Affordable Acupuncture Every Day

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Susan Wiggins, Owner of Long Beach Community Acupuncture, located in Long Beach, CA, USA.

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

Long Beach Community Acupuncture (LBCA) is the only clinic of its kind in this great, diverse city. I offer affordable acupuncture in a peaceful group setting on a sliding scale of $40-$60. This model of treatment makes this therapy available for more people to use for their health problems. Most of my customers are from Long Beach, but many come from the surrounding environment of LA and Orange County. They range in age from 2 months to 90 years old. I treat them for allergies, asthma, stress, anxiety, and insomnia also, for body pain, digestive complaints, reproductive issues, and autoimmune conditions.

Tell us about yourself

I learned about the community acupuncture movement when I was finishing school and just knew I needed to work this way. The idea of treatment being affordable, accessible, and effective really resonated with me--along with the fact that Long Beach did not have a clinic like this. LBCA is a place of connection and belonging, and I love helping make people's lives better. While the work I do may be healing for the patient, it feels healing for me too. My relationships with the people who come here truly enrich my life. I look forward to going in each day to hear what's happening for each person and to see how I might contribute to their well-being.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment has been building and sustaining LBCA going on 10 years. Small business is challenging in so many respects, and this clinic has evolved from the beginning with volunteer staff to employees and then a radical restructuring due to the pandemic. I am so grateful to be here still serving the community.

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

Balancing the demands of the actual service you provide with all of the other things that must be done in a business. For me, the treatments are the fun part, but something like laundry or cleaning the bathroom is less so. However, I have always thought that all the details matter in creating a good experience for the people that come to my business. Ultimately, cleaning, even keeping very good books, creates the backbone for a strong business.

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

Cultivate good, honest relationships with your customers.
Don't be afraid to change your business when and if you need to.
Take time off and really recharge when you do.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://www.longbeachcommunityacupuncture.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LBCommunityAcupuncture
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lbcommunityacupuncture/

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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