Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jenn Gelfand, founder of Root To Rise Physical Therapy & Pelvic Health, located in Scarborough, Maine, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is a small physical therapy, yoga, and acupuncture practice, and we specialize in pelvic floor and perinatal health. I'm a pelvic floor and perinatal physical therapist, yoga instructor, and owner of Root To Rise Physical Therapy & Pelvic Health. I've been treating those with pelvic health conditions for the past 13 years. Over this time, it became evident that there is very little information and awareness out there regarding women's health and the physical changes that can occur during the pregnancy and postpartum period. There is so little guidance on preventing pelvic floor conditions and how to address them holistically when they do arise.
I created my business in order to provide well-rounded and completely individualized care and to be able to educate our local community about the importance of pelvic health and wellness. I'm incredibly passionate about helping pregnant, and postpartum women and people continue to stay active and participate in the exercises and activities they love! My practice offers physical therapy, private yoga, and acupuncture services. Our physical therapy treatments include a blend of manual therapy techniques, dry needling, functional movement training, physical yoga postures, breathwork, and mindfulness activities. We also offer Baby & Me yoga and community-based educational and therapeutic workshops.
Tell us about yourself
I am a pelvic floor specialist, yoga and barre instructor, yoga anatomy educator, the wife to my physical therapist husband, Josh, and mother to my two young children, Hailey & Caiden. Looking back, my interest in pelvic floor physical therapy began at a time when I was navigating a complicated pelvic health diagnosis of my own. I was given little practical or medical advice and no path to reach my goals. I felt lost and frustrated by the care that I was given and the answers I received. It wasn't until I found a specialized interdisciplinary clinic that I finally felt cared for in the way that I deserved. They cared about my condition; they took the time to educate me, and together we created a plan.
The relief I felt that I wasn't alone and there were answers made a huge difference in my life. It made me realize how hard it is to find quality information about women's health questions in today's world. I became motivated to provide this kind of care to my own patients and wanted to focus on this much-needed and seldom-talked-about field. My passion and purpose were solidified when I had my children. Especially following the birth of my younger child, I experienced many of the same issues as my patients and discovered firsthand the challenges that life as a new mother in postpartum recovery brings. These experiences provided me with a sense of gratitude for how the body heals and how, with awareness, intention, and commitment, we can return to a place of even greater strength, connection, and resilience. This process of transformation has fueled my passion and solidified my purpose for my work here in the world.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I am the most proud of the team that I am building. When I was starting out, I really thought I would remain a solopreneur. It was a dream just to be able to treat my clients with the care that I believe in. I never really thought I would be leading a team or that Root To Rise would grow beyond myself. It is so empowering to build and grow a team of like-minded, passionate practitioners and professionals all working towards the same mission. We are growing our impact in the community and helping more people now than I could never do alone.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of my biggest challenges has been finding some version of work-life balance. I've found that I'm so passionate about what I do and this business that I am growing it can be easy to get carried away and lose balance. I am learning it is important to take time away from the company for myself and my family. As a business owner, you could literally be working all the time in some form which can lead to burnout and exhaustion.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start with really digging deep into your "why" and solidifying this so that it can carry you through the harder moments.
- Asking for support and guidance from those who have experience in starting and growing a business is so deeply helpful. Though I do feel it is important to listen to your own inner knowing and intuition when making business decisions, asking for help from people who are invested in seeing you succeed is so powerful. (For me, this is something I've learned along the way)
- Make sure to take time for yourself. It can easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities that it's important to schedule and plan to take a step away to recharge and thinking about the bigger picture. Regularly connecting with your "why" and your true vision helps to make sure the daily decisions we make are in alignment.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
We recently opened an expanded a larger location in Saco, and it has been so much fun integrating into the community! We are excited to continue to grow our team and serve more people throughout Southern Maine.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://roottorisephysicaltherapy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roottorisept/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roottorisept/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-gelfand-pt-dpt-e-ryt-b0579b2a/
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.
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