Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ranko Vukovic, founder of Vancity Physio, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
VanCity Physio is a results-based physiotherapy clinic; we are committed to delivering the highest standards of results-oriented, compassionate care to our clients. By treating the root cause and not the symptoms, we help our patients lead a life free of movement restrictions.
Tell us about yourself
I first graduated from UBC in 2015 with a Masters of Physical Therapy. Prior to my physiotherapy degree, I studied Kinesiology and graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor's degree in Human Kinetics from UBC. After graduating, I was a practicing member of the British Columbia Association of Kinesiologists (BCAK), as well as a BCRPA certified Personal Trainer. I also hold a certificate in Functional Movement Systems and use these skills to provide movement screens for clients.
During this time, I also worked as a Research Assistant for Terry Fox Labs at BC Cancer Research Centre and at the Centre for Hip Health & Musculoskeletal Research at Vancouver General Hospital. Having a passion for sports, it inspired me to work as a Personal Trainer and Kinesiologist, creating tailored training programs for a diverse group of clients, educating and motivating them to reach their personal fitness goals. During the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, I even gained valuable experience working with elite athletes volunteering as a NOC Assistant for the Serbian Olympic Team.
Through all of my experience, I quickly learned that we all desire the basic freedom of feeling mobile and healthy. There are many of us who don't get to experience this basic human need - and view healthy mobility as a luxury. This is something I desired to change and led me to first open Vancity Physio with the hopes of delivering results-focused physio to people all over the lower mainland - empowering them with the mobility we all deserve.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
STRENGTH. MOBILITY. FUNCTION. and FREEDOM. These are all pillars that we promise to deliver at Vancity Physio. We know that pain is a frustrating experience. At VanCity Physio, we're committed to helping you recover from injury and return to the activities you love – free from pain and restriction. Seeing the work at Vancity Physio help heal our clients and allow them to lead an active lifestyle is the greatest joy for me.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Time management! When you are passionate about your business and the work you do, it can be hard to disconnect and not overwork yourself to the point of exhaustion. I have to remember to have balance in my life so that I can show up as my best self for my team and my clients.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make sure you love what you do, entrepreneurship isn't easy, but it feels a lot easier if you love what you do.
- Get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable. In business, it is important to take risks, and you may find yourself uncomfortable a lot - but it is necessary for growth.
- Ask for help. You only know what you know, and sometimes that can be a limitation. The most successful business owners know how to ask for help when something comes up that they are unfamiliar with; try to find a mentor!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://vancityphysio.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vancityphysio/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vancityphysiotherapy
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.