Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Nicole Freels, FACFAOM, C.Ped, Founder of Lexington Podiatry and Modern Podiatrist "Mod Pod", located in Lexington, KY, USA.

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

I run two related businesses. At Lexington Podiatry, we are redefining modern Podiatry. We provide more than just healthcare; we provide you with experience. We utilize the building blocks of traditional Podiatric Medicine and have added a multitude of cutting-edge procedures using the latest technology to heal you quickly.

Modern Podiatrist is a woman-owned business containing American-made products guaranteed to change the way you experience foot care. Modern Podiatrist may be pioneering the way to better foot care, but, like most innovative ideas, it had humble beginnings. Modern Podiatrist is more than just lotion and soap. From the finely-milled salt scrub to the calming lavender scent of the hydration balm, each product is carefully crafted with the highest quality ingredients to ensure that you receive exceptional foot care in the comfort of your own home.

Tell us about yourself

I was very fortunate. I grew up in my Grandfather's podiatry practice. I knew at the age of 12 that this was the career for me. My approach is to merge traditional podiatric medicine that I learned from my Grandfather with modern, advanced, cutting-edge procedures and technology.

I launched MODPOD "Modern Podiatrist," my re-branded custom-designed foot care line inspired by my late Grandfather, Doc Kelly. My original brand, "Doc Kelly's Apothecary," has now been locally sourced in my hometown, with my cousin Sara at the helm. It is a full foot care product line focusing on natural ingredients with a sprinkle of modern medicine. My brand has been incredibly popular amongst my patients looking for prescription strength options adding in natural ingredients. My product line is in several Lexington, Midway, Richmond, and Rockcastle boutiques.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Simply hanging my first shingle. I opened LP in Oct of 2008, just as Lehman Brothers declared bankruptcy. Surviving my first year in that market is most definitely my biggest business accomplishment.

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

In this day in age, staffing. COVID really has changed this sector of business. When I opened in 2008, people were so thankful to have a job. Now, it's completely the opposite. At times you have to walk on eggshells to keep your staff happy and engaged. The entire world is hiring; you really have to determine how to set yourself apart as a company for them to want to stay.

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

  1. Do your research. Plan to work 16 hours a day. Being an owner and an entrepreneur, it's certainly not for the faint of heart. If you have thick skin, determination, and grit, you have a pretty good shot at being successful.
  2. Know your numbers. In podiatry school, we only got to take one business class. It is critical for the survival of medical entrepreneurs to have more exposure to the business side of things. I'd even audit some business classes at your local university.
  3. Plan for the first 5 years to be rough. My favorite saying is, "If it were easy, everyone would do it.". It's going to be HARD, just put your head down and do the work. The rewards will come in droves if you focus on your goal.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website:
https://www.lexingtonkypodiatry.com/
https://www.modernpodiatrist.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modernpodiatrist/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernpodiatrist
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-freels-133a7810/

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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