Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Emily Siy, Founder of Emily Grace Acupuncture PLLC, located in New York, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I have acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine clinic in Chinatown, Manhattan. I work with busy New Yorkers seeking natural and more gentle options for their health that they might not have found in other healthcare settings. My patients and community are motivated to take an active role in their healing process. I look to work in partnership with my patients to reach their goals.
Tell us about yourself
I am a first-generation Chinese American. I had the privilege of having my grandparents live with my family for several years as a child. I was able to experience the use of herbal medicine and acupressure. I always felt it was an important part of my identity to know more about how Chinese medicine is used in home and family care and community healthcare. Living in the United States and being East Asian meant I was often interrogated about my background, which forced me to explore and become empowered by my identity. Learning about Chinese Medicine was a way to ensure that my family, community, and people will remain. Anti-Asian violence and anti-Chinese violence are embedded in the history of the US. They have only been exacerbated during the pandemic. Seeing patients from marginalized communities able to benefit from acupuncture and Chinese herbs is what makes my work fulfilling. It gives so much meaning in a world that might otherwise be violent towards certain populations.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishments are the health of my community. I see many of my patients get better using natural methods while also adopting healthier habits to maintain their long-term health. During the pandemic, I have been especially grateful that many people in my community could keep their health up despite the circumstances.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I am so grateful for the freedom of being my own boss, making my own schedule, and tailoring all aspects of the business to work the best for me. What becomes difficult is juggling all the other small roles like fielding emails and phone calls, scheduling, creating content, maintaining my website, cleaning, and laundry! It can also be challenging to decide what I can delegate out and what I would like to maintain control over just due to the sheer amount of decisions I make daily related to the business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be yourself. It's easy to lose yourself in starting and maintaining a business. I think it's important to have a piece of yourself in your branding and messaging. My business is extremely personal.
- Be transparent about who you are and what you are. This can help people from marginalized communities decide better if they feel safe enough to work with you.
- Maintain boundaries. Though I work many more than 40 hours a week, I also understand my own limits. I know when I can do more and make time for rest when I've done too much. This also means I cannot allow people to have constant access to me. Some emails can wait. Medical advice will not be given over email, text message, or social media messaging.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.emilygraceacupuncture.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilygraceacupuncture/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilygraceacupuncture/
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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