We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amy Gonzalez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amy below.
Amy , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
While I have taken many risks in my life, or what I like to call, “leaps of faith,” changing careers completely at age 35 was by far the biggest risk. I was working for a wholesale supply company for almost 13 years. I started there as an administrative assistant and worked my way up to Operations Manager. I got to meet people and travel a lot, which I loved. I had been in and out of college for about 2 years, but then decided college wasn’t for me. I was making way more money in my early 20’s than all of my friends who graduated college, so I didn’t see the point. About 4 years into that job, there had been some changes in ownership of the company, and what started off as my dream job, eventually became the cause of my anxiety, fear and unhappiness. I stayed longer than I should’ve because I was comfortable, knew the job well, and most of all, for the money. What else would I do? I thought I had no other skills. Eventually, the money wasn’t worth being miserable. What was the point of life if I am spending so much time at a job that I hate. Now I am 35, with no college degree, a 2 year nationwide noncompete, and no clue what I want to do. I felt trapped. During this, I was having trouble sleeping because I knew I had to go to work the next day, and my mind wouldn’t shut off. It started really affecting my quality of life. Someone recommended for me to try acupuncture to help me sleep. I didn’t really think it would help, but I didn’t like taking medications and was desperate enough to try anything. After about 4-5 treatments, I realized I was passing out at night and was amazed at the results! That is when it came to me, I will go back to school and become an acupuncturist! I applied to an acupuncture school in my area, and I started the following year. When I was about 9 months into the acupuncture program, I was driving to school on a Saturday, and I heard this voice in my head say, “today is the day you’re going to give your resignation,” and I had such a feeling of peace about it. I felt free! When I arrived at school, I wrote my resignation and sent it. I had written my resignation many times before this and was too afraid to send it, but there was something about this moment in time where I felt taking this risk was the right decision. I had no other jobs lined up – it was total trust and faith that everything was going to be ok. And it more than ok, it was better than I could’ve ever expected. Of course, they didn’t want to me to leave the company as I was one of the main people running it. I told them the only thing I am willing to do is be a consultant for them, and I would work for myself. I started my first company the next day, I worked from home, and just dealt with customers and not anyone from the office. I continued this while I went through school. I graduated in 2015 with a bachelor’s and master’s degree and the following year, opened my acupuncture practice. I later cut ties with that company completely in 2016 and focused on building my practice. I will admit it was hard in the beginning, not having a steady income and trying to get patients, but I never gave up. No matter how tough times had gotten, I never regretted the decision to leave that other company. I said I never want to work for anyone ever again. Now I get to work for myself, doing something I love. Leaving that company was the best risk I had taken, and I would do it all over again if I had to.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Jade Acupuncture offers an extensive range of services such as acupuncture, trigger point dry needling, electrostimulation, cupping, soft tissue therapy, moxibustion, and herbal medicine treatments. My specialization lies in addressing injuries, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and pelvic floor dysfunctions. Pelvic floor disorders encompass a variety of issues, from common problems like incontinence and constipation to more complex conditions such as vulvodynia and pudendal neuralgia. I developed an interest in treating pelvic floor disorders and pursued specialized training. The field is quite niche owing to the small number of practitioners, yet there is a significant demand. Many individuals suffer from these disorders and have sought help from numerous doctors and practitioners without finding relief. Often, people endure these conditions for an extended period because they feel embarrassed to discuss them. I take the time to explain and guide my patients through the entire process, ensuring they know what to expect and working with their comfort level.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
Yes, without a doubt I would choose the same profession! I attended school intermittently when I was younger, switching majors several times. I had almost concluded that school wasn’t my path. However, once I began studying acupuncture, everything clicked. My interest in learning was insatiable—I just couldn’t get enough! It seemed effortless (though it was quite challenging) because I was passionate and extremely focused. The beauty of this profession lies in the constant learning experience it provides. This profession brings me immense satisfaction as it involves aiding individuals in their journey to better health and educating them on leading wholesome lifestyles.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
I never actively strategized to expand my clientele; it grew organically through word of mouth. In fact, word of mouth accounts for 90% of my business. Initially, I would set up a booth at various athletic events to increase visibility or donated gift cards to different events. I dedicate time to understand my patients and their concerns, which I believe sets me apart. Many healthcare providers operate almost like factories, cycling patients in and out with minimal personal interaction. My approach has always been to offer a distinct, more personal experience. In my view, the greatest compliment as a practitioner is receiving a referral for a patient’s mother or sister. Building trust with patients is a crucial aspect of their treatment process.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jade-acupuncture.com
- Instagram: jadeacu
- Facebook: jadeacuboca
