Vibrant, Active & Energetic Life - Breathe.

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Molly Lechtenberg, Owner of Breathe. Physical Therapy & Wellness, located in Des Moines, IA, USA.

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

Breathe. Physical Therapy & Wellness is an integrative clinic specifically for women's health issues of them. There is no such thing as "TMI" here. Our clients are women (and some men) that want to feel good in their bodies no matter what stage of life they're in. We help women through pregnancy and postpartum, no matter how old their kids are. We help everything from pants peeing to headaches to low back pain so that women can lead the energetic, vibrant, and active life they deserve. Our clients want to enjoy and experience life without limitations.

Tell us about yourself

There were several personal and professional factors that led me to open a business with my physical therapy school friend, Libby Trausch. I wasn't happy or appreciated in my current role. I had a traumatic delivery of my first daughter that led me into the world of women's health. I said I always wanted to own my own practice, but starting one with a five-month-old was never in the plan! Once Libby and I decided to do it, there was no stopping us. We wanted to give the people in our community the care that they deserved. Motivation comes from messages from clients that say we changed their lives and that they have hope again. We have the greatest staff on the planet, full of brilliant and creative minds, and we know that all of us are here to support our community.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is surrounding myself with people who have the same drive to help women feel their best. At times it is challenging when they don't think the same way I do, but I know we are all the better for it. We know when women feel good in their bodies, their goodness ripples out into the community. Our goal is to help 14,000 individuals by 2025, and I certainly can't do that alone.

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

The hardest thing for me is disappointing people. As a business owner, you have to make decisions that are going to upset someone, and that's really hard for me. Making a decision about growth versus stability can be really scary.

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

1. Know your why. It can be really easy to get sucked into "putting out fires" all day and get stressed out when people are upset with your decisions. Knowing your why helps drive every decision. Our why is to provide hope and inspiration so women can lead their best lives; every decision is based on that.
2. Surround yourself with people who think differently. We always say we have healthy friction in leadership meetings. It truly makes us all better.
3. Assume positive intent. On tired and stressful days, it can feel like things are going against you or that people are against you. Always assume positive intent from employees and clients. Everyone is just trying to do their best!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://breatheptw.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breatheptw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breatheptw/

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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