Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Adrien Ip, Owner of Adrien Ip TCM & Acupuncture, located in Vancouver, BC, CA.

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

I own and operate a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture clinic in British Columbia, Canada. Currently, I have two locations: one in Vancouver and the other in Richmond. Due to my focused interests in internal medicine, gynecology, and auto-immune diseases, I generally work with people who battle chronic issues and seek holistic treatment and management. My patients are curious and avid learners, so I often spend time explaining TCM concepts and methodology, which encourages them to be proactive in the healing process. As a result, my patients and I work as a team to combat their ailments. I really favour this dynamic, as it becomes all the more effective and sustainable when patients actively take part in making positive changes to their lifestyle habits, which then allows my treatments to reach their full potential as well.

Tell us about yourself

My interest in TCM stems from my childhood. My grandparents played a significant role in raising me, and they always had folk remedies for the common health complaints I experienced as a child! The best part: I never had to take a pill for stomachaches to fevers; the remedies always worked for me. This sparked my interest in exploring the realms of alternative medicine as I got older, and my passion ignited when I began TCM school. I firmly believe it is important to pass on my culture’s heritage, and practicing this form of traditional medicine is certainly a way to do so. Every day, I see patients improve, heal, and be rid of their ailments, and the joy that shines through their expressions when they come in for follow-ups is what motivates me to continue this line of work. Nothing is more satisfying and rewarding than seeing patients regain hope and positivity towards their health conditions as my treatments take effect.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is offering a practice that bridges the east and the west while breaking down the stigmas surrounding TCM. When people think of Chinese medicine, the impression is often linked to a typical Chinese herbal store in Chinatown with an older doctor sitting in the back seeing patients, and the doctor would rarely speak. I was brought up in a Hong Kong household while immersed in a western culture growing up, so I understand firsthand the importance of bridging concepts and knowledge between the two contrasting cultures. Verbal communication is important, and the spatial connection is equally significant. I had never been a fan of medical clinics or herbal stores because they felt cold, intimidating, and disconnected. I designed my clinic space to be warm, serene, and homey to convey the message that seeking medical attention does not need to feel grim or cold. By revamping people’s impression of TCM and breaking down preexisting barriers, I hope to provide newcomers with greater comfort, confidence, and curiosity when stepping out of their comfort zones and exploring a different medical approach.

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

The amount of work that is required of a business owner is unimaginable. As a doctor, I provide actual patient care and service during business hours. However, as a business owner, I am also responsible for the many aspects of a business, such as finances, administration, marketing, inventory, and even housekeeping! The stress that is brought upon by a business is intense. Many people may think that it must be great to have the freedom of working around one’s own schedule and taking as many vacation days as one desires (for which I am grateful), but the truth is we never really stop working. Whether it is an incomplete task or business planning, there is always something on my mind. Not to mention the financial instability that occurs with every business; these are the hardships that entrepreneurs must endure.

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

  1. Know your strengths and how they make you unique. It is crucial to know how you differ from your competitors in the field and what makes you stand out. This determines what target market is suitable for your business and what position to take in this market.
  2. Stay true to yourself and anchor your vision. It is easy for you to panic when business isn’t going well or think that you need to steer your direction to comply with current trends, but the truth is there is something for everyone. Ultimately, it is much more worthwhile to be consistent with your identity and your principles because that is the message that will be reflected in your brand and will attract the right customers.
  3. Remember that you need to have a life too. As I’ve mentioned, there is immense workload and stress from running a business, and business owners often find themselves working relentlessly for hours on end, slowly losing themselves to the business. I believe that maintaining a work-life balance is necessary for running a sustainable business because if you are burnt out, you will no longer be able to run a business. Be sure to have clear separations between work and personal life, and regularly take vacation time even if you think you don’t need it because you will realize you do when you actually go on that vacation!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.adrienip.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adrieniptcm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrieniptcm/
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3ID2MGd

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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