We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amanda Srisathapat a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, thanks for joining us today. How did you get your first job in the field that you practice in today?

I had just received the exciting news that I had passed the California State Board Exam! After four years of dedicated effort towards my Master’s degree, culminating in an outstanding internship, I was finally ready to take the next step in my journey. My goal was clear: to help others feel better, to heal, and to improve their quality of life.

Knowing that I wanted to continue my education and pursue a Doctorate degree, I sought a position that would allow me to both practice and learn. I found an established acupuncturist with a thriving practice who was willing to share her patients with me while I shadowed her and absorbed all the knowledge I could.

The excitement was almost overwhelming. Everything I had worked so hard for was finally coming together. I was eager to learn, grow, and contribute. The opportunity to see 30-40 patients a week was perfect – a chance to not only gain valuable experience but also get paid to do what I loved.

Amanda, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Sacrifice and intellectual curiosity led the ancient Chinese over five millennia ago to understand Qi, the vital energy behind all life forms. This diligent research birthed the oldest codified system of medicine in the world that is the doctrine of Traditional Chinese Medicine. This system has greatly helped Amanda Srisathapat overcome an illness and instilled within her a passionate career quest to understand and share with others. She started her study of Chinese Medicine at Emperors College of Traditional Oriental Medicine in Santa Monica where she thrived as one of the top students. Her unquenchable thirst for knowledge soon led her to the esteemed Dongguk Royal University in Los Angeles where she earned her Master Degree of Science in Oriental Medicine. The Master’s studies included internship practicals which culminated in Amanda being honored with the prestigious Outstanding Intern Award. Always learning, she furthered her knowledge of TCM and achieved a Doctorate of Chinese Medicine at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. Amanda started practicing in 2017 and thrives on helping people and guiding them to feel healthy once again.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Networking has proven to be the most effective strategy for growing my clientele. Building genuine relationships within my community has opened doors to countless opportunities. Attending local business events, joining relevant professional organizations, and actively participating in online forums have allowed me to connect with potential clients, collaborate with other businesses, and establish myself as a trusted expert in my field.

Another strategy I found surprisingly effective was an old-school approach: handwritten letters to local businesses. In an age dominated by emails and social media, a personalized handwritten letter stands out. I targeted businesses that complemented my services, such as fitness studios, spas, and chiropractors. These letters introduced myself and my practice, highlighting the unique value I could offer their clients. While the response rate may be lower than digital methods, the impact of a handwritten letter can be significant in building genuine rapport and leaving a lasting impression.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

After years of collaborating with the experienced acupuncturist, I felt a strong pull to step out and build my own independent practice. While I deeply valued the mentorship and patient base I gained during that time, I felt a growing desire to cultivate my own unique approach and style. This transition was not without its challenges. Building a client base from scratch required dedication and perseverance. I invested heavily in marketing efforts, such as online presence building, community outreach, and referrals from existing clients. While the initial months were demanding, the sense of autonomy and the opportunity to directly connect with my patients on a deeper level have made the journey incredibly rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tapsouthbay.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tapsouthbay/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551702639362
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-srisathapat-b42164157/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-acupuncture-point-torrance?osq=The+Acupuncture+point