Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Yolanda Pinedo, owner of InMotion Physiotherapy & Wellness Centre, located in Bedford, NS, Canada.

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

We are a collaborative multidisciplinary clinic offering physiotherapy, massage therapy, chiropractic, and occupational therapy services in Bedford, Nova Scotia.

We treat people of all ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels. From those who are walking the dog and doing gardening, as their extreme sport, to the weekend warriors who work long hours during the week and pack a great level of activities/sports on the weekends. As well as the competitive athletes whose requirements are very high and specific.

Our approach is a comprehensive wellness approach, most people come to us because they are in pain and can't perform their regular activities or sports, but as experienced clinicians, we understand that pain is just one part of the problem. Lack of mobility, muscle imbalances, including muscle tension and muscle weakness, and poor ergonomics play a significant role in people's pain and disability. We collaborate across all disciplines to address the cause of our patient's problems to ensure a successful treatment outcome. Efficient communication between our clinicians and coordinated treatment plans allow us to bring people back to be able to do what they enjoy and love, whatever that is! Our patient's goals are our goals!!

Tell us about yourself

I (Yolanda) have been working as a physiotherapist for over 20 years, the last ten years in Halifax, NS, Canada. I worked in several clinics around the city, and my experience with the management of those clinics was, to say the least, unimpressive. From the way the clinicians were treated to the impersonal service provided to patients, there was a lot that could be improved. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to meet a very experienced and highly trained clinician Holly Simmons, a Massage Therapist, who shared my vision of offering a fair and thriving work environment and high quality, patient-oriented treatment approach.

We decided to partner together after having worked alongside one another for six years, and we opened InMotion Physiotherapy and Wellness Centre in July 2021. We believe in offering high-quality services and personalized treatment plans in a relaxed environment where patients' wellness is our priority.

That sense of wellness is what motivates us to do what we do. Being able to facilitate the rehabilitation process that every one of our patients is going through and get them back to doing what they love and enjoy in their life is a fulfilling experience. Getting to do that every day amongst trusted and experienced clinicians is just incredible.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We would say that opening a successful multidisciplinary clinic in the midst of a pandemic while maintaining our sanity is our biggest accomplishment. We opened in July 2021, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. There were lots of restrictions in place; people were hesitant to go out and get in-person treatments, clinicians wanted safe and steady jobs, but despite all those obstacles, we had amazing clinicians joining our team. Our schedules were full within a few weeks. We had a team of 6 clinicians in less than six months, and every day we receive people from the community and others who travel quite a distance to be treated at our clinic. All these we have accomplished during a pandemic when a lot of businesses have sadly not been as lucky.

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

Probably balance the new responsibilities of being business owners and our personal life. There is a mound of new responsibilities and tasks that we never had to deal with before as employees, including extra administrative and operational tasks, managing staff, marketing, and more, in addition to our own responsibilities as clinicians. Trying to balance all the extra work and still have time for ourselves and our families can be challenging at times.

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

  1. Start. Just do it..! Overcome your fears and insecurities and take the big step.. you won't regret it. It is so worth the leap!
  2. Run. Get surrounded by the right people to run your business successfully. From trusted and qualified staff to knowledgeable professionals who can help you along the way. There will be a lot of questions that you won't have the answers for, ask and learn.
  3. Grow. Get involved with your community. Build relationships with neighboring businesses and make sure you create great relationships with your clients. Word of mouth is still the most powerful marketing tool.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Don't lose your passion, and remember every day why you started your business in the first place. There will be difficult moments and stressful times, so don't forget why you are doing what you are doing. What you do is special!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.inmotionphysiotherapy.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inmotionbedford
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inmotion_bedford/

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.