Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kristen Barry, Owner of Space Coast Thermography, located in Rockledge, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Space Coast Thermography is a medical thermal imaging center. Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI), or Thermography, is an FDA-approved, non-invasive, radiation-free imaging technology used to measure and map the heat on the surface of the body using an ultra-sensitive medical infrared camera.
Thermography is based on the idea that temperature rises in areas with increased blood flow and metabolism, and it can be used as a risk assessment tool to detect and monitor abnormal physiology in the body. By carefully examining changes in the temperature and blood vessels, signs of possible cancer or pre-cancerous cell growth may be detected several years prior to being discovered using other diagnostic procedures.
Most of our customers are women seeking a radiation-free and compression-free breast screening option. Breast thermography measures differences in infrared heat emission from normal breast tissue, benign breast abnormalities (such as fibrocystic disease, cysts, infections, and benign tumors), and breast cancer. It does this with a high degree of sensitivity and accuracy. It is a non-invasive measurement of the physiology (function) of the breast tissue rather than the anatomy (structure), which other imaging, such as mammography, sonograms, and MRIs, may identify.
Tell us about yourself
I completed a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and worked in that field for 20 years before I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My diagnosis was made after I found a lump in my breast that three mammograms in a row had missed. Going through different treatments and doing a great deal of research, I learned about the amazing technology of thermography and became passionate about helping women not just get through a cancer diagnosis but to avoid one altogether.
I am motivated to help women be aware of their breast health before they have issues, and if issues do arise, to make sure they address them proactively before a cancer diagnosis can be made. I want women to know their breast cancer risk and have time to make changes to their health rather than simply waiting to detect cancer when it is too late.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is facing women every day who are grateful for my service, assistance, and direction and to be able to empower them to be proactive in their own healthcare.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, one of the hardest parts of being a business owner has been figuring out the best way to go about advertising and getting the word out about my business. I started by joining every woman's group, chamber of commerce, business group, and other face-to-face groups in the area to start networking and spreading the word. Then I moved to print ads, radio interviews/podcasts, and signs. But after all the time and money spent, most of my business comes from social media platforms, computer searches, word of mouth, and repeat customers.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Connect with other entrepreneurs in your area for advice and support.
- Be patient and stay organized.
- Believe in yourself and your business, and stay positive!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Without health, we have nothing! I want everyone to live a very long, happy, and productive life, and in order to do that, they need to start taking their health seriously.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.spacecoastthermography.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpaceCoastThermography/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spacecoastthermography/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-barry-7ab45b7b/
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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