We were lucky to catch up with Julie Kim recently and have shared our conversation below.

Julie, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.

As a firm believer in holistic medicine & healing, I was always drawn to natural healing methods, particularly bc it’s been a personal journey. When I saw the changes in my own health with Traditional Eastern Medicine and Acupuncture I was fascinated, I yearned to share its benefits. I made a life-altering decision to go back to school for 3 years to start my extensive education in my Masters Degree in Traditional Eastern Medicine and learning this ancient practice. Little did I know the journey that awaited me. L Looking back, there were vital steps & obstacles I had to face, and valuable lessons I learned. Here’s my story, along with some advice for aspiring young professionals considering starting their own healing & wellness practice.

1. Step One: Planning and Preparation
Setting up my own acupuncture practice required meticulous planning and preparation. A strong foundation for my business was of utmost importance.

– Passed all 4 National Board Exams and secured the necessary licenses and permits to operate legally.
– Conducted market research to identify the target audience and competition within the holistic medicine industry.
– Created a business plan, outlining the vision, mission, and financial projections for the practice.
– Chose a strategic location that reflected the spirit of wellness and easily accessible to clients.

2. Step Two: Establishing the Practice
Once the groundwork was laid, the next stage involved establishing my practice.

– Designed visually appealing and calming office space, incorporating elements of nature and aesthetics that also embody who you are and what you want your clients to feel when they enter the space.
– Developed a website and established a strong online presence to reach potential clients.
– Procured high-quality acupuncture supplies and equipment.
– Implemented effective marketing strategies, promoting the practice through social media, local events, and collaborations with other wellness professionals.

3. Key Challenges in Setting Up
As with any new venture, setting up my practice came with its fair share of challenges. Some of the hurdles I encountered included:

– Building a robust client base: At the onset, attracting clients proved to be a challenge. It required consistent marketing efforts, word-of-mouth referrals, and building trust within the community.
– Financial management: Balancing initial investment, operational costs, ensuring steady revenue stream demanded careful financial planning and budgeting.
– Competition awareness: The holistic medicine industry is fairly saturated, it’s essential to differentiate the practice from competitors and highlight its uniqueness.

4. Lessons Learned and What I Would Do Differently
Looking back at my journey, I have gained invaluable insights that would shape my approach.

– Cultivate networking opportunities: Building relationships with other wellness professionals, such as wellness coaches and practitioners, can lead to collaborative opportunities and widen the referral network.

– Embrace a customer-centric approach: Prioritizing the client’s experience and satisfaction enhances loyalty, positive reviews, and word-of-mouth recommendations.

– Continual professional development: To stay ahead in the ever-evolving field of holistic medicine and wellness, allocating time for ongoing education and staying updated on the latest research and techniques is vital.

Advice for young professionals…

-Seek mentorship and support each other: Reach out to experienced acupuncturists and other health/wellness professionals, who can guide you through the process, provide valuable insights, and offer support along the way
– Develop a strong online presence: In today’s digital age, establishing an online presence is crucial for attracting and retaining clients. Invest time and resources in building a professional website and engaging with your target audience on social media platforms.
– Embrace versatility: Offer complementary services such as wellness coaching or consultations to diversify your practice and enhance the overall client experience.
– Stay connected with the community: Building trust and credibility within the local community is essential.

Establishing my own practice has been an immensely rewarding journey. The initial challenges and steps required to set up the practice have shaped me into a resilient and knowledgeable small business owner. By embracing the power of holistic medicine and incorporating lessons learned, young professionals can embark on their own path to success. Remember, the road may be long, but focus on your mission and with dedication, passion, and a commitment to lifelong learning, the possibilities of what you can create are endless.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Sure. My name is Julie Kim and my love for healing, wellness, skin care, beauty and the practice of Traditional Eastern Medicine comes from a very personal place. In my teens to early adult hood I’ve experienced traumas, struggled with severe anxiety, extremely irregular menstrual cycles, skin breakouts & diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), which I was told by an endocrinologist and gynecologist there was no cure.

After going through many trial and errors with prescription meds, birth control pills and numerous skin care products to alleviate these symptoms, although some helped, some led to other really unwanted side effects. I was so fed up with having to take synthetic hormones and prescriptions every day for many years. I had a revelation that I need to give my body a chance to regulate and heal on its own. I decided to take matters into my own hands to search for holistic alternatives, which led me back to my roots in Eastern Medicine by listening to my mom haha plus making simple yet huge improvements in my nutrition. That’s when everything changed drastically.

After college, I moved to NYC to pursue a career in the fashion industry. Although, fashion, art, and creativity is still very much a part of who I am, I realized how much more rewarding and fulfilling it is to be able to help and assist people in healing. So, I took a chance and left NYC & the big fashion corporate world after almost 13 years in the industry to pursue my long time passion to become a practitioner in holistic medicine. I’m not just a practitioner, I continue to benefit tremendously with my own healing, which has made me a strong believer to pursue it. I am the living proof!

I specialize in a variety of services that fuse traditional practices with modern innovations that cater to the diverse needs of my clients:

Wellness & Healing Services:
1. Acupuncture/Electro-stim Acupuncture:
Using delicate and precise needle techniques, I target specific points on the body’s meridian system to restore balance, alleviate pain, and stimulate innate healing abilities.

2. Herbal Medicine:
Herbal medicine, a cornerstone of Traditional Eastern Medicine, utilizes the healing properties of plants to treat various ailments. Customized herbal formulas are prescribed based on the individual’s specific needs and health goals.

3. Nutrition: Complementing acupuncture, I offer personalized nutrition plans to optimize well-being and address health issues through diet modifications, supplements, and herbal remedies

4. Wellness Coaching: My aim is to empower individuals to take charge of their health journey. I provide guidance, motivation, and support to help clients make sustainable lifestyle changes.

5. Fire Cupping:
Fire cupping is a traditional Chinese therapy that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. This promotes blood flow, relieves muscle tension, and aids in the detoxification process.

6. Homeopathic Injections:
Homeopathic injections involve the administration of natural remedies derived from plants and minerals. These injections support the body’s healing processes.

Beauty Services:
1. Facial Cosmetic Acupuncture:
Using specialized techniques and the principles of acupuncture, facial cosmetic acupuncture is a natural, non-surgical approach to enhancing beauty. It promotes collagen production, improves complexion, and reduces the signs of aging.

2. Micro-needling:
Micro-needling is a cutting-edge technique that stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. It targets fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, and uneven skin texture, resulting in smoother and more youthful-looking skin.

3. Micro-Blading:
For those seeking perfectly shaped eyebrows, micro-blading offers a semi-permanent solution. This meticulous technique creates hair-like strokes that mimic the natural eyebrows, enhancing facial aesthetics.

Throughout my practice, I am dedicated to solving the problems my clients face, whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual. By combining the wisdom of Traditional Eastern Medicine with modern techniques, I am able to offer comprehensive solutions that address the root cause, not just the symptoms.

What sets me apart from others in the industry is my commitment to continuous learning and my dedication to delivering exceptional results while fostering a warm, safe and welcoming environment. I constantly seek out new research, techniques, and approaches to further enhance the effectiveness of my services. This dedication allows me to provide my clients with unparalleled care and support on their healing journey. As a small business owner and practitioner, I am deeply invested in the well-being and satisfaction of my clients. I take the time to listen attentively to their concerns, ensuring that every session is personalized and effective. That personal touch, combined with my extensive knowledge and passion, is what truly sets me apart.

I have witnessed countless success stories and what fills me with the most pride is the positive impact I am able to make in people’s lives. Witnessing the transformation and joy my clients experience is the greatest reward. I am honored to be in service of helping humanity heal and to a part of their healing journey.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Cultivating relationships. One of the most valuable assets a professional can have is a building and nurturing genuine relationships. This can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and valuable insights. By establishing connections with peers, industry leaders, and mentors, you gain access to a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Believing in Yourself.
Throughout your career, it is crucial to believe in your abilities. Self-doubt can be a significant obstacle to success. Maintain confidence in your skills and trust your instincts. Remember, it is natural to face challenges and encounter setbacks along the way. Embrace these hurdles as opportunities for growth and learning.

Mentorship/Support.
Having a mentor and support system with peers can be immensely beneficial in navigating the complexities of your field. A mentor is someone who possesses extensive experience and can offer guidance, support, and valuable insights. Their wisdom and expertise can help you avoid common pitfalls and accelerate your professional development. Seek out mentors/support who align with your goals and aspirations.

Keep Learning.
Continuous learning is fundamental to success in any field. It is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, technologies, and industry practices. Embrace a growth mindset and actively seek opportunities for learning and development. Whether it’s enrolling in courses, attending workshops, or simply reading industry publications, the pursuit of knowledge will keep you relevant and adaptable.

Mistakes Are Your Best Teachers.
Learn to take constructive criticism. Instead of being discouraged by mistakes and criticism, consider them valuable learning experiences to improve. Understand that making errors is an inevitable part of growth and progression. Embrace failures as opportunities to learn, adapt, and improve. Reflect on your mistakes, identify areas for improvement, and use them as stepping stones towards success.

Stay Away from Negativity.
Negativity can be toxic and detrimental to your professional growth. Surround yourself with positive influences and supportive individuals who uplift and inspire you. Avoid indulging in gossip, negativity, and office politics. Maintain a positive mindset, stay focused on your goals, and radiate positivity to create an environment conducive to success.

Keep Your Plans to Yourself Until It’s Done.
While sharing your goals and dreams with others can be motivating, it is crucial to exercise discretion. Prematurely disclosing your plans may expose them to unnecessary criticism and doubt. Once you have successfully executed your plans, share your achievements and experiences with the world. This ensures that you remain focused and undeterred by external opinions during the crucial stages of your journey.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

I am passionate about being in service of helping humanity heal. For me, it goes beyond simply having a job or a career. It is a calling, a vocation that fuels my soul. I feel an innate responsibility to empower people and help improve quality of life. This ancient practice has provided me the tools to assist people in healing. This practice has also withstood the test of time, adapting and evolving with each passing era. Its ability to integrate holistic approaches, considering the mind, body, and spirit as interconnected entities, resonates deeply within me. By addressing the root causes of illness and promoting overall well-being, I witness firsthand the ripple effect that extends beyond the individual to their families, friends, and the community at large. This exponential impact strengthens my resolve and reinforces the significance of my chosen path. I am thankful for the opportunity to partake in this ancient practice and humbled by the privilege to witness the healing potential it holds.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.julesacu.com/
• Instagram: @Julesacu
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/julesacu
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieminkim
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/DGya3t5wOI
• Other: Google link: https://g.co/kgs/WvXt4u Email: [email protected]