Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Melissa Stockwell, President of Tolsma/ Stockwell Prosthetics, located in Colorado Springs, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Our business is a prosthetic and orthotic practice. We fit amputees with prosthetic limbs and those needing support with devices such as back braces, foot orthotics, cranial helmets, and other orthotic devices. Our customers include kids, adults, injured service members, elite athletes, and everyone in between!
Tell us about yourself
I have been an amputee since 2004, and my husband and I met while we were both in our residence for prosthetics. We moved out to CO in 2019, so I could train at the Olympic Training Center with an eye on the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. My husband Brian has always wanted to open his own business, so we decided to go for it and opened our doors in early 2020. The reward of showing someone what they can still do regardless of their disability never gets old.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Success is anytime we successfully fit a patient with a device that will allow them to live the best life they can. We have come up with custom prosthetic devices for elite-level athletes that have been used at the highest stage at the Paralympic Games!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest part was starting it all. The build-out, the insurance contracts, marketing through COVID... it's not an easy task. But we went for it, we made it through COVID, and we are now a thriving business!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't do it alone! There are small business counselors out there to help you manage everything that feels overwhelming at the beginning.
- Know that it takes time. Success in a new business doesn't happen overnight. It can be long hours and a lot of work upfront but keep at it and know it will come through.
- Go for it. It's scary. It can be hard. But you never know what can happen unless you try!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://tsprosthetics.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSProsthetics
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tsprosthetics/
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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