Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sandra Christensen, Founder of Integrative Medical Weight Management, located in Seattle, WA, USA.

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

My business is Integrative Medical Weight Management. I am a board-certified nurse practitioner and an obesity specialist who provides personalized evidence-based, comprehensive obesity treatment. My customers are people who want to improve their health and quality of life by reducing their weight and living a healthful lifestyle.

Tell us about yourself

I have specialized in non-surgical obesity treatment since 2005. I worked at an outpatient obesity treatment clinic at Swedish First Hill before opening my own clinic in 2009. I love working with my patients to improve their current and future health. Because obesity is a chronic condition, many of my patients continue their treatment for several years. This gives me the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with them and witness their health improvements and increased vitality.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is seeing the impact that my services have on my patient's health and lives. I've built a reputation in the community as a compassionate, knowledgeable clinician who is an expert in my field. I'm also proud to be a female entrepreneur. I designed a clinic that delivers high-quality medical treatment in a warm and beautiful setting which is in contrast to many other healthcare settings. I offer longer appointments than is typical, which gives us time to fully address their concerns. This approach provides the type of experience that patients are craving but don't get in many healthcare settings. Basically, I did it my way because I believed that there was a better way to deliver healthcare...and it's turned out even better than I imagined.

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

Sometimes there are challenges to being a business owner, but I prefer those challenges to the ones I experienced when working for others and not having enough of a voice about my clinical schedule and how I cared for my patients. That being said, one of the biggest challenges is setting boundaries between my business/professional life and my personal life. That was harder in the beginning when I was building my business, but it can still be a challenge at times.

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

  1. Hire reputable professionals to help you with tasks that are not in your area of expertise rather than doing it yourself. They can do it much better, and it will save you time and money in the long run. Examples: Web designer, accountant.
  2. Create a business design/ plan with low overhead, especially in the beginning. That may not be possible with all businesses, but for many, it is. It lessens the pressure, which means you can put more of your energy into building and perfecting your business.
  3. Work hard, but take time for self-care and restorative activities. Build them into your schedule. This will give you the stamina, creativity, and clarity of thinking that you need. Create a schedule that is sustainable, and you will be more successful.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I love being a business owner! I enjoy creating a business design that reflects what I believe in most: Delivering personalized, high-quality healthcare in an environment that makes people comfortable and supports health. By doing so, I have also created a work setting in which I love to spend my days! I am just as nourished by the longer appointments and the pleasant surroundings as my patients.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.im-wm.com/
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Osk9eJ

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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