Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Suzanne Gray, Founder and CEO of Renew Life Wellness, Inc., located in Tampa, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am the founder of Renew Life Wellness, Inc., a colon hydrotherapy practice where we focus on digestive health and care for clients with digestive issues and those who want to improve their overall health. Clients find that feeling lighter, thinking more clearly, and having more energy enhances their life!
I believe that health begins from the inside out and that the health of the large intestine or colon is connected to the other body systems. The body is a beautiful piece of artwork, each piece communicating with one another, and all organs are meant to work together, not separately.
In my repertoire of techniques, I incorporate the body, mind, and spirit. I teach the relationship between those three elements and how they can change your health and your life. Most of my clients have health issues and have not found solutions in traditional approaches. In addition to colon hydrotherapy, I also incorporate frequency, vibration, sound, and massage therapies during my sessions. I educate and coach on how to achieve long-term health improvements and lifestyle changes.
Tell us about yourself
My background is in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, and I have a Master's degree in Instruction and Curriculum, so I never thought that I would become a holistic practitioner or colon hydrotherapist! I personally had some challenges with constipation. As I reflect, the challenges got greater after I had four bicuspid teeth removed to get braces as a child. I have since discovered that our teeth have a lot to do with our health, and biological dentistry is one of the health fields about which I educate my clients.
I am passionate about educating people about health. Through speaking at conferences and for small groups, I teach people that we are the creators of our lives, and it’s up to us to take responsibility for our health. After having my two children, I took a sabbatical from teaching and wanted to learn more about nutrition. In those days, there were few schools, so I went to Massage Therapy school. I remember driving to the first day of the classes, and I heard this voice say, “This is a beginning of a new chapter in your book of life!” Little did I know what came next...
Massage school was not just a place to learn about muscles, tendons, organs, and how the body worked. I had an instructor who taught us about who we are, to question life, and look into ourselves. Soon after finishing Massage Therapy School, I divorced and then met my late husband, Anthony Gray. This was another turning point in my life. He expanded my world into body, mind, and spirit.
I remember picking up a book called “Tissue Cleaning Through Bowel Management” by Bernard Jensen, and I felt it was just talking about me and my health. So, I started looking for colon hydrotherapists in the area and met renowned natural health and nutrition expert Brenda Watson, who became my teacher, mentor, and soul sister. Together, we opened up Renew Life Wellness Clinics, which I later took over to continue my interest in clinical bodywork, and Brenda explored nutrition.
Being a colon hydrotherapist and massage therapist has opened many doors for me. It has given me an opportunity to look deep into my authentic self. I knew deep down inside that many others out there wanted to know who they were as well (and how it can play a major role in creating our lives). What motivates me daily is to make a difference. Whether that is simply putting a smile on somebody’s face or helping somebody improve their health. One incident that brought great joy to me was an elderly woman that came in walking with a cane. After her session, she was able to walk out with no cane! The bottom line is making a difference with yourself, so you can then authentically do that for others.
Encouraged by my clients, especially women, I am also developing workshops for women to live their real joy in life. (Who knows, it might even expand to men!)
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
After 30 years in business, I am grateful to look back on multiple big accomplishments, but one of my greatest joys is when a client tells me how much I influenced their lives. I recently ran into a past client I hadn’t seen for years. I had just been thinking about her a couple of days before, and she had planned to call me the next day to get an appointment. The universe works in mysterious ways, allowing us to cross paths again at just the right time. It warms my heart when I’m out in public like that, and a client comes up to me with a big hug to thank me for what I do and how my work has changed their life!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being a business owner, one of the hardest things for me is finding a balance between family and business, especially when you’re a workaholic and love what you do. I think this is a challenge that most people resonate with today, not just business owners! Listening to my body and practicing the same advice I give my clients goes a long way to keeping me more balanced.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Starting a business today is very different from 30 years ago; however, some basic things never change.
- Trust yourself, find your passion and have faith.
- Be open to possibilities and step out of the box.
- Learn from others. Ask for help.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
When things do not go the way you want them to go, observe yourself. There are no failures in life (I like to call them "FALLures," not "FAILures"...a play on words). If you fall, pick yourself up and move forward. These are called “Blessin lessons!” Most of all, be patient with yourself… Love is the answer. Self-love is the cure.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.renewlifewellness.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RenewLifeWellness
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renewlifewellness/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RNLWellness
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-gray-renew-life-wellness/
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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