Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Martha Lucas, Founder of My Zen Skin Care and Lucas Acupuncture, located in Denver, CO, USA.

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

I am a licensed Chinese Medicine practitioner and educator. I have been treating patients for 20+ years for pain management, infertility, post-op and chemotherapy recovery, emotional trauma, women's reproductive issues, and anxiety. I am currently offering treatment for people suffering from long-term post-covid effects. I use a variety of modalities, including acupuncture, to help my patients achieve the best possible results for their unique circumstances. I currently see patients in my Denver and Littleton clinic locations and remotely via Telehealth.

I am the founder of LucasTeachings.com, an online academy for practitioners to learn advanced skills to grow a more profitable practice. Students have the opportunity to learn and master my signature protocols, Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture and Pulse Diagnosis & Balancing. I have had the pleasure of teaching my courses all over the globe for more than 15 years, both in-person and via Zoom.

In 2016 I launched my signature skincare line for women, men, and teens. My Zen Skin Care offers botanical, cruelty-free, organic formulas and systems for acne management, anti-aging, and naturally healthy skin. Proceeds from sales benefit local charities that I am passionate about, The Cat Care Society and our church's food bank.

Tell us about yourself

I am a Research Psychologist as well as a Practitioner of Chinese medicine, so I started my career in medicine doing research in a hospital setting. My patients (or subjects as researchers call them) were men who had just had cardiovascular bypass surgery. I was studying their rehab success. As I worked with them, I not only understood that their surgeons were great mechanics, they fixed the engine, but then what? What healing powers were operating to improve the person’s rehabilitation? That led me to study Reiki and become a Reiki Master.

I studied Axiatonal Alignment and finally Colorpuncture, which led me to Chinese medicine school where I fell in love with Pulse Diagnosis, and here I am 20+ years later! And I love every minute of helping people using Chinese medicine. Chinese medicine's most well-known therapy is acupuncture, but we also do Chinese medical massage (Gua Sha), nutrition advice, herbal prescriptions, and more to help people be and stay healthy. Moving people through their healing journey - no matter where they are in the world - is rewarding.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Probably becoming internationally known as an instructor of Chinese medicine for Cosmetic Acupuncture and Pulse Diagnosis and Balancing. My international audience is so excited to learn everything they can when I visit to teach, and I learn things too! Some European countries are a bit further along with alternative medicine than we in the US are, so I get to bring home some pretty cool therapies. And again, I get to treat people when I visit worldwide clinics to teach, which is very rewarding.

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

For many business owners, I think it’s making enough money to make certain that we can keep the people who work with us - they work with us like a family! I do my best to give raises every year or pay benefits. When money is thin, I’ll not pay myself before I let someone go. One must spend time always reviewing what's working in your business and what may need to change.

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

  1. Do your research about whether there is a need for your service or product.
  2. Do your research on what other people who may sell a similar product or service are charging for it and see how successful they are.
  3. Have some money in the bank - or get a start-up loan - for the first year.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

While there are struggles and worries with owning a business, there is also the reward of (sometimes) being able to take family time to, for example, be with grandchildren when they have a day off school, or help take care of a sick family member. A person may not be able to do that when working a 40-hour job for someone else. On the other hand, almost every business owner I know works many more than 40 hours a week and does some work every day, seven days a week. But when you love what you do, it hardly seems like work!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website:
https://myzenskincare.com/
https://acupuncturewoman.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMarthaLucas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myzenskincare/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martha-lucas-ph-d-l-ac-5117093/

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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