Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Will and Susan Revak, founders of OraWellness LLC., located in Eugene, OR, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
OraWellness was founded in 2010 on the belief that a community of people exists who really want to make positive changes in their oral health if they only had the tools and the knowledge of what to do. The sad statistic is that 97% of men, women, and children in the US have some form of active oral disease, tooth decay and gum disease being the lion's share of that 97%.
Here's a question to ponder... If what we as a society do to care for our oral health were working, don't you think that sad statistic would be much, much lower? We created OraWellness to support those seeking solutions with information on how to navigate the path to greater oral health.
Tell us about yourself
Like so many bootstrapped businesses, necessity was the mother of invention. One of the founders was diagnosed with advanced gum disease in her early 30s. Rather than go the conventional surgical route, Susan took responsibility for her situation and applied at-home strategies to turn her situation around to a healthy state. The same dentist confirmed that Susan had successfully stopped gum disease (something that mainstream dentistry believes is not possible).
What motivates us now is hearing how our products and information solutions help so many others do the same for themselves all around the world. We are proud to have happy customers in over 105 countries. It's the positive words we receive that really juice us. Hearing how regular folks like you and me took control of their oral health and left their dentist scratching their head wondering how this patient accomplished this is the best part for us. Honestly, the sense of confidence that we hear in our customer's voices is so powerful. By learning how to manage and create positive change in this one little area of their lives, our customers feel like they are a little more on top of their life.
Here is literally just one of the thousands of customer testimonials that we've received through the years... "You have given me the courage to smile again in public. Today I have returned from my regular dental cleaning, and the area of concern seems to be healing. I may not need a filling in that tooth. I know this is a result of your products. Especially your new Shine. Please continue to make these greatly needed health products! I truly feel stronger. I am practicing having my picture taken with an open smile now, something my grown kids are in awe over. Thank you!" Debbie E, Minnesota
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Contributing to the betterment of the world in some meaningful way.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Dealing with the frustrations when others get in the way of us being able to help others. For example, one of the many challenges that resulted from the recent COVID global snafu was that we were not able to ship products to some of our customers in other countries due to imposed shipping restrictions placed by some governments.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Find the sweet spot, the common ground, of the following three areas:
- What you love to do.
- What you are good at.
- What provides value to others.
When you find the sweet spot at the intersection of these three concepts, you will have found the right work.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Don't limit your ability to help others. Some say that you only need 1000 true fans (loyal customers) to support yourself financially. And don't let the finances be the driver. Because if you do, you'll never find fulfillment in work. Let helping others fill your tank, and the money will show up by itself.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://orawellness.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OraWellness/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orawellness/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/orawellness
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orawellness-holistic-oral-health-solutions-9463ab38/
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.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.