Holistic Pelvic Health Meets Childbirth

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ibukun Afolabi, Founder of The Mama's Physio, located in London, ON, Canada.

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

I am a physiotherapist (physical therapist) whose work focuses on pelvic health - specifically; I work with women who have pelvic floor challenges such as incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual pain, or chronic pelvic pain conditions. I work with women who are pregnant, birthing, or postpartum to help prepare their bodies and minds for the event of childbirth and recovery well after the baby is born.

Tell us about yourself

I'm motivated each day by the knowledge that my work is creating real change in the lives of women in my community. It's transformative, really. And I know that when women discover their inner strength, both physically and mentally, it has a positive ripple effect on their families, their work, their communities, and their generations.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

There have been many mini accomplishments along the journey - but one of the things that I'm happiest about is my involvement in raising the level of awareness of pelvic health in my community. I was one of the first pelvic physios in my city, and I poured much of my energy into advocacy, education, and mentorship from the beginning - both for health professionals and for lay people. I believe much of my work helped to shape the conversation around women's pelvic health issues in our area and bring about change. Doing this as a young black woman in a predominantly white community was certainly a challenge in different ways, but it led to a lot of personal growth.

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

Owning a business is a full-time job...even when you're not at work. It takes tremendous energy, commitment, creativity, drive, and nurturing. Being a parent is also a full-time job which is such a gift and also a humbling mission. I'm a mom to 5 young kids, and so for me, the hardest part of being a business owner has been finding a balance. That balance is a moving point depending on the season of business and the rhythms of life. Taking time to unplug, disconnect, do nothing, and not think about business is surprisingly harder than actually working on the business or in the business. I've found business ownership has grown me up in the sense that I now value and prioritize rest and taking time for myself on a regularly scheduled basis.

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

First of all, you can do it! You really can! With the right support in place, you have what it takes. And if you don't fully have what it takes, you can learn how to develop those skills and abilities.

My second tip is to find your tribe. There are many excellent resources and communities out there now. You don't have to go on the journey alone. Please find the right group of people and get plugged in. They will be a lifeline for you, support when you need it, and your collective creative energy will make great things happen.

Lastly, move forward in freedom. In this life, we are programmed to follow a code, a script, or a rulebook that tells us what we can and cannot be and what we can and cannot do. Once you understand that these rules are arbitrary and that you don't have to be confined by them, you will find the freedom you need to do what you were meant to do. So step forward with courage and excitement - anticipate good things.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://themamasphysio.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themamasphysio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themamasphysio/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ibukunafolabi/

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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