Health & Body Therapy - Whole Family Health

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christina Pistotnik, Co-Owner of Whole Family Health, located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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

I am the co-owner of Whole Family Health, and it is an acupuncture and massage clinic in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Although I was not the founder of the clinic, I was fortunate to be presented with the opportunity to be an owner of it when the founder wanted to pursue another opportunity. I became the co-owner in July 2019 with my amazing colleague Alda Ngo, who I could not do what I do without her support.

I specialize in reproductive and pregnancy health, and the majority of my clients are looking to start or grow their families. Typically my patients are looking for empowerment and support that they have not been able to find in other healthcare settings. This is because reproductive challenges are quite personal and challenging. It’s important to me that my patients feel heard and understood. I believe that providing acupuncture treatments is more than just sticking a few needles in the body. It’s rather about really connecting with patients so that they feel empowered, supported, and cared for.

Tell us about yourself

I have been practicing since 2010, and even though I never dreamed of becoming a Doctor of Acupuncture as a child, I always knew that I wanted to help people. I discovered how amazing acupuncture is at helping in the healing process after I was in a car accident when I was 18. After my first treatment, I fell in love and knew that I wanted to help people with their health and well-being in a natural and gentle way. While at University and studying acupuncture, I learned that acupuncture treated more than just pain. It looked at the whole person and catered treatments to each individual's needs. I love how every treatment is different, even if someone has the same medical diagnosis as someone else.

My motivation comes from being a bit of a detective and really getting to know my patients so that I can cater their treatments to fit them appropriately because everyone is different and have individual needs, and acupuncture treatments are so individualized to fit that person's needs are. Also, my patients constantly inspire me with their resilience and willingness to take part in their own health journey.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I feel that my biggest accomplishment as a business owner is that I get to provide a space where my patients can come to feel heard and understood, and it's a safe place where they can feel empowered to take control of their health and wellbeing.

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

I completely love going into my clinic and connecting with my patients and team members, and I am grateful that I get to do what I do. Although, it isn't always easy being a small business owner, and I would be kidding myself if I thought it was always sunshine and roses because there are hard things that come with being a business owner. One of the hardest things for me is understanding that you can't please everyone. This has been particularly challenging for me as I am a people pleaser, and I want everyone to be happy, but it can't always happen that way.

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

1. Do your research and understand that your business will take a lot of your time, and that brings me to my 2nd tip.
2. Maintain boundaries. I do tend to spend a lot of extra time on business when not with patients, but it is important to set limits. This also means I cannot allow people to have constant access to me, and some emails can wait. I do let my patients know that Monday to Friday will get back to them within 24hrs, but if it is over the weekend, I won't get a response until the upcoming Monday.
3. Make time for yourself and enjoy doing things outside of work to refill your cup. You are not going to be any good to anyone if you are burnt out and exhausted.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.wholefamilyhealth.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wholefamilyhlth/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholefamilyhlth/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wholefamilyhlth
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-pistotnik-374a4698/

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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