Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Heather Perlow, Founder of Concentric Acupuncture, located in Mamaroneck, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Concentric Acupuncture helps people create happier, healthier lives, reduce stress, increase their energy, and reach their health goals. We do this using individualized treatment plans that include acupuncture, Chinese herbs, cupping, Gua Sha, and food recommendations. We work with children and adults of all ages who want help managing their pain, anxiety, stress, allergies, insomnia, digestion, skin or gynecological issues, and more.
Tell us about yourself
I am a New York-based licensed acupuncturist and National Board-Certified Diplomat of Acupuncture (NCCAOM). I studied acupuncture and herbal medicine at Emperor’s College in Santa Monica, CA. My decision to study acupuncture and herbal medicine was the culmination of a journey to heal myself.
Before I became an acupuncturist, I earned my Masters in Childhood Education and Special Education at Hunter College, taught in both public and private schools in New York City, worked for the New York City Department of Education in the Office of School Wellness Programs and in advertising sales at A+E Networks. I saw that students, teachers (including myself), parents, and other professionals experience so much stress, overwhelm, and burnout. I was first introduced to acupuncture, yoga, and Reiki when I was a teenager seeking treatment for my health issues, and I used these modalities to try to keep myself healthy and well-balanced during my 20s. Eventually, I set out to share these modes of healing with others: first, by leading four 200-hour yoga teacher trainings for educators to learn yoga and mindfulness in order to take better care of themselves and their students, and now as an acupuncturist.
Even as an acupuncturist, I’m a teacher at heart. In working with patients, I seek to educate them about their various health conditions and work alongside them to provide an informed approach to managing their health in a way where my patients feel we are partners in reaching their health and wellness goals.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Setting up my acupuncture studio is definitely one of my biggest accomplishments. I wanted my studio to look, smell, and feel like a magical safe space for healing. Judging by all of the lovely comments I received, I think I accomplished my goal.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
All I ever want to do is interact with my patients and give them the best acupuncture treatment of their lives. But as someone who owns their own practice, sometimes I find it a bit intimidating to handle all of the administrative and operational tasks needed to keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Having the opportunity to use the knowledge and skills I’ve developed as an acupuncturist to improve the lives of others makes it all worth it though!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Practice what you preach! I know that I can help others better when I take good care of myself. For me, that looks like going for acupuncture myself, taking herbs, and having regular movement and meditation practice. No matter what your business is, if you practice what you preach, it will benefit you and your customers.
- Read a lot about your industry! There is always so much to learn in both acupuncture and business. Never stop learning.
- Take your time with your customers. All parties benefit when you take your time and go that extra mile.
- Recruit people to help. You may be surprised by what you can do on your own, but sometimes, an extra set of eyes or pair of hands can come in handy, whether it is deciding on a logo, doing your taxes, or hanging a piece of artwork.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.concentricacupuncture.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hp-acu/
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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