Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Karena Wu, Owner and Clinical Director of ActiveCare Physical Therapy, located in New York, NY, USA.

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

We are a physical therapy clinic and wellness facility. Our customers come for higher quality manual therapies and true one-on-one healthcare experience. We are a holistic specialty clinic that incorporates high-quality manual therapies using specialized instruments and a copyrighted holistic practice philosophy. Our customers are looking for the best and for the root cause of their symptoms. These clients value their healthcare significantly and want an individualized experience in a low-volume clinic where they take the time to learn about their condition and the recovery process.

Tell us about yourself

I was initially pre-medicine in college in California. I switched to physical therapy, which was a better match for my personality and hands-on skill set, along with a move to New York City. I joined a practice started by an old classmate and ended up taking it over from him. It was one of the best opportunities afforded to me as I am driven by challenge and running a business is a continual challenge. It is gratifying to accomplish administration and ownership as well as clinical care. My patients motivate me to be better and to give my best. I am energized interacting with clients, being able to change their physical being, enjoying their company, and building an empire that showcases the best in healthcare.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment in business has been expanding to open a sister clinic in Mumbai, India, in 2017. This came about because an employee of mine had to move back home, and when I visited her in Mumbai, I saw the need for high-quality holistic and manual therapy and set about working with her to find space, build it out, open it and grow it. My goal is to provide the best quality healthcare that is holistic in nature and is known around the world.

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

Management! Finding staff that is as interested as you are is the most challenging aspect of being a business owner. You will never find another you. You have to work with what is available and make it worth their while in order for them to help you help them. The drive and ambition are more difficult to find, but when you do find them, it is a gem to be kept.

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

  1. Have several months of savings because the outlay is extensive, and the reimbursement is challenging initially.
  2. Stay strong and stay the course. Business owners have tough skin and have to have the conviction to follow their dreams, no matter what response they get.
  3. Stay open-minded. Yes, you have your ways of doing things, but sometimes things can be done better, and you need to be open to learning all the time.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://activecarephysicaltherapy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ActiveCarePhysicalTherapy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/activecarephysicaltherapy/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ActiveCare_PT
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/activecare-physical-therapy/

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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