We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. De’sondra Mcswain. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. De’Sondra below.
Dr. De’Sondra, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
Most people ask how did you come up with the idea to become a chiropractor because its not common to become a chiropractor. I graduated with a bachelors degree in Exercise Science from The University of Southern Mississippi after graduation I continue to go to school to be a registered dietitian. During my senior year of dietetic school, I cried because I knew I didn’t want to work in the hospital under anyone. I wanted to own my own business and help the community in fitness and nutrition. I prayed asking God how did he want me to serve his people. God came to me in a dream, and told me to become a chiropractor. Initially, I was shocked and terrified because I didn’t know anything about chiropractic. I knew this would work because God showed me glimpses of the school that I would attend.
I was working part time as a substitute teacher at my local high school Hattiesburg High when I begin the journey to learn more about Chiropractic schools. I applied to Parker university and Life university. I was not only accepted into the schools, I was also offered scholarships from both schools. This was very exciting and helped fuel my decision to move 8 hours away from my family and my son. In the first trimester at Parker, I learned that Chiropractic is more than a profession. We were taught Parker principles: The love of service is my first technique, which basically means if you serve God‘s people, everything else will fall into place and be given to you. I knew I was in the right place. I came up with idea for my business as an assignment in a business class during chiropractic school. Motion Chiropractic would provide affordable chiropractic services to people of all ages. This business model would provide chiropractic service, nutrition advise, and exercise plans. The ability to offer 3 essential services from one doctor would increase the patient success rate for their health and fitness goals. I, Dr. McSwain provide a unique approach to chiropractic in the community because I work in the office 4 days per week with patients. On Fridays I participate in community health fairs, visit schools, and business to educate them on the importance of chiropractic care for routine maintenance. Opening my own business was the most terrifying thing I’ve ever done because it required me to step out on faith and trust God on another level. I was excited about the idea of Motion Chiropractic because I knew if I met God half way by saving money, maintaining good credit, participating in community outreach event, the business would be successful. I knew God would not have instructed me to become a chiropractor for my business to fail.
Dr. De’Sondra, 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?
I am a person who loves to be happy and spread happiness to others. I treat people the way I want to be treated. I am kind hearted, and compassionate, but i have competitive nature from being an athlete. I love things that are physically challenging. I enjoy playing in the American Pool Association, riding my Rip Stick, shooting basketball, and playing tennis. I believe if you regularly participate in the physical activities that you love to do, it makes exercise more enticing and enjoyable. I always want to feel like work is fun so we laugh and smile in the clinic. It’s a MUST. I do random acts of kindness because it feels good to make people smile and feel considered & appreciated.
I came up with Motion Motivation Monday to recognize local hard working people in the community. Mondays are hard for most people because everyone generally dreads returning to work. I pass out roses and Thank You cards to thank people for the role they play in the community to make our lives easier. I encourage them to conquer the week with a smile.
I provide wellness chiropractic care to all ages. I treat babies, pregnant women, athletes, and elderly. I take pride in providing care based on each patient’s needs. I adjust the neck, mid back, lower back, TMJ, ankles, fingers, toes, and sinuses. My slogan is ” Get in Motion. Stay in Motion.” Once a person comes to Motion Chiropractic, I help them continue to stay in motion and continue doing the things the need and love to do. I am a tiny women but that’s great because I have the ability to be gentle with a baby and I am strong enough to handle patients over 300 pounds.
My services help relieve migraines, reduce joint pain, and remove restrictions. I educate patients on hydration and proper nutrient intake. I provide exercise and stretch plans. Motion Chiropractic is not just a regular doctor’s office. I took time to design therapeutic color schemes, aroma therapy, and light therapy in the office. I designed a room that promotes a quiet, and relaxing environment while being massages and stretched, I take pride in providing excellent customer service and a comfortable environment.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I became a single mother at the age of 21. Having a child without support from a husband was not in my life plans, but I was determined to beat the odds using education or sports. I was working on my bachelor’s degree at The University of Southern Mississippi when I became a mother. I was determined to get my degree in order to make enough money to take care of my son and myself without living paycheck to paycheck. I worked as a substitute teacher on days when I did not have class. I also worked sporting events for Hattiesburg High School. After graduation I had a job offer for $10/hour part time. I felt insulted after all the hours I put in studying for my degree. I later enrolled in the Dietetic program to become a registered dietitian. I am proud that at an early age I was confident enough in myself to ask God for something, trust Him, and move when and where He guided me. Most people thought it was insane to drop out of the Dietetic program at the beginning of my senior semester. It was not an easy decision, but I will bet everything I have on trusting God EVERY TIME. Although I dropped out of the program I promised myself I would complete the program after I finished chiropractic school. During my senior year of chiropractic college, I enrolled in the Functional Nutrition Program. Enrolling in a dual program while completing a doctorate is insanity, but I conquer it like a boss! When I graduated from Parker University I walked across the stage TWICE! Not only that, but my sister was able to present my diplomas to me because she is a Doctor of Optometry. I have been blessed with the opportunity to own a chiropractic clinic and run it how I see fit to help patients. I am still a single mom and I may not have everything I want, but I have everything I need. I do kind things to remind myself to let my light shine even in the dark times. Someone always has it worse than I can imagine my situation is. So I try to be thankful for everyday I wake and have a chance to make someone smile and feel better.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
After graduation, I didn’t have much luck with my first job. So I created Motion Chiropractic LLC, but I didn’t have funding to get a building. I interviewed to work at a franchise that was preparing to move into the city. I was hired. I helped open the clinic and worked there for one year as the lead doctor. During the year of working, I saved money for a down payment either on a house or on a commercial property for my business. I prayed, planned, prepared, and acted, no matter how uncomfortable the unknown experiences may have been. I received help from my local Small business Association at the University of Southern Mississippi. Ms. Rita made sure I attended all the small business classes to prepare a business plan for the opening of Motion Chiropractic. I didn’t know where it would be located, but I knew that I was going to make it happen. If I could help someone build a business and thrive, I was very confident I could do it for myself. I opened a business account, and viewed properties on my off days. On my anniversary at the franchise the owners sold the business. I did not renew my contract because I could not spend another year being a part of someone else’s American Dream. I applied for a commercial real estate loan and an additional loan for startup capital for one year. The additional loan was used as working capital for equipment, mortgage, and all other business expenses for the first year.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Motionchiropractic601.
com - Instagram: motionchiro601
- Facebook: Motion Chiropractic
