a clinician, however, my biggest accomplishments are when I have patients come back to me saying how different they felt by taking on such simple treatments and how much better they are feeling.

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

As a business owner and clinician, the biggest challenge is having to wear several hats. I am trained professionally as a naturopathic doctor but have to treat my practice as a business. Having to be concerned about keeping the business operational even when you are not working is hard. Setting boundaries, especially with time, is always the most challenging thing. I remember always checking my email, often starting off even outside of clinic hours, thinking patients are expecting me to respond within minutes.

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

  1. As a naturopathic doctor, you have to know that people have to find you. It is not easy as expecting many patients and clients to come through your clinic doors the moment you establish yourself without making yourself visible. Ensure you can be found online and in the community. Reach out to local businesses and organizations that resonate with your values, such as supplement and health food stores, health clubs, libraries, and community centres. Do talks and establish your name as the expert.
  2. Always ask about the 'why.' If you are in this profession and your motivation and aspiration are to make money, it will be challenging to put in the extra work. Offering your expertise and service that you are extremely passionate about will make an effort worthwhile.
  3. Resilience, never ever give up. If you are passionate about your mission and passion, you will go the extra mile. You would be surprised to know how many people will resonate with your words. There will be days when you will feel defeated, but it is an opportunity in itself.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.drromifungnd.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrRomiFungND
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DrRomiFungND/

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.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.