Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lauren Roberts, owner of The Running Physio, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

The Running Physio is Toronto's premier clinic for treating runners of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. We are an all-inclusive, family-friendly, and women-run clinic that believes physical rehabilitation can be fun, motivating, and in line with your personal goals and values.

Moving well and feeling good are necessary parts of a self-care routine. Whether you're lacing up for your first 5k or training for your 3rd marathon, we're in your corner.

Tell us about yourself

I've always loved people and naturally gravitated to leadership positions. In high school, I was president of the Athletic Association. So I knew I needed to move towards a career that integrated both people management and health. After completing an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology, I was accepted at the University of Toronto for a Master's of Physiotherapy. After working in the field for 5-6 years, I began to specialize in running injuries as, at the time, I was competing in Ironmans and marathons. I ran the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in 2016 and the Boston Marathon in 2018. Naturally, my social network and patient caseload were very running-focussed. Once I realized there was a huge gap in good care for these people, I decided to open The Running Physio.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Single-handedly opening a business from Day 1. I got my own bank loan, found an investor to help me with startup capital, found real estate, designed and built a clinic, and developed processes to make it successful. It was a ton of work. I'm not sure I'll do it again any time soon as I'm a bit older now, but it's been such a ride.

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

It can feel very lonely. It is difficult to turn to people with your business-specific problems and feel that they "get it" - especially when it's all your own money and livelihood at stake.

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

  1. Just start. Access to information is unlimited these days. Stop asking people to "pick their brain about business" and just do it.
  2. Keep your personal end game in mind. Do you want multiple businesses? A hybrid model? Do you want in for 20 years or out in 10? These things will all play into your day-to-day decisions.
  3. Treat people properly. Pay them well. Build your model so that you can afford to pay them what they deserve.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Being a mom and a business owner is typically considered "crazy." It is - it's a busy lifestyle - but it also affords me so much freedom. I don't have to be in an office for any set period of time per week. I can drop my daughter off and pick her up most days. I can schedule meetings when it works for me. It does take a lot of personal organization, but the freedom to organize my own life is something I wouldn't trade for anything.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://therunningphysio.ca/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/therunningphysio/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_running_physio/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-roberts-12351235/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.