We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Aimee Bennett and Dr. Lauren Paradiso a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Aimee Bennett and, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Embarking on the journey of starting our own company marked a monumental risk in both our lives, a leap that led us from the familiar terrain of clinical expertise into the uncharted territory of entrepreneurship. As seasoned clinicians, we had finely honed our skills in the realm of physical therapy, navigating the complexities of the human body with finesse and precision. But when it came to the intricate dance of business strategies, financial judgements, and the art of entrepreneurship, we found ourselves on an entirely different wavelength. Our educational journey had been a pursuit of scientific mastery, a trajectory that led us through the corridors of college lecture halls and graduate school laboratories, equipping us with an arsenal of anatomical knowledge and therapeutic prowess. Yet, we soon realized that this curriculum had omitted the chapters on financial management, marketing intricacies, and the intricate symphony of running a business. We were stepping onto a stage that demanded an encore of our capabilities, a performance that was both exhilarating and unnerving.
Two women bound by the shared tapestry of similar personalities and a resolute dedication to our craft, we were now confronted with the necessity of an ego transformation. Swapping our white coats for the cloak of humility, we ventured into the realms of vulnerability and unfamiliarity. The comfort zone that had been our refuge was now a distant memory, as we found ourselves learning an entirely new set of skills, stumbling through rejections, and embracing mistakes as stepping stones towards growth.
The risks weren’t just confined to our emotional fortitude; they seeped into the realm of finance, casting shadows of uncertainty over our livelihoods. Our endeavors were not cushioned by a guaranteed salary. The prospect of barren days without client appointments sent shivers down our spines, our responsibilities as mothers and partners accentuating the weight of our decision. The delicate balance of family needs and financial commitments danced before us, a tightrope we had to walk with unwavering determination.
The path we embarked upon was no leisurely stroll; it resembled a relentless uphill climb, fraught with challenges that pushed us beyond our limits. Each obstacle, every setback, was a brushstroke that painted the canvas of our growth. The journey demanded more than we thought we possessed, carving our characters into resilient molds that could withstand the trials of entrepreneurship. It was a refining process that extended its influence beyond the walls of our office, touching the core of our identities as women, mothers, partners, friends, and contributors to our community.
Yet, with each step, we were forging a transformation that transcended our initial aspirations. The risk, though immense, unveiled a reward that defied description. Through the haze of uncertainty emerged a tapestry of accomplishments that whispered stories of client transformations, lives touched by our care, and a sense of empowerment that defied the odds. The company we had nurtured became not just a business, but a vessel of change, a platform where our expertise could create ripples of transformation.
To those pondering the precipice of a daunting risk, we offer this insight: the path is a tempestuous one, but the ability to craft your life’s narrative is an unparalleled privilege. The symphony of growth is composed of discordant notes, of trials and triumphs, of fears and fortitude. The canvas might be scarred with uncertainties, but its final form is a masterpiece that bears the brushstrokes of courage and resilience. For the journey is arduous, but the destination is nothing short of the realization of your dreams.
Dr. Aimee Bennett and, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Driven by a shared passion for empowering women, we are two Doctors of Physical Therapy who began our careers in orthopedics. But our paths truly converged when life led us to experience the unique challenges that many women face during the profound journey of pregnancy and postpartum recovery. In those pivotal moments after bringing new life into the world, we understood firsthand the struggles, the uncertainties, and the physical hurdles that can seem insurmountable. Our stories intertwined – stories of battling through discomfort, striving to regain strength, and rediscovering the vibrant women we were. We discovered that even with our background in working with athletes, the road to postpartum wellness wasn’t the smooth path we had imagined.
This revelation became the catalyst for Empower Physical Therapy And Wellness. Guided by a fervent desire to stand beside women during their transformative phases, we committed ourselves to specialized education focused on the intricate needs of pregnant and postpartum women. It was a call to empower, to educate, and to erase the isolation that can settle in during this crucial postpartum period.
At Empower, we are more than practitioners; we are advocates for a holistic and confident pregnant and postpartum experience. Our mission is to alleviate the physical and emotional burdens that can accompany this chapter, replacing them with support, knowledge, and a profound sense of community. We believe in not just mending bodies, but also nurturing minds and spirits.
Our expertise allows us to guide women on a unique journey tailored to their personal narratives. We’re here to ensure that laughter isn’t stifled by worries, that lifting isn’t hindered by doubts, and that every moment with your little ones is filled with carefree joy. Empower is a sanctuary where running, jumping, and embracing life’s joys are not just goals, but tangible realities.
What sets Empower apart is our unwavering commitment to you. We know the challenges because we’ve overcome them ourselves. We’re dedicated to fostering a safe haven where women can heal, strengthen, and flourish. Our pride lies in the stories of countless women who have reclaimed their vitality under our guidance.
So, to potential clients, followers, and friends, know this about Empower Physical Therapy and Wellness– we are your allies, your advocates, and your companions on the journey to postpartum empowerment. You are not alone; you are part of a vibrant community that supports, uplifts, and celebrates the remarkable strength within every woman. Together, we transform – one confident step, one joyous jump, one triumphant laugh at a time. Welcome to Empower. Your story of empowerment starts here.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
We crossed paths in a serendipitous way that not only shaped our business partnership but also fostered a profound friendship. It all began when Lauren returned from maternity leave to find a new face in the office – Aimee, a fellow therapist. Little did we know that this chance encounter would mark the start of an extraordinary journey. As therapists, we quickly discovered that our treatment styles resonated remarkably well, especially when dealing with the complexities of challenging cases. Our synergy was evident as we effortlessly exchanged ideas and strategies, finding solutions for our most intricate patients. Beyond professional camaraderie, our connection deepened into a true friendship.
Lauren’s return from maternity leave opened a door to a realm of shared experiences. Our conversations flowed naturally, as we swapped stories about the trials and triumphs of pregnancy, childbirth, and those whirlwind early postpartum days. Strikingly, our narratives mirrored each other – tales of navigating the profound transformations of motherhood, from the miraculous journey of pregnancy, those early postpartum days, and to the daunting task of returning to exercise.
We soon realized that our expectations of a seamless transition back to physical activity were met with unforeseen challenges. Despite our expertise in movement and wellness, we encountered our own hurdles in managing pain during pregnancy and grappling with the complexities of postpartum recovery. These personal struggles ignited a pivotal question: why should discomfort be an accepted norm for pregnant and postpartum women? Why hadn’t the same principles of rehabilitation and care that were routinely applied to other patients been extended to this incredibly important stage of a woman’s life?
Our shared experiences became the driving force behind our venture. Fuelled by the desire to rewrite the narrative surrounding women’s health, we embarked on a mission to offer tailored solutions that empower women during and after pregnancy. The spark of our idea evolved into a burning passion, one that birthed the concept of a guided postpartum rehabilitation experience akin to the support provided to post-surgical patients striving to regain their former vitality.
We were united by the conviction that women deserved better – better care, better support, and better outcomes. Our journey from chance encounter to business partners was propelled by our shared passion to reshape the landscape of women’s health. Our experiences, our friendship, and our unwavering commitment converged to form the bedrock of our company – an endeavor rooted in empathy, expertise, and a shared vision of equality in care for women everywhere.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
The foundation of our reputation can be attributed to our unwavering commitment to authenticity and attentive client engagement. In a society where many women’s health issues often go unnoticed or unaddressed, we’ve distinguished ourselves by giving our clients a platform to voice their concerns and stories. Their complaints are profoundly affecting their lives even though they continue to be brushed off as normal. This empathetic approach stems from our own experiences as two mothers who’ve walked similar paths. Every client we serve receives personalized care that’s never hurried. We understand that each story is unique and requires dedicated time and attention. By truly listening to our clients and comprehending the full scope of how their challenges impact their lives and aspirations, we’ve managed to carve out a niche where individuals feel seen and heard.
Our remarkable dedication to client-centric care sparked a ripple effect. Past clients, moved by their distinctive encounters with us, shared their stories with others, leading to a groundswell of positive word-of-mouth. This organic circulation of our distinctive approach has resonated deeply with women across the board.
In essence, our reputation has flourished due to our authentic dedication to understanding, our ability to create an environment of trust, and our shared experiences that bridge the gap between practitioners and clients. The momentum of our reputation is a testament to the transformative power of genuine connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.empowerptandwellness.com
- Instagram: @empowerptandwellness
- Facebook: @empowerptandwellness
- Tiktok: empower.pt
Image Credits
Emily Goswick of Goswick Gal Creative