Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ariel Hovland, Co-founder of Fixxed, located in Wakefield, MA, USA.

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

My business is Fixxed! We are a first-of-its-kind recovery studio offering bodywork techniques to help you move and feel your best. We believe that recovery should be fast, convenient, and accessible to everyone.

We offer quick and effective hands-on services in a one-on-one setting performed by a licensed physical therapist or athletic trainer. We find that most people don't realize how good their bodies are designed to feel. Our clients are those who are just looking to move a little bit better and learn how to feel their best!

Tell us about yourself

I have been a physical therapist for about six years. When I was a few years into practice, I took a course on dry needling and found it to be an extremely helpful tool to help my patients get better faster. I loved being a physical therapist in a traditional setting but wanted to be able to help people in a different capacity.

I wanted to educate people on how to prevent injuries, how to recover properly from workouts, and how to move more efficiently. I wanted people to be able to access services like dry needling more easily. I started dry needling a few clients at my gym, Sweat Fixx, and found that there was a huge need for these services.

Slowly my caseload began to grow and eventually snowballed into Fixxed! My favorite thing in the world is when an athlete comes to see me, and we can get them back into the things they love. My clients keep me motivated to keep learning how to be a better physical therapist.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My business partner and I opened in January of 2021, during the middle of the pandemic when she was seven months pregnant. We had every reason in the world not to open, but we knew that the world needed Fixxed. Our vision was so big, and we believed so strongly in Fixxed that we went for it despite all of the reasons not to. I'm so glad that we took the leap!

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

I think one of the hardest parts of being a business owner is having to be prepared for anything. Before Fixxed opened, I felt like we had crossed every T and every I and had run every possible scenario in our minds. But there are so many things out of your control that you can't prepare for.

I own and run a business that relies on me being able to use my hands, and a few months ago, I found out I need corrective surgery on my hand. Luckily, my business partner and my team are absolutely incredible, and we've found ways to prepare for this turn of events. Being a business owner is all about learning how to roll with the punches.

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

  1. Immerse yourself in the community! Go to the local coffee shops, gyms, hair salons, and restaurants. You'll meet so many other business owners and potential clients and build your network.
  2. Don't be afraid to ask for help in the areas you don't know anything about. I am a physical therapist and partnering with someone who knows the business side of things has made my life so much easier.
  3. Start as a side hustle. Start seeing one or two clients test out your concept, and slowly see how it does. If you're able to, slowly start building your caseload, so you have a place to start before taking the full leap!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I'm so grateful for all of the things being a business owner has taught me. The good, the bad, and everything in between, I wouldn't trade it for the world!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fixxedstudios
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fixxedstudios/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariel-hovland-pt-dpt-cscs-89a447108/

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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