Helping People Fully Participate in Their Lives - Moxie OT

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Sarah Zera, Founder of Moxie OT, located in Chicago, IL, USA.

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

My business is Moxie OT. I provide mobile and telehealth occupational therapy services in Chicago and the nearby suburbs. I specialize in the treatment of those who have had a stroke or brain injury. I use evidence-based treatment approaches to help my clients return to the activities in life that are the most meaningful to them. Examples of the goals I address with my clients include caring for their children or grandchildren, going out in the community, or enjoying dinner out with friends. I help my clients get back to life! Additionally, I am the founder and host of the Moxie OT Podcast. The Moxie OT Podcast invites occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs), consumers of OT, and friends of OT to talk about evidence-based practice. The Moxie OT Podcast provides evidence-based resources for OT advocates building their moxie.

Tell us about yourself

I have been an occupational therapist for 20 years. After practicing for 13 years, I returned to school to earn my post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy. In graduate school, I studied executive function impairments after stroke and brain injury. Research has found that while many people who have had a stroke or brain injury "graduate" from rehabilitation, many do not return to the activities in life they enjoy the most. After I completed my doctorate, I joined the faculty at Midwestern University, where I continued to grow and learn. It was while teaching my students about entrepreneurship in occupational therapy that I had the lightbulb moment that I, too, could be an entrepreneur. My pandemic projects became developing my private practice and the Moxie OT Podcast. I love having two sides of my business, working with my clients to meet their goals and supporting occupational therapists to provide best practices.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Every time a client meets their goals is an accomplishment to celebrate. One of my favorites is when a woman who was living in the community after her brain injury but was unhappy with her current career reached out to me for help. After a few occupational therapy sessions, she applied for and accepted a job in a field she was excited about!

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

I am still struggling with how to best organize my time. Prioritizing things that need to be done now, with things that I'd like to work on and check off my list, with the things that I want to do to continue to grow my business. Like every new job, learning what strategies work best to organize yourself and meet your goals can be challenging.

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

1. Share with as many people as you can that you are starting a business. Telling a friend may develop a referral. Telling a colleague may result in a networking opportunity.
2. Similarly, find other entrepreneurs to connect with. Having a support system to reach out to when you have questions is key.
3. Just try! You can always modify your business plan, but first, you have to get started. See one client after work, create one video for youtube, and develop one course. Find a way to get started!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.moxieot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoxieOT
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moxieot/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/moxieot
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-zera-moxieot/

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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