Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kim Vopni, President of Pelvienne Wellness Inc., located in Port Moody, BC, Canada.

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

My business offers online and app-based programs and coaching for women struggling with pelvic floor dysfunction. My customers are women between the ages of 35-60 who want to get rid of the need for incontinence pads, fix their back pain, improve the tone in their vagina and/or eliminate nagging prolapse symptoms.

Tell us about yourself

I grew up afraid of childbirth and was certain I would never have children. When I was an adult and decided I did want to start a family, I wanted to do everything I could to avoid the challenges I saw my mom suffer with. My midwives recommended a biofeedback device to me (The EPI-NO), which I used and had a positive experience with. I know it played a role in my birth experiences and felt others should know about so I contacted the company (Tecsana based in Germany) and asked to be a distributor. It was meant only to be a side gig but became my full-time passion in 2009. This product introduced me to pelvic health physical therapists, which I felt compelled to also tell everyone about. I had an online e-commerce store selling EPI-NO and other pelvic health products. I started a second business in 2011, called Bellies Inc, with two other women. We designed and manufactured a postpartum recovery wrap and exercise program. In 2018 Tecsana left the Canadian market after Health Canada implemented a new medical device licensing policy that was very costly and had a lot of hoops to jump through. I closed down my e-commerce site and focused on growing my online programs. In 2020 Bellies Inc was sold, which freed up even more time to grow the online programs and coaching and enabled me to launch an app. Every day I hear from people, 'why didn't anyone tell me about this and also, 'I feel so fortunate to have found you - I have my quality of life back.' These two things alone keep me passionately promoting pelvic health through all life stages.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Early on in my career, I was trying to get PR, but I have constantly turned away from tv and radio, and magazines because the word vagina was 'inappropriate,' the topic wasn't relevant, or it was too taboo. In Aug 2022, I was invited to be on CTV's The Social for a segment on pelvic floor fitness. I could say vagina and use all of my props. It was an accomplishment to be asked, but also an accomplishment to have built up enough authority in my business by using the very appropriate term vagina openly and daily.

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

Being a solopreneur means you need to learn and do things that are not in your wheelhouse. Early on is the toughest because you don't have the funds to outsource. I am happy that I can now outsource some of the tasks that bog me down but juggling the tasks and the management of them is one of the hardest things.

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

  1. In today's day and age, social media content is the biggest part of the business if it is not your area of expertise, partner up with someone right away.
  2. Outsource sooner than you think...it will free up time for you to focus on your zone of genius.
  3. Have a coach/mentor. It can be hard to stay motivated and on track. A coach is essential!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.vaginacoach.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VagCoach
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vaginacoach/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VaginaCoach
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-vopni/

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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