Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jill Hietpas, Co-Founder of New Self Functional Health and Wellness, located in Appleton, WI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a functional health & wellness group based in Wisconsin that works on the health concerns of individuals who feel the traditional approach has left them with little to no results or answers despite repeated visits expressing the same concerns. We assist our clients via an intense one-on-one 6-12 month program that dives deep to define the root cause of their individual health challenges via a functional medicine approach. Our program works with those struggling with multiple issues, for example, IBS and other gut-related issues, autoimmune diseases, hormone disorders, skin rashes, fatigue, brain fog, mood disorders, sleep disturbances, and those looking to improve overall health and longevity.
Tell us about yourself
As a Board Certified Physician Assistant with over 22 years of experience, my passion for helping others in becoming the best version of themselves through health is what drives me each day. My own health challenges really led me to this adventure, as I, too, had undergone multiple doctor visits, labs, procedures, and invasive tests, which yielded little to no results. I witnessed firsthand how traditional medicine wasn't geared toward helping me identify the root issues of the problems I was facing. When I incorporated functional approaches to my health, everything changed. I quickly saw improvements in the symptoms I was experiencing, which included acne, rosacea, hair loss, joint pain, and others. As time passed, I felt as if I had moved from simply surviving to thrive. As I learned more, I wanted to share and impact others in the way my life was impacted via a functional approach. This change led me to increase my overall education in the functional field and ultimately led to the opening of our virtual health clinic, New Self.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
For me, at this point, it's taking the leap to make this dream become a reality and having the opportunity to impact patients' lives. I want everyone I work with to lose the feeling of just surviving each day and move into thriving. There is no better reward than that.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I am one who loves to create and have a plan. The challenges of the unknown in business owners have been the hardest issues to overcome, as I find you need to pivot often from the original plan. With that, many have been great learning lessons, and you find the things that fall upon you unexpectedly make your business better. My philosophy is the more you learn, the better you become.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Firstly, choose something you love and never forget the 'why' you are doing this. Starting a business and ownership takes a lot of hours and can be challenging, but if you center on what you love and the 'why,' all the hours won't matter, and you will plow through any adversity.
Secondly, challenges will arise, be prepared to pivot and view each as an opportunity to learn rather than a roadblock to success. Often, in a startup, as you overcome one hurdle, another 7 arise. As you learn, this allows you to navigate new challenges more quickly.
Finally, don't go alone; ask for help, build relationships with others in the field you are pursuing and learn from their mistakes. Many are willing to help and provide insight if you simply ask.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.new-self.com/
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3icLs29
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@new.self.llc
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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