Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cara Frank, President of Six Fishes Acupuncture, located in Philadelphia, PA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I actually own three businesses: Six Fishes Neighborhood Acupuncture, with two offices in Center City, Philadelphia. I've been practicing for 40 years, and I have a terrific team of practitioners who work alongside me. We treat hundreds of patients each month with a range of complaints. Pain, reproductive health, digestive disorders, and more.
I also own China Herb Company: A custom Chinese Herb Pharmacy that serves acupuncturists across the US. My Pandemic Pivot was founding China Herb Seminars. Many herbalists lack the confidence to actually practice. It's hard stuff. It's my legacy project. To give away all I know.
Tell us about yourself
I enrolled in acupuncture school very young. I was 20, and the field was just emerging in the states. And I never looked back. Later, I went to China to study Herbal Medicine and fell in love with it.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Biggest? Leading my practice during the pandemic. We're essential, so our gross was barely below the previous year. Implementing incredible safety procedures when there was nothing written- so I wrote it! Pivoting immediately to telehealth. And to this day, no one in my office has had COVID, and there are zero cases traceable to my office. Real-life accomplishment? Being widowed at 41 with two small children and managed to raise two awesome humans and grow my business and be in service to the community at large.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Staying mobile, measured, and balanced in the face of challenges. Not running from scary, hard decisions.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Avail yourself of every free resource out there: Are you a woman? BIPOC? There's money for you. There's advice. There are small business incubators.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I wrote a blog once- Cart before the Horse- it's about jumping into decisions without planning and then making a go of it. Be brave. Lead from your heart.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://sixfishes.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sixfishes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/six_fishes_acupuncture/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cara_o_frank
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cara-frank-915b805/
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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