Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nancy Markley, CEO of MPowrx Health and Wellness, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
MPowrx Health and Wellness (MPowrx) is headquartered in Calgary, AB. MPowrx is the parent company behind Good Morning Snore Solution and Bellycrush. MPowrx is committed to bringing innovative, clinically proven wellness solutions to market and focuses on improving the overall wellness for a better quality of life.
I started MPowrx from my basement in 2005 with the goal of making a difference in people’s lives. Fortunately, one of the first products to come along was an amazing medical device, Good Morning Snore Solution, invented by a local Calgary dentist to treat snoring and sleep apnea – sleep disorders that impact many people worldwide. We later leveraged our expertise and infrastructure to expand into new markets with the BellyCrush brand of wellness products.
MPowrx has grown from a local Alberta start-up to an international company, with turnkey partnerships for manufacturing and worldwide distribution and sales to consumers all over the world.
I want people to be able to enjoy a better quality of life. With so much misinformation online about health and wellness, it’s so important to me to bring clinically proven, simple to use, and economically viable solutions to people.
Tell us about yourself
Today, I am a “fifty-something” woman, married (30 years) with two adult children and a cat named Murphy. I am very health conscious. I try to eat healthily, exercise regularly, and live my best life traveling, hiking, golfing, and spending time with family and friends.
I was born into a very entrepreneurial family and spent my youth working in the family business – I learned what it really takes to run a small business. I went on to get my Ph.D. in molecular biology. I worked for a biotechnology company for ten years before starting my own venture in which I combined my love of business with my love of science...MPowrx was born. I was passionate about bringing products to market that could impact people’s health and well-being - this is what motivates me every day to do what I do!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
There is a lot of advice given when you start and run a business. While I recognize the importance of listening and am very grateful for the advice I have received over the years, it was my job to digest this information and make the decisions that I believe are right for the business. No one else can make those decisions for you as a business owner. I believe that I have done a pretty good job of that. This has enabled me to build a successful company that delivers on the organization's goals and its shareholders.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The 24/7/365 nature of running the business and having the weight of the company on my shoulders. This is a lot – but seeing the impact that our products have on consumers' health and wellness and the commitment of our team to continually strive to deliver the best products and customer service, make this all worthwhile.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find the right business partners – people who have a common vision, work in synchrony to achieve the company’s objectives, and hold the same philosophies on how to get there.
- Take the time to learn about every aspect of the business and get involved at a deeper level – be prepared to roll up your sleeves and be the head cook or the dishwasher. It shows your team that you are ready to go the extra mile. It gives you insight into how your business works to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the business and better navigate it forward.
- Be intentional and have the right support in place – do the things you care about, surround yourself with people who have similar values, and ensure that you and those around you take care of their physical and mental health.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
It takes a community of people to build and run a successful business. I have been fortunate to have a strong network of family, friends, employees, partnerships, advisors, and investors supporting my journey as an entrepreneur.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://mpowrx.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BellyCrush
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belly_crush/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-nancy-markley-710b8015/
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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