We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mackenzie Briley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Mackenzie, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.
I decided from a very early age that I wanted to be a chiropractor. I was able to witness the health and healing that was promoted through chiropractic care, and wanted to spread the message to help as many people as possible. I opened my practice 33 days after graduating chiropractic school. I worked on the business plan while in school, met with banks for funding, and signed my lease while finishing my last quarter of chiropractic school remotely in Georgia. A few of the bigger steps included creating my business plan, to know exactly what was needed to open, what the costs would be, and have a game plan for establishing myself in my community. There were challenges that came with this, including being denied by three different banks for funding. I didn’t allow these no’s to deter me from my dream however, and continued on, saving more money, babysitting for extra cash, and getting a loan from my parents to help fund my dreams. My biggest piece of advice for a young doctor wanting to start their own practice would be to look for a space and start with as low of overhead as possible. Aim for higher profitability, and the success follows!
Mackenzie, 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?
I am a chiropractor, business owner and creator of my area’s first wellness collective! I specialize in pediatric and perinatal chiropractic, serving families in my area of seacoast New Hampshire. I dreamed about being a chiropractor since kindergarten, and even have that drawing hanging in my office to inspire other little ones to live out their dreams! My driving force has always been to help people and serve a higher purpose. I love the principles of chiropractic, and what the chiropractic adjustment allows in the body, to self-heal, regulate, and adapt at a higher level of health. I help women regulate their stress, moms feel more comfortable during their pregnancy, babies adapt to the new world more easily, and children develop to grow healthy and strong. I am one of only a few chiropractors in my area with the level of education and certifications I hold, being certified by the international chiropractic pediatric association. This past fall I expanded my practice, and built out a wellness collective, that allows the reach of more providers to help and serve more families. LIFE Wellness Collective is the first wellness collective in the area having a chiropractor, pelvic floor physical therapist, lactation counselor, speech language pathologist, pediatric occupational therapist, reiki practicioner, holistic wellness coach and postpartum doula all in one space. We help women, families, moms, and children of all ages and stages live their ultimate potential, while finding support, collaborative care, events and workshops that leave them empowered and inspired to create a healthier lifestyle for themselves and their families.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
The power of being resilient is one of the best qualities an entrepreneur can have. In order to be successful, we need to be able to take criticism, understand when thinks may just not work, and pivot in order to find the right next thing. I am so thankful that when I was starting my business, I had to pivot multiple times to find the funding needed. This led to my ultimate success. I had a concrete business plan, with fantastic financial projections, yet because I was just graduating with student loan debt, the first bank immediately said no. That bank recommended I go to a small business fund company that typically helps many entrepreneurs get their start up capital. Even after changing my projections to be extremely low, constantly having to defend my belief in myself, this company told me no as well. I could have left defeated, and decided to throw in the towel and go work under another chiropractor, get the experience these institutions told me I needed to be successful, but I knew I could do it myself. Ultimately, my forever biggest supporters, my parents, helped fund my dreams and make them a reality. Knowing the sacrifice they made, I made it my goal and mission to pay off their loan within a year, and I did that–actually paying it off two months early.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
I know at this point in my career, I have just touched the success that is possible. With that in mind, I think one thing that has helped make my practice successful and profitable from month one is the attention to detail and practice member experience. I have designed my practice with decoration that is warm and inviting to the whole family, with fun kids toys, comfy furniture, and color. I make sure that my practice members feel welcomed and at ease from the moment they walk through the door. Remembering and bringing up the details, like asking about their trip, their family member they mentioned, or one of their hobbies helps to bridge a deeper connection, that when they are here, creates a feeling of belonging and that they are well cared for. Making connections with your patients while always keeping it professional helps increase patient retention and commitment to care, thus creating more success!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lifechironh.com
- Instagram: lifechiropracticnh and lifewellnesscollective
- Facebook: LIFE Chiropractic NH
Image Credits
Ally Russell Photography