Lymphedema Therapy Source was recently featured in an entrepreneurial article by Subkit, an organization that helps entrepreneurs and small business owners grow and learn. They cover a lot of industries (food, hospitality, health, cosmetics, home, etc.). You can read the article here: https://gosolo.subkit.com/rebecca-summers/.
What’s your business and who are your customers?
Lymphedema Therapy Source, PLLC provides complete decongestive therapy (CDT) for people with lymphedema (or aspects of CDT like manual lymph drainage for other conditions such as wound healing, post-op plastic surgery, etc.). And compression garments are also measured and provided.
Tell us about yourself
I was working as an O.T. and had a patient who had had a bilateral mastectomy (both breasts removed). She developed lymphedema in both arms as a result, and I couldn’t help her. My reason for becoming a therapist was to help people, so I decided to get special training to be able to help others in the future. Motivation comes from the desire to help improve the lives of others.
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Staying in business since becoming self-sustained as an entrepreneur in 2013.
What’s one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest part is the many hats an entrepreneur must wear (without the training). You must learn as you go unless you find a successful mentor who has done exactly what you want to do.
What are the top tips you’d give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do your pre-launch homework. (Talk with others doing the kind of business you want to do. If you can find a mentor who is where you’d like to be, hire them and/or offer some type of service in return for their knowledge and time.)
- Remember the golden rule (treat others as you wish to be treated). Whether integrity, kindness, patience, or service – put yourself in your customers’ shoes and most times, you’ll know what to do.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I’ve been an OT for over 20 years and self-employed half of that time. Being an entrepreneur is fulfilling. I like the challenge and being the one to make the decisions. But there’s certainly a lot of work and risk that goes with it. A key is enjoying what you do, finding success while doing it and never forgetting that life isn’t solely about money or accomplishment. No one reaches the end of their life regretting they didn’t make more money or spend more time at work. The regret is more often not reaching their potential and not having spent more time with those they love (or mended bad relationships they cared about).
