We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hira Khan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Hira, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?
When I decided to open my own practice I knew it had to be authentic to me and my experiences in healthcare. I have often seen people not being heard and not given different options with clarity. I wanted my office to be the space where they felt supported and understood which is why I named it Safe Haven.
A big part of my inspiration comes from my mom. She was diagnosed with glioblastoma when I was 12 and was told she had three months to five years to live. She went on to live 16 years. That experience taught me that our job as healthcare providers is to be honest and to give all care options but never to take away someone’s hope. That belief guides everything I do in my practice.
When I chose where to set up, I picked an area where I would want to raise a family and build a life. The early days came with plenty of challenges. From learning how to run a business to figuring out what worked best for patients it was all a big learning curve. But I honestly would not change anything. Every step taught me something valuable and you only discover what works by trying.
If I could give advice to a young professional who is thinking of starting a practice I would tell them to be authentic to who they are and to keep showing up. It all works out in the end.
Hira, 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 fifth generation doctor and the first chiropractor in my family. My path into this work really began with my mom’s health journey. When she was diagnosed with glioblastoma I watched how hope, honesty, and different care options made a difference in her life. That experience shaped my belief that people deserve to be heard, to have clarity, and to be supported in their health decisions. That is what ultimately led me into chiropractic care.
I specialize in pediatric, prenatal, and postpartum chiropractic and I am one of the few board certified pediatric chiropractors in the area through the Academy Council of Chiropractic Pediatrics. I am also Webster certified through the ICPA which allows me to support expecting moms through pregnancy in a safe and effective way. At Safe Haven, the services we provide include gentle chiropractic care for babies, children, and parents as well as prenatal and postpartum support. We recently expanded to include functional neurology services for children with developmental delays which uses tools like low level laser therapy and primitive reflex integration to help with brain and body development.
The problems I work to solve are often overlooked or brushed aside in traditional healthcare. Parents come to me when their babies are struggling with feeding, sleep, colic, torticollis, or developmental delays. Expecting moms come when they want relief from pain or more balance in pregnancy. I see my role as giving families the specialized support they deserve and making sure they know all of their options.
What sets Safe Haven apart is the focus on creating an environment that is truly a safe haven for families. Parents walk into the office and feel at ease. They know they will be heard, cared for, and guided with honesty and compassion. My approach is to meet families where they are, provide clarity, and celebrate each small step forward with them.
What I am most proud of is seeing the impact this work has on families. When a mom tells me she can finally breastfeed without pain, or when a child reaches a developmental milestone that once felt out of reach, those moments mean everything.
The main thing I want people to know about me and about Safe Haven is that this is a place built on authenticity, compassion, and hope. I want families to know they do not have to go through challenges alone and that there is a community here ready to support them.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been getting out there and talking to other providers while sharing the mission and vision of Safe Haven. Building those relationships and letting people know exactly what we stand for has helped tremendously. I believe you need to have a clear vision of how your practice is different from others and be able to communicate that with confidence. When providers and families understand what makes your office unique, they naturally think of you when the need arises.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Yes, there are a few resources that have had a big impact on how I think about management and being an entrepreneur. Be 2.0 really shaped the way I think about leadership and building something sustainable. The 5 Choices helped me learn how to prioritize what really matters instead of getting lost in the day to day. Crucial Conversations gave me tools to communicate more effectively, especially in moments that could easily become stressful or emotional.
I also think it is so important to have a business coach. Having someone who is brutally honest with you, who holds you accountable, and pushes you to grow is invaluable. It is not always easy, but that kind of support is what helps you move forward and become better both as a person and as a leader.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://safehavenchiro.com
- Instagram: safehavenchiropractor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/safehavenchiropractic/
