Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Leila Awada, owner of LA Physio & Wellness, located in Edmonton, AB, Canada.

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

LA Physio and Wellness is a home-based clinic in Edmonton, Alberta. I created my Physiotherapy practice within my own home with the desire to provide an alternative approach to Physiotherapy and Wellness. In the past, I’ve treated many individuals who’d tell me they were anxious in a clinical setting, so I converted a big part of my home into a treatment space to provide a more comforting and supportive healing environment. I also wanted to create a space that ensured patients received one-on-one treatment with my full undivided attention.

I see individuals of all ages. To ensure that patients have access to treatment, I offer in-person, virtual, and hybrid models of care. I treat various issues ranging from general aches/pains to sports injuries and musculoskeletal conditions and provide injury prevention and management services. I like to incorporate a whole-body approach where we don’t solely focus on the isolated injury but on how it impacts the patient's life and how to manage it.

I also had training in Medication/Clinical Hypnosis, and I offer stress management services to incorporate a holistic approach further. Empowering patients to take an active role in their treatment process and an open/honest collaborative approach between therapist and patient is key to a successful recovery.

Tell us about yourself

A few contributing factors motivated me to open my business and continue to do what I do. Firstly, growing up, I always wanted to be in the healthcare field. I was that child who sat at her Doctor’s appointment reiterating all the components of the ear and how it worked. I was always fascinated with the human body.

Secondly, I chose to be a Physiotherapist because, as a Physio, I’m able to be involved in someone’s healing journey, the highs and the lows. I can be hands-on and help guide patients through their recovery process with an active treatment approach.

Lastly, I played a lot of sports as a child/teen, and with that, I experienced a lot of injuries. Not one person or healthcare professional referred me to a Physiotherapist. Looking back, I can see how helpful that would have been. I wish I had someone to guide me through the injuries and help combat the physical aches caused by stress. This is why I place a big emphasis on educating my patients on their injury and overall health. Everyone should understand how and why their bodies work in certain ways, so I’ve also started a social media platform just to spread awareness because movement is medicine, and prevention is key.
I wanted an environment where I could educate, provide one-on-one care and give my patients my undivided attention, so I built my own!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment would be that I was able to build a practice that challenges the norm so early on in my career. It took a big leap of faith, and I had to trust my gut but seeing all the successful patient outcomes has been well worth the hard work. I’m still new to the business world, but all good things come with time and patience.

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

Oh my! I struggle with maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I really love what I do, so it’s very easy to get sucked into all the business things. Once I get started, I get lost in all the information and things to do. Also, along with “life balance” comes family planning. As a female business owner, I find this difficult to navigate. I'm going to have to grow a business and grow a baby. No one really talks about how to navigate being a female business owner and raising a family as a mom.

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

  1. It’s ok to say No! Boundaries are important and are necessary for creating a work-life balance. You’ll also find yourself being more productive.
  2. Have a support network around you. Opening a business takes a lot of time and effort and often leads to late nights. Surrounding yourself with support will help motivate you.
  3. Get organized and plan! Use an agenda, Google Calendar, or place a massive whiteboard on your wall to jot down your ideas. Having a visual of your thoughts and strategies is very helpful. There are times that you get so busy that you forget, so this helps keep me organized and productive.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Always check in with yourself and make sure your business aligns with your values and that you are taking care of yourself. You can’t have a healthy business without a healthy you. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out! You can always book a free discovery call with me.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.laphysioandwellness.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsaphysiolife/

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.

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