Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alexandra Sisam, a Naturopathic Doctor at Clara Clinic, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

I am a Naturopathic Doctor who works in Mental Health and Hormonal Health. I have a special interest in treating those with conditions including PMDD, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.

Tell us about yourself

Our bodies are so much more than they appear. They are an interconnected landscape of our thoughts, emotions, experiences, interactions, and all of the physical parts of us that make us into one human being; as cliché as it sounds, we as human beings are so much more than meets the eye. Seeing us as connected instead of separate is one of the most powerful tools in fostering space for our own healing.

I didn't understand, as a 10-year-old having panic attacks – convinced I was dying, a teenager struggling with food or a university student – dissociated and lonely - why I was feeling this way. I couldn't understand what was happening inside of me. I couldn't make the connection between my mind and body and how they were constantly impacting each other. Instead, I was scared. Scared of the world we lived in and of being in my own body.

Being introduced to my own Naturopathic Doctor truly opened my eyes to how complex we as human beings are. She showed me the way that true healing can happen by supporting both the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual body. She showed me that what I was feeling that felt so confusing and isolating was okay. It wasn't bad; it just was a reflection of how I was coping or not coping in the world.

After completing my undergraduate degree at Queen's University, I went on to study Naturopathic Medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. Through my time at CCNM, I took a special interest in mental health and the mind-body connection. I also completed a year-long internship treating patients with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. I have further training in mind-body holistic counselling, Reiki, and am a certified Doula. If you are struggling with an eating disorder, stress around food, depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, chronic illness, or just not feeling like yourself, I am here to support you.

I work to support the mind, body, and spirit in order to provide the most comprehensive and compassionate care. I am constantly learning about the interconnectedness of these parts of the human being and using them to treat both physical and emotional conditions. I am here to support you no matter what direction your health journey takes.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment has been being able to make sure that the care I provide is accessible and known. One part of working in independent health care is being able to provide comprehensive and compassionate care - the other part is letting people know that you can provide comprehensive and compassionate care. Through working with different forms of marketing and establishing my reputation and business, I have been able to achieve that success which has been my proudest accomplishment as a business owner.

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

One of the hardest things about working in the health field and being a business owner is being able to set boundaries. As a health care practitioner, my main goal is to help my patients feel better, but that being said, I also need to remember that this is my career and that it is important to make sure that I have what I need as well. It is an interesting area when health care and business come together, and it can be both amazing and challenging. Finding that balance is one of the hardest things about

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

  1. Make sure you are passionate about what you are doing. Running a business is not easy, and it involves a lot of hours of work that are unpaid; if you aren't enjoying your work, it will be a lot harder to do that.
  2. Find people who you can trust and work well with to support you. I work with one of my best friends, and we keep each other going every day. When one of us feels discouraged, the other is there to pick us up, which is one of the most incredible things that keep us both going.
  3. Never stop asking for help. There are so many incredible people to learn from, coaches, mentors, friends, etc. Listening to those around you and taking what you need from their help can be one of the best sources of growth.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://theclaraclinic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.alexandrasisam
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandrasisam.nd/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrasisamnd/

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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.