Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Carly Gossard, Founder of Empowered Pelvic Health, located in Norwood, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Empowered Pelvic Health is a pelvic floor physical therapy practice specializing in urinary incontinence, bowel dysfunction, pelvic pain, prenatal and postpartum rehabilitation. Our customers are women, men, and children ages 3 to 90+; however, the majority of our patients are pregnant or postpartum.
Tell us about yourself
I always joke that my segue into pelvic floor therapy and women's health was a happy accident! After moving back from graduate school in Florida, I went to my gynecologist wearing scrubs, and he inspired me to go to my first pelvic floor course. I knew immediately that this was what I was meant to do. I am motivated by my work, my patients, and my growing team - it is an incredible field. I find so much joy in helping patients heal, whether they have experienced chronic pain or are returning to meaningful movement after birth.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My practice began in the Summer of 2019 as a passion project. I was doing home visits two days a week while working full time. Due to the pandemic, I was laid off in March of 2020 from an outpatient practice that had to close. I took the opportunity to pivot, working 3-4 per diem jobs as I built up my own practice and got into my first office space that December. Two years later, we are expanding into our own space and have a team of three therapists and an administrator. I am extremely proud of my team and know that our growth wouldn't be possible without them!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I have to make a conscious effort to disconnect from work. It is easy always to be "on," and there is an ever-growing to-do list, but it's important to set boundaries, working hours and be respectful of your own peace and health.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Bet on yourself! I never saw myself opening a practice, but the circumstances thwarted me into being a small business owner - I wish I did it sooner!
- Give yourself grace. You are going to make mistakes. A lot of them. Some will be more expensive than others, but just make sure to learn from each one of them.
- Prioritize your health. It is impossible to push through 12+ hour days without your mental and physical health in check. Get into a routine and try to move your body at least once a day (even if it's a 15-minute walk!). In the beginning, you will wear a lot of hats, and when you're active and feeling good - your mind is sharper!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.empoweredpelvichealth.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredpelvichealth
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweredpelvichealth/
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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