Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Desiree Williams, owner of A Plus Care, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.

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

A+ Care is committed to providing the highest level of care to our community and was founded by two Doctors of Physical Therapy who bonded over their passion for helping people achieve their goals and exceed their expectations. After many years of working for large healthcare companies and organizations, they have decided to unite forces and care for patients in a more loving and caring way. The summation of all these factors has led to the formation of A+ Care, which was the perfect solution.

Outpatient therapy typically requires patients to travel to a clinic once or twice a week for intervention, a model that often marginalized those without reliable transportation or family support. A Plus Care is a Mobile Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy company that seeks to make outpatient therapy services accessible to everyone by offering outpatient therapy in the comfort of patients’ homes. We are also in the process of becoming certified as a Home Health Agency with Medicare in order to expand the services we are able to offer our patients and better service to Los Angeles.

Tell us about yourself

Although I have a doctorate degree in physical therapy, I also previously worked as a college professor, have been on reality TV, and had some success competing in pageants (Miss America & Miss USA), so to say I’m a bit of an overachiever might be an understatement. But the competitor in me has never been content providing the status quo—either professionally or personally—so working for large healthcare companies where both the clients and the providers were ‘just a number’ never felt fulfilling. Starting my own business has allowed me to provide the care I desire and on my own terms. I also have the opportunity to build a team of like-minded professionals.

Each time I see a patient reach a personal milestone or regain independence with their mobility, my motivation is restored. I’ve assisted patients from being completely bed-bound to being able to walk again there is no greater feeling than watching a client attain what they once thought was unachievable.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Most entrepreneurs will tell you it takes years to build a profitable business, so the biggest accomplishment realized we were able to calculate a profit after years of work.

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

Most entrepreneurs will tell you it takes years to build a profitable business, so the biggest accomplishment realized we were able to calculate a profit after years of work.

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

  1. Find a mentor. While the internet is helpful, it does not replace someone who you can talk through issues with.
  2. Make room for mistakes. When starting a new venture, you will undoubtedly make a few mistakes along the way. Make sure you have enough wiggle room in your business model that a few mistakes won’t foil the entire business.
  3. Be prepared to work harder than you ever have-I was told over and over again that being an entrepreneur wasn’t easy, and while I was prepared to work hard, I had no idea how many sleepless nights and stressful days lay ahead. I’m hopeful that the worst of it is behind me, but I also know that I am resilient enough to handle the next hurdle as it comes.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

As a spiritual person, I felt called to start this business in order to equitably serve those who I felt were otherwise being underserved. In my toughest moments, that calling was what kept me going. Starting a business is not to be taken lightly; it will often require you to put the business’s needs before your own. With that being said, I would encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to carefully choose a business and also recognize that entrepreneurship is not for everyone.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.apluscarela.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apluscarela
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apluscarela/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-plus-care/

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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