How did you come up with the idea of your business for Redmond Health – Integrative Functional Medicine, and how did you start?
My business has been a slow evolution spanning two decades, beginning with my health struggles that I successfully healed through Eastern Medicine. I contemplated going to medical school and even spent time working in the emergency department to gain experience. However, I decided to pursue what felt like a calling toward a career in complementary and alternative medicine. Though uncertain of the path ahead, I was determined to forge my way and establish my own business.
The journey unfolded with attending Ayurveda school in Albuquerque, New Mexico, followed by Chinese Medicine school in Santa Fe. More recently, I’ve delved into Functional Medicine and advanced lab testing. As a woman, I’m particularly passionate about women’s health, recognizing the gaps in research and resources within the allopathic medical community.
I’ve continually witnessed the remarkable efficacy of Chinese and Functional Medicine in addressing a wide array of female-related concerns, from debilitating period pain to infertility and the challenging journey of menopause.
So, where did it all begin? It began with a desire to heal myself and a curiosity about discovering the root cause of my issues. I started offering Ayurveda consultations in 2010 and teaching workshops. Little by little, I gained momentum. In 2016, my husband and I moved to East Lansing and I officially launched my practice in 2017. It’s been an exciting adventure since then!
Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were first starting out?
Yes, so many things!
Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey inevitably comes with its fair share of challenges and learning opportunities. I firmly believe that these moments of growth are integral to the process.
I initiated my business venture during my pregnancy with my son, aiming to balance the responsibilities of being a stay-at-home mom with building my business on the side. Looking back, this approach proved to be a source of frustration, leading to burnout and a toll on my mental well-being. Balancing parenthood with entrepreneurship is no easy feat, and the strain was palpable.
In hindsight, I recognize the importance of investing in childcare as a strategic move rather than viewing it solely as an expense. While it may seem daunting to allocate funds to childcare before the business turns a profit, considering it as a crucial investment in the business’s growth could have been a wise decision.
What is the best business advice you’ve ever been given?
The best business advice I’ve been given is more of a collection of pithy sayings that play on repeat in my mind. Things like “start before you’re ready” to help move past imposter syndrome. “Failure is feedback” to help with perfectionism. “You are more than capable” to deal with self-doubt. “Persistence pays off” to help with motivation and consistency. Being an entrepreneur is like holding a jar full of different marbles – it’s a mixture of enthusiasm and fear, vision and self-doubt, failure and faith. You never know which marble you’ll reach for on any given day, but these bits of advice help me to stay focused on my overall vision in times of struggle.
Have you faced adversity in business due to being a woman? How did you navigate that?
The adversity I’ve encountered has largely been internal, rooted in outdated cultural norms that unfairly burden professional women who are also mothers. These norms perpetuate unrealistic expectations and create an unequal playing field, leading to internal conflicts that many within the Lansing Mom community can likely relate to. Balancing work commitments with being a present and attentive mother presents an ongoing challenge—one not necessarily shared by men to the same extent. This struggle often triggers feelings of guilt, self-doubt, and the constant pressure to prioritize productivity above all else. The relentless drive to meet societal expectations of productivity can overshadow the need for self-care and family time. To overcome these hurdles, I’ve worked to break free from societal conditioning and the pressure to always be productive. This journey involves recognizing the importance of finding balance and honoring my well-being alongside professional responsibilities. I’ve learned to prioritize tasks effectively and delegate when necessary, allowing myself the space to recharge and be fully present for my family. Moreover, I’ve found solace and support in connecting with other female business owners and mothers who understand the delicate balance between work and family life. Through networking and collaboration, we share strategies for navigating these challenges and offer each other encouragement along the way. Ultimately, by being transparent about my struggles as a woman and mother in business, I aim to break down barriers and normalize the challenges we all face. It’s not just about meeting productivity quotas—it’s about finding harmony between professional ambition and personal fulfillment, and advocating for a culture that values both.
How do you persevere in challenging times?
During challenging times, I’ve found a couple of strategies that truly keep me going. One of my go-to techniques is surprisingly simple – I lower my expectations for myself! This shift in mindset has been a game-changer. It allows me to set realistic goals and cut myself some slack for everything else. After all, sometimes we’re the ones creating our own pressure cookers of stress! Another key strategy is prioritizing my own needs, establishing boundaries, and breaking tasks into manageable, achievable goals based on my resources and circumstances. I’ve learned to steer clear of the “all or none” mentality, which often leads to feelings of failure and frustration. Instead, I focus on making consistent progress over time, bit by bit. For instance, during my son’s infancy, I committed to short 20-minute workouts, realizing that even small steps were better than nothing. Now, even as he’s grown older, I continue to set small goals for myself – whether it’s outlining the top three tasks for the day or the week. This helps me stay on track with my goals, even when time feels incredibly scarce. These strategies have been my lifeline, helping me persevere through tough times. By prioritizing my own needs and setting achievable goals, I’ve discovered that even the tiniest steps forward can lead to significant progress over time.
What impact do you want Redmond Health – Integrative Functional Medicine to have?
The impact I aspire for my business to have is twofold: locally and globally. Locally, I aim to foster a community where individuals feel empowered to prioritize their well-being while pursuing their goals. Through my services and programs, I hope to create a supportive environment where people can achieve optimal health and happiness.
On a global scale, I seek to contribute to positive change by promoting holistic health practices and empowering individuals to take control of their own well-being. Whether it’s through educational resources, online programs, or collaborations with like-minded professionals, I aim to spread awareness and inspire others to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Ultimately, I want my business to serve as a catalyst for personal transformation and societal change, making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities around the world.
What are the pros and cons of being a woman business owner in 2024?
There are certainly many pros and cons of being a woman owned business in 2024.
Cons:
- Gender Bias: Women may face gender bias and discrimination in access to funding, resources, and business opportunities.
- Work-Life Balance: Balancing entrepreneurship with family responsibilities can be challenging for women, leading to increased stress and burnout.
- Networking Challenges: Women may encounter barriers in networking and accessing mentorship opportunities, impacting professional growth and advancement.
- Access to Funding: Women-owned businesses often struggle to secure adequate funding compared to their male counterparts, limiting growth potential.
- Gender Stereotypes: Gender stereotypes and societal expectations may create additional challenges for women entrepreneurs, impacting perceptions of credibility and competence.
Pros:
- Increased Diversity: Women-owned businesses contribute to a more diverse business landscape, bringing unique perspectives and innovations to the market.
- Empowerment: Women entrepreneurship fosters empowerment by providing women with opportunities for economic independence and leadership roles.
- Social Impact: Women entrepreneurs often prioritize social responsibility and community engagement, leading to positive social impact.
- Resilience: Studies show that women-owned businesses tend to be more resilient during economic downturns, demonstrating adaptability and determination.
- Market Opportunities: Many consumers actively seek out and support women-owned businesses, providing opportunities for growth and brand loyalty.
As a perpetual optimist, I like to stay focused on what’s going well for women in business in 2024. Personally speaking, my business is thriving! If you believe in yourself and your vision, now is the perfect time to be a woman in business.
What knowledge would you share with someone who wants to become an entrepreneur?
Being an entrepreneur is a deep dive in self-development – if you address it as such, you life and business can flourish in a multiplicity of ways!
What do you do for personal and professional development?
Professionally, I never stop learning! I love learning and am curious about so many topics. In addition, I take excellent care of myself because I know that in order to care for others I must prioritize my own well-being. Furthermore, I practice what I preach – I meditate, cook and eat healthy foods, get acupuncture, therapy, take supplements, and more. That said, I let myself have leeway and flexibility, sometimes I stay up late with friends, indulge in my favorite foods like chips, fries, and chocolate. It’s all about finding a way to flow with the ups and downs, finding a sense of dynamic balance in life.
What Mantra or Quote do you live by?
Give everyone the benefit of the doubt and be kind. You never know what someone is dealing with.
What’s Your Favorite Place in Lansing or Michigan?
My favorite place in the Lansing is the Broad Art Museum. When I need to get out of my head or open my mind to a fresh or new perspective, I go to the Broad. Sometimes I walk around and draw inspiration from the art. Sometimes I just sit in the cafe with a journal and write and look out the slanted windows. This helps me to get out of my head and out of my own way! I always feel a sense of peace and relief when I leave the Broad.
