We were lucky to catch up with Gabriela Baszton recently and have shared our conversation below.

Gabriela, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

The last time I seriously contemplated the idea of being a business owner versus having a regular 9-5 job was during a winter vacation in the picturesque mountains. It was a story of mixed emotions, where the beauty of nature clashed with the demands of entrepreneurship.

As I stood atop a snow-covered slope, admiring the breathtaking scenery, my phone buzzed with an urgent message from a client. An unexpected emergency had arisen in my business, and I had to deal with it immediately. I couldn’t help but think about the trade-offs I had made in my life.

Pros of being a business owner:

In Charge of My Own Future: Being a business owner gave me the autonomy to shape my destiny. I could make decisions, set goals, and chart my own course without being bound by the constraints of a traditional job.

Creativity and Risk-Taking: Running my own business allowed me to be creative, take risks, and innovate. I had the freedom to execute my vision and adapt my business according to my values and ideas.

Freedom and Flexibility: The sense of freedom and flexibility that came with entrepreneurship was liberating. I could work when and where I wanted, and I didn’t have to adhere to a rigid schedule.

Cons of being a business owner:

Long Hours and No Vacations: One of the major hardships of being a business owner was the long hours and the lack of vacations. I hadn’t taken a proper break in two years. Even when I did go on trips, I found myself working double as I had to manage the team remotely and respond to clients and emergencies from my phone.

Always On Call: Being always on call was mentally draining. I had to be prepared to respond to potential customers at all hours, even late into the night. It blurred the lines between work and personal life.

Financial Uncertainty: The fear of not making enough money each month was a constant source of stress. Unlike a salaried job with a consistent paycheck, I had to deal with the unpredictability of business revenue.

As I wrestled with these thoughts on that snowy slope, I realized that the pros and cons of being a business owner were like the two sides of the same coin. While the freedom to create something on my own and the ability to pursue my vision were incredibly rewarding, they came at the cost of long hours, constant availability, and financial uncertainty.

The decision was not easy, but in the end, I found inspiration in the notion that I was building something meaningful. I remembered the sense of purpose that drove me to start my business in the first place. I reminded myself that the challenges I faced were opportunities to grow and learn.

I concluded that being a business owner was indeed a path filled with obstacles, but it was also a journey that offered fulfillment, personal growth, and the chance to make a real impact. That snowy mountain served as a metaphor for my entrepreneurial journey – challenging, unpredictable, and occasionally isolating, but undeniably beautiful and filled with the promise of adventure.

Gabriela, 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?

Allow me to introduce you to TruWellnessMD, a thriving integrative wellness practice that my husband and I co-founded with a shared vision of making a significant impact on people’s lives. Our journey into this industry was born out of a desire to break free from the constraints of the 9-5 grind and truly transform the way healthcare and aesthetics are delivered to our clients.

Our Beginnings:
My husband, a passionate functional medicine provider, saw an opportunity to create something special. He believed that healthcare should be more than just treating symptoms – it should focus on uncovering the root causes of chronic diseases and providing personalized solutions. With this belief at the core of our practice, we ventured into the world of integrative medicine.

The TruWellnessMD Approach:
At TruWellnessMD, we offer a wide range of wellness services that encompass the principles of functional medicine. We don’t just treat ailments; we partner with our clients on their journey to improved health and vitality. Our services include personalized nutrition plans, hormone optimization, and advanced diagnostic testing, all aimed at getting to the root of our clients’ health concerns.

But our mission doesn’t stop at wellness. We believe that feeling beautiful is an integral part of overall well-being. To this end, we integrate aesthetic procedures into our practice, using dermatology-grade equipment and advanced techniques. From cosmetic injections to skin rejuvenation treatments, we help our clients look and feel their best.

Changing Lives:
What makes us most proud is the community we’ve built around TruWellnessMD and the profound impact we’ve had on our clients’ lives. We’ve witnessed remarkable transformations – individuals who were once burdened by chronic pain finding relief, those struggling with diabetes achieving better control, and people regaining their confidence and feeling beautiful in their own bodies.

One story that particularly stands out is that of a client who had battled chronic fatigue and digestive issues for years. Through functional medicine principles, we identified underlying imbalances and developed a tailored treatment plan. Over time, her energy levels soared, and she reclaimed her life. Stories like these inspire us every day.

Our Unique Approach:
What sets us apart is our dedication to treating the whole person. We don’t believe in quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we take the time to understand each client’s unique needs and goals. We prioritize building long-lasting relationships, ensuring that every step of their wellness and aesthetic journey is guided with care and expertise.

In conclusion, TruWellnessMD is more than a business; it’s a labor of love and a commitment to holistic well-being. We’re driven by the joy of helping people live healthier, happier lives and feel confident in their own skin. Our journey from a 9-5 world to a thriving wellness practice has been marked by dedication, perseverance, and the belief that everyone deserves to experience the best version of themselves. We invite you to join us on this inspiring journey towards wellness and beauty.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building a strong social media presence can be a pivotal aspect of establishing your brand and connecting with your audience. Here’s a story of how I built my social media audience and some advice for those looking to embark on this journey.

The Beginning:
When I first ventured into the world of social media, I was much like a newcomer in a bustling city. I started with my instagram account because this platform works best for my service based business and serves as a great testament of our work and social proof to people wanting to start their journey with us. I had a modest number of followers – mostly my friends (and i did not have many since I just moved to the area) However, I understood that to truly connect with my audience, I needed to grow my presence.

Networking Events – The Real World Socializing:
Just as in real life, social media requires you to put yourself out there. I began by attending networking events, both online and offline. These events were like the social gatherings of my digital community. I made it a point to research and find relevant events happening in my industry and area.

Online Events:
For online events, I actively participated in webinars, virtual conferences, and industry-specific forums. I engaged with speakers, asked questions, and connected with fellow attendees through platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. These interactions allowed me to establish my presence in the digital space.

Offline Events:
In the physical world, I attended conferences, workshops, and meetups. I took the opportunity to speak with people, exchange business cards, and even take part in collaborative projects. These face-to-face interactions helped me establish credibility and relationships that I could later leverage on social media.

Engagement and Follow-Up:
One key lesson I learned was the importance of engagement and follow-up. After connecting with people at these events, I made sure to follow up with thoughtful messages, adding them on social media platforms, and engaging with their content. This not only solidified connections but also extended my network’s reach.

Collaboration and Cooperation:
I actively sought opportunities for collaboration and cooperation. Whether it was partnering on projects, guest posting, or co-hosting webinars, these activities not only expanded my reach but also showcased my expertise to a wider audience.

Posting and Tagging:
When I attended these events, I documented my experiences by taking photos and sharing them on social media. I tagged the people I had interacted with. This not only brought visibility to my posts but also helped build a sense of community among like-minded individuals.

Consistency is Key:
Building a social media presence is not a one-time effort. It requires consistency. I made sure to post regularly, engage with my audience, and stay updated with industry trends and conversations.

Advice for Those Starting Out:

Research and Attend Events: Find relevant networking events, both online and offline, in your industry or area. Attend and actively participate.

Engage and Follow Up: Engage with people at these events, ask questions, and follow up with thoughtful messages.

Collaborate: Look for opportunities to collaborate and cooperate with others in your field. Joint projects and partnerships can help you reach a broader audience.

Document and Share: Document your experiences at events and share them on social media. Tag people you’ve connected with to foster engagement.

Be Consistent: Building a social media presence takes time and consistency. Stay active, post regularly, and keep engaging with your audience.

Remember, social media is like an extension of your real-world community. By nurturing your digital relationships, you can build a strong and engaged audience that resonates with your brand or message.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Managing a team and maintaining high morale is a vital aspect of running a successful business. Here are some key pieces of advice, wrapped in a more positive tone:

1. Start with a Clear Vision and Culture:
The foundation of a thriving team begins with a crystal-clear vision and a well-defined company culture. Establish these core elements before building your team. It’s crucial that every team member aligns with this vision and culture from day one, as one person out of sync can impact the entire dynamic.

2. Hiring with Purpose:
Take the hiring process seriously. Look beyond just skills and qualifications; consider whether candidates share your values, mission, and are team players. Each new hire should be a positive addition to your workplace culture.

3. Daily Huddles:
Morning huddles are a great way to start the day on a positive note. Gather your team, discuss goals, share successes, and encourage open communication. These brief meetings foster a sense of unity and purpose.

4. Cultivate Positivity:
Positivity is contagious. As a leader, it’s essential to maintain a positive attitude. Your demeanor sets the tone for the entire team. Be a source of inspiration and encouragement. Even in challenging times, radiate optimism and resilience.

5. Emotional Regulation:
Managing your own emotions is key. Stay composed and regulate your nervous system effectively. When your team sees your emotional intelligence in action, they’ll be more inclined to follow suit and handle challenges with grace.

6. Set Expectations Professionally:
Clearly communicate your expectations to your team members in a professional manner. Be specific about roles, responsibilities, and performance standards. Providing constructive feedback and guidance can help your team grow and excel.

7. Build a Unified Team:
As you lead, foster a sense of unity among your team members. Encourage collaboration, open communication, and support for one another. When everyone feels connected and valued, morale naturally remains high.

8. Lead by Example:
Remember that you are the driving force behind your team’s motivation. Lead by example, consistently demonstrating the work ethic and attitude you expect from your team members.

The journey of building a harmonious and motivated team may come with its challenges, but it’s worth every effort. A positive and unified team not only boosts morale internally but also resonates with your clients, creating an atmosphere where people genuinely enjoy working together. In fact, some clients may even become loyal just to be a part of your inspiring team’s positive energy.

Contact Info:

• Website: truwellmd.com
• Instagram: truwellnessmd
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/truwellnessmd/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriela-baszton-6b4770204