Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health & wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kate Lyzenga-Dean, Founder of KMLD Wellness, located in Grand Rapids, MI, USA.

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

I help busy people get to the root of their health concerns using a whole-person, Integrative, Functional Medicine approach.

Tell us about yourself

I've always been interested in medicine and tried several fields in college, including nursing and athletic training. But the holistic, root-cause philosophy of Functional Medicine always made so much sense to me, so I took a less-conventional path, graduating Valedictorian of my class from the National University of Health Sciences with a doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine.

I then spent nearly a decade in a prominent Functional Medicine practice in Grand Rapids, Michigan, before "going solo" with my virtual Functional Medicine Consultation services. I'm inspired to seek the "why" behind any health challenge and partner with my clients to help them find solutions that work and are sustainable for their specific situation.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I'm proud of and excited about transitioning from a traditional, in-person practice model to a virtual one. Providing Functional Medicine wisdom and guidance via virtual visits dramatically increases access to my clients, keeps fees affordable, and allows me much more time with every individual. It's always a little scary to step outside the box, but I'm proud of this practice model (and my clients love it).

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

Being in solo practice has many challenges, but the hardest part for me has been determining where to focus my energy and effort to have the most impact. I have so many interests in Functional Medicine, including speaking, writing, podcasting, creating educational resources, and collaborating with other wellness providers, that it's been tough to find time for it all!

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

First, prepare yourself for the ebb and flow of business. The only certainty is change; the sooner you let go of the need to control every outcome, the saner you'll stay.

Second, structure your business with ample room for self-care. You can't pour from an empty cup!

And third, surround yourself with people who encourage you, inspire you, and celebrate your wins with you. There are loads of folks who want to help you when you're down, and that's great, but be sure to hold on to those who cheer for your "wins," too! Especially if you're a solo business owner, you will want to craft that community ASAP intentionally. If I can do it, so can you!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.drkateld.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrKateLD/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkateld/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-lyzenga-dean-59334912/

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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