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

Hi Cassie, thanks for joining us today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

I opened my acupuncture clinic, Sage Haven, six months after completing my doctoral program and three months after passing my state board exam. I had no previous experience being a business owner, but knew that I was ready to serve my community and open a clinic that clients would look forward to visiting time and time again. My vision was to create the ambiance of an upscale medical spa where deep healing and rejuvenation would occur.

It was more difficult than I had imagined to find the perfect office space. We looked at over 30 different locations and buildings until we found our current office that is located on Mission Bay.

To any young medical professionals who may be considering opening their own practice, my advice is to just go for it. Make sure that you are crystal clear on your vision, stay positive and don’t give up on a dream that means the world to you! Take things one day at a time, and when things get tricky remember “why” you started.

Cassie, 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?

At Sage Haven, we offer Chinese Medicine treatments that treat the mind, body and spirit. Our specialty is Cosmetic Acupuncture, where we help our clients achieve radiant health and glow from the inside out. We help clients who have started to notice the signs of aging, and want to look and feel their best without surgical enhancements.

We help clients look and feel 5-10 years younger and more confident than ever in their own skin. We do this by reducing fine lines and wrinkles, plumping, lifting and toning facial muscles, as well as improving skin’s texture and glow. We offer a non-toxic, non-surgical approach to holistic aesthetics. Our clients love this natural route to aging gracefully, and feel good about improving their internal health along the way.

A Cosmetic Acupuncture session at Sage Haven includes micro-current therapy, facial gua sha, body and facial acupuncture points (specific to patient goals) and LED light therapy. Clients lay on an infrared-heated PEMF Biomat at each visit, to instantly relax the nervous system and facilitate the healing process. We also offer a VIP Deluxe Acupuncture Facial that includes facial cupping and a customized hydrating hydra-jelly facial mask.

What sets us apart from other acupuncture practices, is that we are absolute perfectionists – and it shows. We offer complimentary Berry Collagen mocktails at each visit as well as rotating herbal infusions. We have surround sound speakers that play sound-healing and binaural beats all day long. We customize each treatment to the needs of the individual client, and are dedicated to making sure that our clients look and feel their best each time they walk through the door.

We also have a variety of holistic wellness products. One of our most popular products is a one-of-a-kind facial gua sha sculpting tool made of 100% agate crystal stone. Its unique shape is perfect for facial sculpting and contouring. The gua sha tool is often paired with our handmade, botanical facial oil that includes Sea Buckthorn oil, Frankincense essential oil, and carrot-infused Sunflower Seed oil as some of the key ingredients. We also carry Rejuvenate: a research-backed Collagen Powder, and Daily Glow: and essential Hair, Skin and Nails multivitamin.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

To be a successful practice owner, I believe it is absolutely essential to have a growth mindset, and to be willing to wake up and have the courage to go after your dreams every single day. I think if you are truly embodying your purpose and your passion together through your work, then you will be massively successful at whatever you put your mind to.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

One of the most effective strategies that has helped me grow my clientele is using Instagram organically. When I was an acupuncture student, I created a new Instagram account with the goal of educating about Chinese medicine, so that people can learn about the conditions we treat and benefits of care. Over the past few years, I continued to post each day, engage with people, share my knowledge, and have grown my page to over 20,000 incredible followers! This has allowed me to connect with people across the globe, share health and non-toxic beauty tips, and has helped grow my audience in San Diego, so that I can broaden the audience of people that I can serve. I love creating fun and educational reels, sharing behind the scenes of my business, and connecting with like-minded and health conscious individuals.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sagehavensd.com
• Instagram: @drcassiedominach

Image Credits
Sara Lands