Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chris Harlan, Founder of Harlan Chiropractic and Acupuncture, located in Overland Park, KS, USA.

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

My business is Harlan Chiropractic and Acupuncture. Most people would associate chiropractic with some sort of back or neck issues. While this is why the majority of people come to see us, we go beyond the pain to ensure they see the full benefits of chiropractic care. We end up seeing people for sleep issues, headaches, digestive problems, anxiety, and depression. We see kids for delayed milestones, latch issues, and colic. You name it, and we have probably seen it or something very similar in our office. This is because we truly help the nervous system, not just the bones in your back.

Tell us about yourself

I grew up in Central Missouri. I have thought of being a chiropractor for as long as I can remember. The seed was first planted by my uncle, who is a chiropractor. I can remember him holding an old plane X-ray film up against fluorescent lights in my parent's kitchen to show my mom her neck X-Rays. I thought that it was so cool that you could see bones. My why has changed a lot since then. Today I feel blessed and on a mission to serve people through chiropractic. Too many things had to go right for me to be where I am today. How can I not want to get up and go make a difference in people's lives every day?

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

When I first graduated, I made the tough choice to move my wife and me to Colorado, where we opened our first practice. It took everything we had to get that office open and functioning sustainably. After about two years, we needed to change locations. Through tough conversation and prayer, we decided that the new location would be 800 miles away in Kansas City. We wanted to raise our children near family, and as much as we loved Colorado, the scenery wasn't enough to sacrifice our family relationships. So with a month of moving, we had our door back open and had to grow from nothing a second time. I am happy to say we were able to rise to the occasion, and God opened major doors for us along the way. We came out more faithful and stronger together.

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

For me, it's all the decisions that need to be made. Every day you have to make hundreds of decisions for your business and its employees. All of these build and affect your business and its customers. It can often get heavy, carrying the burden of the decisions making. I tend to overthink things and can be a bit of a perfectionist. I have a hard time saying it's good enough and moving on, which can lead to procrastination and falling behind on tasks.

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

  1. Have mentors. Business is hard; you need someone you can turn to celebrate the wins and lift you when you are down.
  2. Do more than you think you need to. Generally, I have seen it takes longer and more effort than you think to get where you want; when you think you have done enough, lean in and do more.
  3. Create systems for everything. Being organized in your business is one of the most important aspects. You have to plan for how everything operates and how you envision it to run.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Having or running a business is one of the most rewarding, fun, and frustrating things you will ever do. I can't imagine not having a chiropractic office. Every day, I get up, decide to have a good day, and serve people. You will have hard moments and challenges but be patient and persistent. The good will come as long as you are willing to work.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.drchrisharlan.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drcharlan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harlanchiropractic/

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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