Today we’d like to introduce you to Kirsten Desmarais
Hi Kirsten , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey to private practice ownership occurred through the alchemy of burnout, pregnancy/birth during COVID, and return to work postpartum as a mother of 3. I was in a fast paced, insurance based private practice that I LOVED but honestly could no longer sustain. When I returned to work after by third child was born, I found the support I received (or mainly lack thereof) on the corporate side of things made my decision to resign fairly easy. I wanted to find a job that allowed me to serve patients in a way that was sustainable for myself. I was so tired of how insurance dictated how patient care went and how much time and energy went into arguing with them about the most basic requests. So, I also knew I wanted a practice that wasn’t dictated by the ongoing cost management strategies of insurance companies. And, lastly, I wanted a practice where I could offer both Physical Therapy and Wellness services through, but also birth doula services too.
So, I built my first website from the comfort of my couch and furiously learned about all things business ownership in the hours after my children went to bed. Fast forward to now, through a lot of growth and support from my family and friends, business advisor and business coach, I have a thriving brick and mortar practice.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Oh gosh this has not been a smooth road. I knew nothing about business ownership before I embarked on this journey. And, made these changes when my youngest was 6 months old. Instability seems to be the word that comes to mind when I think about this road to private practice ownership. The main struggles I wasn’t prepared for was how much inner work and growth business ownership requires. I have to reflect a lot and call myself out on my own BS in order to me to get out of my own way. Somewhat of a blessing in disguise I think. I know myself better than ever and am a lot more wise to my own weak spots.
As you know, we’re big fans of Empower Ortho and Pelvic Health. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Empower Ortho and Pelvic Health is an out of network, private practice, physical therapy clinic. Through this business I also offer wellness services and birth doula services. I specialize in orthopedic/msk concerns and hold a board certification in orthopedics through the ABPTS. Outside of orthopedic concerns, I treat pelvic health concerns too! I love being able to to treat the whole person, including the pelvic floor. I am also a certified birth doula through DONA International. So, I am the ideal provider to treat pregnant and postpartum individuals! I have a keen passion for keeping people as active as they want to be with advanced training in supporting the “female athlete” through pregnancy and beyond. There are so many myths and fears about exercise, birth, postpartum, etc. I love helping people navigate this season confidently!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I have found that, the more authentic and real I am, the more genuinely I connect with others and they connect with me. I don’t really resonate well with the “cold call” networking strategy. I have found that, since embracing the idea that I am my brand/my brand is me, I attract clients who are already engaged and my referral sources know what I am about before we even meet. I also feel a lot more energized about networking because I can be myself and stay true to what my business and brand are. So, I have found more small group networking events are more suitable for me if I participate in any at all. Most of my networking is authentic relationship building with other women owned small businesses, birth workers, or local wellness/health providers. We are all working towards the collective good of supporting clients in achieving their optimal health. So, identifying when scarcity mindset is hindering connection and networking has been really eye opening and helpful. When one of us wins, we all win.
Pricing:
- Hourly rate of virtual and in-person sessions $160.00
- Packages for multiple sessions start around $450
- Pregnancy/postpartum remote programming $50/mo.
- Birth Doula package $2,200
- Wellness (dry needling/body work) $80.00/30 min.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://empowerorthoandpelvichealth.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirstendesmaraisdpt?igsh=ZHdseDhxYXZpajBj&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://linktr.ee/kirstendes
