Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Heather Wilson, Founder of Foot and Nail Institute, located in Columbus, OH, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I provide education and mentoring to nurses who want to become independent nurse business owners.

Tell us about yourself

When I was a bedside charge nurse, I identified the lack of safe, proper foot care available to our senior community. This was due to insurance restrictions. I launched a senior foot care business, Everyday Divinity, in 2011 to fill the gap within our healthcare system. I was meeting the needs of our seniors in my community, but the need for such services extended well beyond my state. I received calls from seniors nationally looking for foot care nurses within their communities.

Meanwhile, the burnout rate within the nursing profession had nurses looking at opportunities that extended beyond the bedside. As a result, I also received calls from nurses asking how they could launch a foot care business. Launching an online training program to teach nurses how to duplicate my business model while meeting the needs of our seniors nationally was a perfect solution.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Transitioning from an employee to a boss provides the freedoms not found inside traditional nurse roles financial freedom, work/life balance, schedule flexibility, lifestyle quality, and overall professional happiness. Helping nurses achieve this success while they rediscover their love of the nursing profession is an absolute honor.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

You are ALL things in your business. You are the accountant, social media manager, marketing department, distributor, operations, I.T., production development, etc. It falls on your shoulders to execute these departments adequately.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Turn off the outside noise of those who question your goals. These are your goals, not theirs. Focus on your lane.

Self-discipline is a must. You have to hold yourself accountable for the work that is to be done.

Recognize challenges/failures as lessons. There will be ups & downs along the way. They are there to guide & teach you.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

As a nurse, you have to overcome the cultural misconception that nurses can't be business owners without acquiring another degree or certificate. There are plenty of successful nurse-owned businesses out here. Nurses have the tools already to become business owners. Leverage that R.N. license; it holds so much power.

Where can people find you and your business?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Footandnailinstitute/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/footandnailinstitute/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/footcarenurse/

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Source: https://gosolo.subkit.com/heather-wilson/