Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nigel Bauer, Owner of Risen Health Ltd., located in Spruce Grove, AB, Canada.

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

Risen is a multidisciplinary clinic situated in Spruce Grove, AB, that includes Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Massage, Physiotherapy, and Holistic Nutrition services. It's basically a one-stop-shop. The great thing about having all of these services under one roof is the communication between the practitioners of different disciplines and the patient, which makes for a better treatment plan and higher quality of service. We see all kinds of people and welcome all. Risen is proud to be a Safe Space and welcome members of the LGBTQ2+ community, and we are a part of the trans-affirming network Skipping Stone.

Tell us about yourself

I've been doing Acupuncture for around 12 years now, and I've worked with different clinics before opening my own the biggest thing I wanted to focus on to do better was creating a space that cared for their practitioners as much as the patients. As health care professionals, I think it is important to practice what we preach and take care of our own well-being if we truly want to help others. Can't pour from an empty cup sort of deal. I like seeing people succeed, and I like bringing out the best in people, so having the opportunity to not only get my patients feeling their best but seeing practitioners live their best life is very rewarding.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Remaining open after a devastating pandemic. No, in all seriousness, my biggest accomplishment is in creating a space full of happy practitioners. My philosophy for business has happy employees/practitioners will translate to having happy customers/patients. The money will come as a byproduct of this. Working in the kind of industry that I do, it is the practitioners that are the lifeblood of the clinic; as an owner, my job was to create a space for them to work out of and provide some capital to kick things off. I'm also proud of the fact that the business could easily run without me there. I have a fantastic team, so you never have to worry.

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

As a newer business, having to navigate the pandemic was definitely one of the hardest things to do. Aside from that, especially as a new business, the financial strain can be stressful. You have to have faith and trust in your product.

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

  1. Remember your why, and when times are hard, go back to that why.
  2. Do what feels true to your being. Be authentic. Be vulnerable. Do what feels right for you.
  3. Get your people involved in the decision-making process; there is a lot of valuable insight to be had there.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

As stressful as it can be to be a business owner, remember that you were brave enough to try and that you created a business because you thought you could make the industry better in some way. I think there are too many people who don't follow their dreams for fear of failure, and there's a lot of missed potential for greatness in that. Sure, things could fail, but on the other hand, it could be the greatest thing ever.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://risenhealth.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/risenhealthyeg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risenhealth/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigel-bauer-7a0746a8/

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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