Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Allison Schulte, Founder of Pelvic Sanctuary, located in Chatsworth, CA, USA.

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

I’m a pelvic health and functional movement specialist and a Pilates and Bellydance teacher. I’m creating a nonprofit, Pelvic Sanctuary, to increase access to pelvic health services and education, specifically to marginalized and stigmatized populations. I’m also a podcaster and will be dropping the first episode of my show Health Queery before the end of this year.

My customers range from late teens to seniors and are all genders. It is a common misconception that pelvic health issues only occur in cisgender females who have given birth. Everyone has a pelvic floor, and many have PF dysfunction in their lifetime. I am most passionate about serving LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC folks who are less likely to receive quality health and wellness services.

Tell us about yourself

I have an MFA from CalArts. I did most of my Masters in Library Information Science before moving to Helsinki, where I worked for the Tom of Finland Foundation and founded the Finnish nonprofit the Tom of Finland Seura. I’ve also worked for The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction and the Leather Archives and Museum in Chicago. I’ve always done activist work or created art related to human sexuality. After 5 years in Finland, I returned home to L.A. feeling a little lost. A few of my Bellydance friends had been going to Physical Therapy for back injuries, and it rekindled my long-lost interest in going into healthcare. I returned to school to be a Physical Therapist Assistant and did several certifications in Pelvic Health and was also certified in Sheppard Method Pilates. It’s been interesting that all things keep leading back to the pelvis! It’s clear to me that my purpose is to specialize in pelvic health, and there are several ways I can merge this with my passion for activism. My criteria for happiness at work are that I’m helping others, I’m being challenged to learn new things, and I get to be creative. My business ticks all the boxes, and I’ve never felt more certain of my path.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

The experience of getting new people through word of mouth. It’s so rewarding and validating when a client/patient convinces another person to come to you for your services. Also, seeing results. I feel incredibly accomplished every time a client/patient tells me about improvements they’ve experienced.

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

Technology and admin work. I’m not in a place where I can hire someone to do that for me. I’m utterly overwhelmed by the amount of platforms that exist and how much time it takes to keep up with all the changes. I’ve spent way too much time watching young people’s youtube videos on how to best utilize Instagram (this week) and a lot of time in marketing classes. I think it’s common for people to hate this part and just want to spend time doing what they are skilled in. Hopefully, when I’m set up as a 501(c)3, I can find help through a volunteer program or get enough funding to hire someone to help.

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

  1. First, do your best to catch up on credit card debts and get ahead on any car or mortgage payments, so you have a buffer.
  2. Find communities in your field and ask questions. I’ve found a lot of incredible advice on FB groups for Pilates teachers, Pelvic Health specialists, and Professional Healers. You’d also be surprised how many people respond if you contact them directly. Look for those you admire or who are doing what you want to do and ask for advice! I’ve had a lot of folks willing to email me or speak on the phone for a few moments.
  3. Use a budgeting tool for every penny you spend so you can stay real with yourself about how well you are doing. I use everydollar.com.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Incontinence and pelvic pain are treatable, and you don’t have to accept them as part of life. You also don’t have to buy medication or contraptions to manage them. Request Pelvic Floor Physical therapy or find a qualified Pelvic Health Coach... ahem, I do virtual sessions!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.pelvicdancer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pelvicsanctuary
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sexystacks/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sexy_stacks

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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