The Celebrating YOU! small business profile series continues with Vital Health Kitsilano's founder Heidi Henderson sharing her experiences with the start-up process.
Vital Health is a bright, welcoming, state-of-the-art socially conscious integrated medical clinic and wellness centre in the heart of Kitsilano, Vancouver. Learn more at www.vitalwellnessgroup.com.
Tell us about your business.
Vital Health Kitsilano is a socially-conscious integrated care centre that offers medical & wellness services along with community-driven programming. We deliver unhurried, whole-patient care with a focus on prevention, and offer full spectrum medical services including family practice physicians, podiatry, neurofeedback and clinical counselling. We also offer wellness services to support great integrated care -- rolfing, cranial sacral therapy, reflexology, reiki, shiatsu, thai massage.
Our goal for patients is a sound mind in a sound body. Our community-driven programming supports one or more of the pillars of health: restful sleep, healthy body movement, mindful food choices, mental well-being, self-care and empowerment and connection and belonging.
What is your favourite part about owning a small business in your community?
The best part of owning a small business in our community is that we can co-create our programs together. Engaging with our community and patients is the core of our business. Building relationships, answering a need and watching how those around us thrive.
We're based in Kitsilano, which is the hub of health and wellness. We chose Kitsilano because we wanted to change the relationship that individuals have with their health to be empowered to make great choices and heal themselves through their food, meditation for stress/anxiety, etc. Being in a community that supports health allows us to put innovative programs into place.
What advice do you have for others aspiring to start their own small business?
For those looking to open a small business, I would say to reach out to other like-minded souls and co-create together. Also, make your business values based.
Be nimble and creative. We're 1.5 years into the process and have changed our approach on many areas of the business based on community feedback.
In your opinion, what are the benefits of doing market research and how has the Small Business Accelerator supported your research?
Choose great people and do your research to ensure it is needed and sustainable. If it is innovative, you may have trouble with market research. Choose streams of data that help you shape your business plan. SBA is a great help in this area. Get advice. Seek a mentor and reach out for help often.
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
I was inspired to become an entrepreneur because I realized to truly change the landscape of health, there needs to be innovation. Health, technology and the world is changing at a rapid pace. I wanted to help share the future of the world I want to live in.
Heidi Henderson is the founder and visionary of Vital Wellness Group, INC. She envisioned, designed, funded and built Vital Health Kitsilano to answer the pressing need for quality healthcare in Canada.
This profile is part of the SBA's Celebrating YOU! Campaign to recognize the vitality that small businesses and start-ups bring to the culture and economy of Canada.