Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Suzanna Wong-Nash, founder of Suzanna Wong Physiotherapy, located in Sherwood Park, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a Registered Physiotherapist, and I help my clients manage their chronic pain and acute injuries. I offer thorough assessments to determine the root cause of pain and provide individual treatment plans in a one-on-one clinic setting. I see everything from back pain, ankle sprains, concussions, and vertigo! I want every client to feel inspired to get better and have the tools to reach their goals.
Tell us about yourself
When I first graduated from physio school, I told myself to get experience in as many settings as possible. I worked in large franchise private practices, the emergency department, chronic pain clinics, and outpatient rehab in the public sector for five years. I valued the experience and colleagues from every workplace, but none of them was a perfect match for my style of practice. In 2021, I took the plunge to go full-time to my own private practice. I was inspired to fill the gap in community services and become the best physiotherapist in town. I wanted to manage my practice on my own terms and without obligations to an employer or third party. It was the best decision that I've made for my career.
Every day I go to work and use a blend of my expertise and intuition to help clients recover from pain and injuries. The appreciation and gratification of giving someone their function back is the biggest motivator for me each day. People walk in feeling hopeless and scared that their injury will take over their life. I get to educate and guide people towards recovery and returning to the things they love to do! I can honestly say I love my job! (99% of the time, at least!)
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I'm expanding my physiotherapy practice within one year of going full-time in private practice! In April 2022, I registered as a corporation, and I have plans to open a new clinic by the end of the year! I'm so grateful for the clients and referrals that have allowed me to take this step it feels surreal to me!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The constant work that happens behind the scenes to keep the business going. Unless you're a business owner yourself or have gone through the process, it's really hard to fathom the amount of work that goes into starting and managing a business. Most people think that my work starts and ends with treating clients in the clinic, but that's only half of it. There are hours of charting, accounting, marketing, networking, doing continuing education, and other admin work that gets done after hours and on the weekends. You have to persevere and be willing to make sacrifices in order to reap the long-term benefits of being an entrepreneur.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be prepared for hardship and sacrifices. You will need to push your limits to be successful, especially in the first few years of starting up! It's very important to have a strong support system to cheer you on throughout the process!
- Have good intentions and love the work you're doing. There will be days that you will need to remind yourself why you are doing it and why it will be worth it.
- Remember to take care of yourself and your personal life too. It's OK to go on vacation and enjoy life outside of work!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Don't settle for crappy physiotherapy treatments! Find yourself a physio that spends one-on-one time with you and understands your concerns!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://suzannawongpt.square.site/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuzannaPT/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renmassage/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.