Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kristin Heinold, CMO of NIU Health Urgent Care+, located in Honolulu, HI, USA.

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

When Dr. Tony Trpkovski, better known as Dr. T, saw a need for quality, convenient and affordable healthcare, he brought his vision to life. In April of 2020, NIU Health was born. "Niu" means "coconut" in Hawaiian and was chosen as homage to Hawaii's rich culture and tradition. The Coconut Tree is often referred to as "The Tree of Life" by Pacific Islanders who first introduced the fruit to Hawaii. The coconut represents aloha on many levels, and NIU Health embraces this history.

The concept is quite simple. Sign up as a NIU Health member like you watch Netflix or Hulu. Membership is FREE if you have insurance and less than $10 a month if you don't. Members have 24/7 access to local medical professionals staffed by NIU Health. If a member prefers to come into one of the three brick-and-mortar clinics, they are certainly welcome; however, we encourage members to begin with a virtual visit. NIU Health provides everything familiar urgent care would provide minus the hefty price tag. Most medications are under $5 a month, and NIU Health accepts all insurance. NIU Health is a great option for those without medical insurance and those who want to add NIU Health as a supplement to their current insurance. Either way, NIU Health will ensure members get the best care at the lowest out-of-pocket cost. No problem if you don't want to interact with NIU staff physically. NIU Health has contactless lockers at each health clinic where subscribers can simply scan a QR code to access their prescribed medication easily. NIU Health can also call your prescription to your local pharmacy or send it directly to your home.

Partnerships with advertisers allow NIU to offer high-quality medical care at an affordable cost. Like YouTube, members watch a few local ads in our virtual waiting room before their telehealth or in-person appointment. NIU Health has reinvented urgent care and plans to expand its clinical operations to the outer islands, American Samoa, the mainland, and eventually, the world.

Tell us about yourself

I have been in marketing and sales throughout Hawaii and the mainland for over 20 years. I was also a copywriter, producer, and sales executive for several television networks, including KUSA-TV NBC in Denver, KXRM-TV FOX in Colorado Springs, and KHON-TV FOX in Hawaii. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Journalism, a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and a minor in French from the School for International Training in Toulouse, France. Before making Hawaii my home, I was a former Chair of the Southern Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Helping people. Everyone deserves affordable healthcare, and we are in a position to provide that.

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

We are a start-up company in the urgent care business, so it's been challenging to promote our message that we service EVERYONE, not just those with health insurance. If you're in between jobs or lost your insurance, we can help. If you simply want to add NIU Health as a perk to your current insurance provider, we can also be of service. There is something for everyone.

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

  1. Believe in your product and yourself.
  2. You will make mistakes, don't give up. Some of the most successful business owners have experienced failure; the key is to learn from your mistakes and not be too hard on yourself.
  3. Put in the work. So many people have fantastic ideas but aren't willing to put in the work.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

NIU Health is no gimmick. We intend to become the #1 urgent care provider in Hawaii and, eventually, throughout the world.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.niuhealth.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NIUHEALTH/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niuhealthcare/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/niuhealthcare
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-heinold/

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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