Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health & wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Maura Hartzman, Doctor of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine, of Sanctuary Winds, located in Durham, NC, USA.

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

My business is Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, and my client base is those who are looking to create health and wellness into their routine. They range from having substantial body imbalances to routine treatments for maintenance.

Tell us about yourself

As I was leaving undergraduate studies in Biology and Medical Anthropology, I knew pursuing a form of healthcare outside of pharmaceutical use would be my career. After studying abroad in China under other acupuncturists and completing a Doctorate program afterward, I opened my clinic in September 2021. The health and wellness of my clients keep me going, and I want to continue to grow as a business owner to be an alternative to pharmaceuticals for my community.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is filling up my clinic hours during the week in a constricted schedule as I rent space until I can grow into a full-time studio in the future. I also feel accomplished when I see results with my clients with great results!

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

Finding the right marketing techniques, tools, and avenues is the hardest thing about being a new business owner. I think the biggest way clients have found me actually has come from word-of-mouth referrals which are extra special in essence.

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

In the acupuncture world:

  1. Make friends with western care practitioners to offer your services to their clients who want to find alternative medicine and be the trusted resource for that referral.
  2. It is hard to trust that the process is happening in real-time, especially after school when the schedule is weekly and monthly goal-setting. Patience and meditation are important while your vision grows over time.
  3. Finding ways to meet the community is a great way to create relationships with future clientele!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.sanctuarywinds.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sanctuary.winds/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanctuarywinds/


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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