Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sara Florida L.Ac. MAOM PhD, Founder of Heal Your Vibe, located in Houston, TX, USA.

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

I have an integrated wellness practice that helps people reach their health goals naturally, using the body's self-healing mechanisms. I am a licensed Acupuncturist through the Texas Medical Board and certified in Functional Medicine. I use Acupuncture, Functional Medicine, Supplements, and Coaching to assist my clients in reaching their long and short-term health goals.

I treat more than 80 conditions, usually chronic long-term conditions, with the most popular being pain management, allergies, insomnia, fatigue, auto-immune conditions, digestive health, cancer care and recovery, and mood disorders like anxiety and depression. I have performed more than 10,000 treatments over ten years and have helped people improve their quality of life significantly so they can have a life they enjoy and love.

Tell us about yourself

I worked in the insurance industry for 12 years, and while it was a fulfilling career, I found myself denying coverage or rating people with health conditions rather than helping them. On the side, I studied nutrition and wellness and went to emotional health workshops. I had an opportunity to enroll in Oriental Medicine school. I tried it at first and continued to work in my career until I was 3/4 through school, and they told me that I needed to finish my program. I devoted the last year to studies and taking my board exams.

I have to admit it takes a lot of sweat and tears to become an Acupuncturist, but I would not change it for anything. One truly needs to be committed and devoted to this profession as it is not easy. I love what I do and feel like I am truly making a difference in the lives of the patients that I work with.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I worked in a big practice with one of my professors for eight years prior to officially starting my own practice in 2017 for the reason that all people start their own business, I wanted freedom and to have a legacy for my children and family later. Only a few months after starting my own practice, it was up and running, and I feel that despite Covid shutdowns, it has been successful and thrived. I feel that it will only grow from here.

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

In short, covid, economy and world events. It has been a tough three years to start a business in. Luckily I have had great support from my family and friends, and we have been able to weather all of these storms and come out on top.

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

  1. Have a sound business plan and think of everything that can go wrong and plan for that.
  2. Have plenty of capital and funding to back you up in every worst-case scenario.
  3. Have the support of your family and community as you will need it.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I love being an entrepreneur, for me, it is the only way. It is not for everyone. I was involved in the program at the University of Houston as an extra-curricular, one of my mentors was the founder of the program Bill Sherrill, and I know many entrepreneurs. It is definitely a lifestyle and even a personality type. I do not fit the mold of the 9-5 corporate employee. I enjoy designing my life and my practice the way I like it to best reach my clients.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://drsaraflorida.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrSaraFlorida
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsaraflorida/

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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