Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Brad Lafortune, owner of Function Physiotherapy, located in Ottawa, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Function Physiotherapy is a physiotherapy clinic located in Old Ottawa South. We offer treatment for a variety of issues ranging from general aches and pains and sports injuries to concussions, pediatrics, running assessments, pelvic floor dysfunctions, and much more. What distinguishes us from other clinics is our attention to care and our client-centered model. All of our treatments are held one-on-one in private treatment rooms. We don't use any assistants and focus entirely on hands-on treatments. The entirety of your appointments is spent with your physiotherapist so you can both focus on getting better and treating your pain.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up always having an interest in helping others and knew that I wanted to have a career in medicine. I always imagined I'd become a doctor but going through university; I realized I wanted to be more involved in the healing process rather than simply prescribing medications or referring to another medical professional. That's when I started looking into physiotherapy. I loved the idea of being able to help guide a client through their recovery and seeing their progress while also working hands-on. Once I entered the field, however, I realized a lot of practices weren't so focused on helping their clients and rather were focused on numbers and profits. I wanted to help change the image of physiotherapy and show people what proper, effective treatment looks like and just what it can do. That's when I decided to open Function Physiotherapy!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I'd say being able to create a work environment where my staff enjoy their work and look forward to coming in. Focusing on each individual's strengths and giving them the tools they need to strive in their own careers, has been really rewarding.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Knowing when to take a step back and disconnect is definitely difficult. You spend the first while investing everything you have into starting your business. Once it's set up and running, it's important to take time and step back now, and then so you can recharge. Loving what you do is so important, and that passion really comes across to your other staff, your clients, your partners, and so on. Keeping that love and passion for your business means taking time for yourself, so your batteries don't deplete.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My top 3 tips would be simple - love what you do, love the people you work with and make sure to take time for yourself. It can be easy to get extremely invested in your business, but it's important to remember to take time for yourself.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.fxnphysio.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fxnphysio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fxnphysio/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.