We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brian Caruso. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brian below.

Brian, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Pillar Holistic Living seeks to be the “third place” in the lives of its community members. The concept of a “third place” — beyond the realms of home (“first place”) and work (“second place”) — serves as an oasis where individuals can gather, interact, and foster relationships. By positioning ourselves as such a haven, we’re not only cultivating a sense of community but also anchoring it in the principles of holistic well-being.

Supporting all aspects of a holistic lifestyle speaks volumes about our commitment to the entirety of an individual’s well-being: physical, emotional, spiritual, and social. In an age when life’s pace can be overwhelming, places that prioritize and nurture holistic health are more than just sanctuaries; we are the very fabric that keeps the community’s spirit alive.

We’re dedicated to creating a harmonious space that bridges genuine connection with holistic nourishment. Pillar Holistic Living, with its profound mission, promises to be more than just a place — it’s set to become a movement.

Brian, 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?

Over the past 18 years, my wife Dr. Jessica Caruso, and I have poured our hearts into serving our community through chiropractic care and alternative wellness. Our journey has been filled with both ambition and adaptability. We began with a grand vision, setting up a sprawling 3,000-square-foot wellness center, offering services across six distinct modalities, and even included a vibrant yoga studio. This endeavor was our dream, reflecting our holistic approach to health and our desire to offer an array of therapeutic options. But life has its own plans. When we were blessed with our son, our priorities shifted. Drawing inspiration from the Community Acupuncture movement, we reinvented our business. We introduced a unique pay-what-you-can sliding scale fee model, ensuring that everyone could access quality chiropractic care, regardless of their financial means. This journey of growth, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to community well-being is a testament to our dedication and passion. That vision lasted through our decision to start our lives over and move to a new city & state with a new dream. Thus Pillar Holistic Living was born.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

During the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19, our resilience was truly tested. As the world grappled with uncertainty, we made the conscious decision to keep our doors open, believing in our role as a sanctuary of respite and healing amidst the chaos. There were moments of sheer vulnerability—times when our revenue dipped so low that doubts clouded our future. Yet, even in those depths, the belief that our service was for the greater good propelled us forward. We clung to the hope that by providing a space for healing, we could bring some light to those dark times. And as the storm began to subside, we emerged not just intact, but fortified. The ordeal honed our strength and deepened our commitment, allowing us to rise even stronger on the other side.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

After the birth of our son, who arrived six weeks early and required an extended stay in the NICU, our perspective on life underwent a profound shift. Those long, agonizing days in the hospital made us reevaluate our priorities and reconsider the complexity of our daily life. Managing a 3,000 sq. ft. wellness center and overseeing a team of half a dozen people suddenly felt overwhelming. We realized that simplicity wasn’t just a luxury, but a necessity. Determined to focus on what mattered most, we decided to scale back, honing in exclusively on chiropractic care. This shift not only streamlined our professional pursuits but also allowed us to achieve a more harmonious work/life balance. It was a choice that centered our family, reaffirming our commitment to both our personal well-being and the wellness of our community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pillarholistic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pillarholistic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pillarholistic/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briancaruso/

Image Credits
Brian Caruso