Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jenna Howe, Osteopathic Manual Therapist & Concussion Recovery Therapist based in Victoria, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Manual Osteopathy for concussion recovery and chronic pain. My customers come from all walks of life. They are looking for concussion therapy, wellness, and help with aches, pains, and injuries.
Tell us about yourself
My interest in sports injuries began when I was 16 through my own experience of needing an athletic therapist. My interest has always been in health, fitness, and wellness. I love my work, and I am driven to help people feel better.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I moved to BC almost 11 years ago with nothing but my kids and pets. I started my business in Victoria exactly ten years ago this month. I would say that my biggest accomplishment is that my tenacity made me stick it out. I was warned when I started here (Victoria) that it would take 8-10 years to build a full-time practice. The eight-year mark was when COVID came on the scene, and now that I have reached my tenth anniversary, I am busier than I have ever been.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The financial uncertainty and figuring out how to pivot with adversity, especially when you have a family to take care of.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Treat yourself like an employee. Paid vacation, holidays, etc. You think in the beginning it's all about the hustle (and it is), but you must create boundaries for yourself early on so that you don't get burnt out later. I never did until the pandemic hit, and those habits are hard to break.
- Use Profit First to organize your finances - it was a game-changer for me.
- Maintain some employment for as long as you need to, supplement income, have benefits, etc., until the business proves viability and growth.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://jennahowe.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/treatyourPCS
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treatyourpcs/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/treatyourPCS
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennahowe/
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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