Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Katie Simmons, Founder of ATL Pelvic Health, located in Atlanta, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am the founder and owner of ATL Pelvic Health. We are a private practice physical therapy clinic that focuses on addressing symptoms related to bladder, bowel, and sexual function. We help people with a pelvis find relief from pelvic pain and pain with intimacy, navigate pregnancy pain, prepare for birth and heal throughout every stage of postpartum recovery.
Tell us about yourself
I founded ATL Pelvic Health in 2020 after recognizing the need for pelvic floor physical therapy specialized to women's needs. However, my personal journey into pelvic health began well before then: After a hip injury sidelined me from running, I saw an orthopedic PT who referred me to a pelvic PT. From there, my eyes were opened to how many women of all ages likely experienced similar symptoms without knowing where to turn. With ATL Pelvic Health, my goal is to educate, provide resources and guide women through caring for their bodies. There is still a large stigma around talking about peeing, pooping, or sex, but I want to normalize these topics.
For many women, pelvic floor dysfunction can stem from pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery. Although we treat clients (including men!) across all stages of life, I'm proud that ATL Pelvic Health is changing the care available to new moms. My hope is that you can return to the activities you love without pain or peeing your pants. My driving passion is bridging the gap and improving the quality of care, and support women receive throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think the biggest accomplishment I have had as a business owner is seeing my patients succeed. It is so rewarding to support a mom throughout her pregnancy and then to help her return to the activities she loves postpartum. For someone to come in and tell me, they are able to be intimate with their partner without pain or jump without peeing their pants, that is the most rewarding part of my job. My goal as a business owner is to continue to grow and expand our practice so that we can impact more lives of people with a pelvis.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Honestly, most days feel hard as a business owner. The most challenging aspect is that you are now responsible for every aspect of your company, and it can be difficult to separate work and life balance. Something I continue to have to work on is creating boundaries within my business so that I do not burn out while doing something I love!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
The number one tip I would give someone who is looking to start a business is to find a mentor in their field. Finding good mentors with similar business mindsets has been the biggest game changer for me and my business. The other advice I would give is not to be afraid to ask for help. You are not going to know everything, but the sooner you ask for help, the sooner you'll be able to reach a resolution. Lastly, my business mentors always say, "What would you do if you knew you would succeed?" This has helped drive some of my decision-making and address the soundtrack in my head about not being good enough or failing. Being a business owner is the hardest but most rewarding thing I have done, and if you are thinking about starting, I'd say take the leap and go for it!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.atlpelvichealth.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atlpelvichealth/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atlpelvichealth/
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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