Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health & wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with KeleMarie Lyons of KeleMarie Lyons Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine, based in Milwaukee, WI, USA.

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

We provide natural healing services, including acupuncture, acupressure, laser acupuncture, herbal medicine, aromatherapy, meditation training, yoga, and qigong training for individuals who want to embark on an evolutionary healing journey.

Our clients are individuals suffering from chronic disease, chronic pain, and/or mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. We see both men and women. Most of our clients have tried western medicine or allopathic medicine and have not had improvement in their conditions. Some have experienced many side effects of prescription drugs or surgical procedures and want to try a more holistic approach. Our clients are open to healing their spirit and mind along with the body to return to optimal health.

Tell us about yourself

In 2005 I made a trip to Nicaragua to work in rural villages teaching brigadistas (community health navigators) mindfulness, yoga, and breathwork. By teaching them to do these techniques for self-healing and stress reduction, they would be able to teach their villagers how to do it as well, thereby creating a healthier community.

Well, I always say I found my soul there in those villages. Each day I would energetically pop out of bed at the literal call of the rooster to start my day. I spent time in a clinic there as well. Providing reiki, and energy work, for patients to ease their pain.

The energy and enthusiasm I had every day upon waking and throughout the evening, I wanted to sustain every day of my life. So I decided to dedicate my life to serving humanity with wholistic healing services. I quit my global consulting business and shifted to natural medicine.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is probably growing my practice so quickly. After starting my practice, I grew from 20% capacity to 100% in less than two months. The bottom line is that people want and need these types of services.

Having a strong business background in my prior career as a consultant has given me the tools to run a productive, efficient business in a way that allows me to really focus on each client's needs when I am with them. It's a very personalized approach that gives each client my undivided attention for a significant amount of time.

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

The hardest part of being a business owner is the focus. I love to help people. As I see the different needs of my clients, I want to provide those services. It's hard to remember that I only have a certain number of hours in a day, and that restricts the number of people I can help.

So instead of trying to be all things to all people, I continually remind myself to network and build alliances with providers who complement the services I offer. That way, my clients have access to a whole network of quality holistic healing services. Together the referral network is stronger than I could be on my own.

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

If someone wants to grow and run an effective business, especially in natural healing services, I would recommend the following:

  1. Build a support team made up of similar businesses - a team that can not only advise/support you through challenges but also sends referrals.
  2. Grow gradually. Establish yourself in a nice, low-cost space with low-cost equipment. As you grow, you can invest in better equipment and better space. Sometimes offices of chiropractors or other providers are willing to rent a room to those getting started. This is a cost-effective way to create a presence when you are building your clientele.
  3. Keep the faith that you can build and grow your business. You need to believe in yourself and what service you are providing. The energy you put forth in this manner will attract your clients.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://kelemarielyonsacupuncture.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelemarie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelemarie1212/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KMLAcupuncture
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelemarielyons/

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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.