Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Pauline So, owner of Arc of Life Chiropractic Natural Health Group, located in Ottawa, ON, Canada.

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

My business is Arc of Life Chiropractic Natural Health Group. We help people live healthier better-connected lives through an optimal functioning spine and nerve system. We use the latest technology to measure neurostructural stress in the body and help our patients optimize their health and life function.

Our practice comprises people of all ages, from newborns to seniors. Collateral damage can occur in those whose lifestyles have them doing many of the same tasks, whether sitting at a computer, standing on their feet, or bending or lifting. We see many athletes and weekend warriors that want to get back to or keep playing the sport or activities they love. We see people that have tried everything else and are looking to thrive in life instead of just getting by. We see many pregnant women, babies, and kids in our practice at the stages of life where the proper function is of great importance. The type of neurostructural Chiropractic we practice helps people function and adapt at a higher level so they can have a better life experience. I truly believe that everyone can benefit from a clear and connected nerve system.

Tell us about yourself

While originally on a path to becoming an engineer, Chiropractic drastically changed my health and inspired me to choose it as my career and life passion. I get to make a big impact in my patients’ lives and help them get back to doing what they love. One of my patient’s kids told them, “Before you started seeing Dr. Pauline, you were grumpy and didn’t want to play, but now you do!” This is the best reward I could ask for!

My parents have always encouraged me to work hard and strive to do better daily, so this motivates me to keep giving my best every day. After more than 20 years in practice, my patients keep me going. I’m so fortunate to have this unique and trusted relationship with my patients. It is extremely rewarding to celebrate their wins together as they regain their life back.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

One of the unexpected and most rewarding things about being a business owner is the many close relationships we’ve fostered with patients, our community, and our team. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to mentor many young people who have worked with us: administrators, practitioners, and students, on how to start, build and grow a business. It is something that I love to teach and help others connect with their potential.

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

Being a primary health care provider and working in a role of service, people come to you with many of their problems. For many, the root of the problem may be the accumulation of years or decades of stress, yet people want all their problems solved in a single visit. While it is truly a gift that they trust you to help them, it is important not to take on what is not yours. It is also important for it to be a partnership where you each have a role in their health recovery (it is their health, after all). As care providers, we often want to help everyone!! But sometimes, they’re not ready to do the work yet.

As business owners, we have high expectations for others, especially ourselves, as our reputation depends on it. Only we may know the blood, sweat, tears, sacrifices, endless hours, and risk-taking that went into birthing and raising our business baby. It’s so personal to us, so we tend to take things personally.

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

  1. Clear agreements: Whether it be your lease, your professional advisors, your employees, or your clients, clear agreements with expectations and how things are dealt with in case you part ways are essential. Don’t skip the hard parts. Communicating openly about things that might be uncomfortable and listening with an open mind can bring a deeper sense of respect, growth, and understanding to all your relationships.
  2. What’s important to your customer may not be the same as what’s important to you. But you can design your business in a way that meets both! It needs to reflect your vision and operational needs but keep in mind that you’re creating an experience that you want them to rave about.
  3. Working backwards. Defining the end goal and then working backwards to break down the steps can make a big plan attainable. We’re often on a hamster wheel where we think we just need to keep working harder until we can’t. If we can step back, look at what we truly value, and put a number to that, we may be surprised that it’s more attainable than we thought. Also, our goals can change as we change, and that’s normal.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

We need to nurture our bodies in a routine. Our nervous system regulates our adaptability. Prioritize important self-care routines in your weekly schedule. Movement, clean eating, meditation, business planning, coaching, practicing gratitude, connecting with nature, and wellness practitioner visits are all investments in the most important person in your business: YOU!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://arcoflife.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arcoflifechiro
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcoflifechiro/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/arcoflife
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-pauline-so-994bb92a/

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.