Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Heather Castagno, Founder of Lilium Acupuncture + Herbs, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Lilium Acupuncture + Herbs is a boutique holistic healthcare practice in Los Angeles, CA, that specializes in women's health and holistic mental health support, although it is open to all. Treatments combine acupuncture, traditional Chinese diagnostics, herbal, energy, and intuitive medicine for a completely personalized experience.
Patients drawn to working with me often struggle with stress, burnout, anxiety, trauma, grief, physical pain, insomnia, or are just feeling off and not knowing why. Many are in therapy or have been for some time (and I strongly encourage that), but they are looking for additional support tools and alternate approaches to navigating their concerns. I also work quite a bit with women in whatever cycle of life they might find themselves in, i.e., regulating menstrual cycles, enhancing hormone health and fertility, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause. Lastly, I see patients for any other issues acupuncture can assist with, such as digestion, allergies, migraines, pain, etc.
Along with acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, I do a brief, energetic body scan of every patient as well, which better informs my treatment protocol. I do this as I have heard all the concerns that have been discussed in the general intake, but I like to observe what else the body says energetically. I find it allows for a deeper read and additional dialogue with patients, sometimes naming an elusive emotion or providing a different lens to view the concern. Energy work is an integral part of how I practice, and I feel it makes my treatments really unique.
Tell us about yourself
I started going to acupuncture 15 years ago when I felt things were off, although thankfully, everything was fine by Western labs. I had incredibly painful periods, was freezing all the time, constantly fatigued, bloated, and had breakouts as an adult. I had such a profound reaction to the first treatment and was obsessed with learning more about the theory and how traditional Chinese medicine views the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. I became increasingly fascinated with every treatment and ultimately decided to pursue my Master's degree and licensing.
Hearing feedback from patients on how their issues have improved or resolved or how something has shifted (even if just perspective) based on our working together is a huge motivating force for what I do. I'm honored to be able to create a safe, nurturing space, share information and provide treatments that can help bring more balance into people's lives.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Honestly, getting through Covid. My business is primarily an in-person service, which made Covid challenging. I'm so grateful to the patients that trusted me and allowed me to support them through that time, which in turn supported me, of course.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The most challenging aspect of being a business owner for me is all the work outside of treating patients, specifically marketing. I've grown primarily via word of mouth and referrals, which I'm so thankful for, but I have realized that it is necessary to communicate what you do on a platform or in a way that feels genuine to you.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have a clear vision and goals. What are you here to give?
- Run your numbers and then find a mentor who can review and tell you what numbers you missed or hadn't thought of. You need as clear of a financial picture as possible the entire time.
- Work on your mindset. I still use the quotes "the secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine" and "the day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit" as motivation.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.liliumacupuncture.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liliumacupuncture/
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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