Four years ago, I decided it was time to leave “corporate” acupuncture.  I needed to get away from chiropractors and pain doctors telling me what to do.  It took me a couple of months and scorching the earth behind me, but I found a little space that felt full of potential.  My office was next to Hello From Above, the fantastic psychic medium and reiki practitioner, and House Yoga (now Fearvana Yoga), a super cute and warm yoga studio.  How perfect, right? It was. 

Starting your own business is daunting and scary.  

Who was going to come to me? 

How was anyone going to know who I was?  

Why would they put their faith in my abilities?  

Would I make it past the first year?

I was no one. 

I remember those days of more famine than feast fondly.  I put myself out there – I gave free initial treatments to all my yoga teachers and my next-door neighbors.  I humbly showed them what I could do after thousands of treatments in “corporate” acupuncture.  I was myself.  I dreamed up yin + pin workshops to combine two of my favorite things.  I treated friends.  And slowly, sometimes excruciatingly so, the practice began to grow.  

I believe it takes a certain kind of person to run a successful business.  Anyone can run a business, but that doesn’t mean it will grow and succeed.  

And if we don’t grow, we die.  

I wore every hat for three years – acupuncturist, office manager, cleaner, laundry lady, marketing director, accountant, inventory tracker, decorator, website designer, etc.  Many of these I did poorly (my old website was atrocious, for real). 

Why am I talking about this right now?  

Probably because I was mesmerized by how the light comes through the window in the new space.  

I thought about how so many of you put your trust in me.  I jokingly say that my other job is therapist, but it feels right.  I am honored that you bring me your happiness, sadness, highs, lows, wins, and losses.  I am honored to hold this space for your laughter, your anger, and your tears.  

I looked around me this morning and felt overwhelming gratitude for my little business that has touched so many lives.  

Also, thank you to: 

• Jennifer, my accountant who makes sure the IRS won’t come after me

• Alycia, my website designer and the creative life force that has taken my brand to new levels

• Meg, who makes sure the office is spotless; the products are displayed beautifully and keeps me on task

• Dave, for supporting my dreams and being my biggest cheerleader

• Emily and Quincey for being integral parts of my inspiration and girl gang

• Lexapro for allowing me to feel emotions other than panic and anxiety

And all of you for being you.  

Can you tell therapy has been tapping into things?  Hahahaha