When Jill Carnahan received a cancer diagnosis at the young age of 25, she learned the importance of having a physician who understood how to assist the body’s healing potential. Now, as a Medical Doctor, Jill works with her patients within a functional medicine framework to promote hope and healing from complex chronic diseases. Her interview inspires us to keep our overhead low when just starting out and to keep in mind that the best time to start is now!
What inspired you to become a holistic entrepreneur?
I always wanted to connect with people on a deep and meaningful level and to help patients live well, reversing disease instead of just treating symptoms. When I got cancer at 25 years old in 2001, I learned what it was like to be a patient and how important it was to have physicians who understood how to assist the body’s healing potential.
Tell us about your business.
I own Flatiron Functional Medicine in Louisville, CO, a thriving medical practice where we promote hope and healing from complex chronic disease.
How would you describe your current business model?
I see patients one-on-one and personalize a medical approach using functional medicine to meet their needs.
Can you share any strategies you’ve found to be particularly effective for growing your client base?
Become the expert, speak, write and give away great content.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced in running your business?
Administrative tasks.
How have you overcome those challenges?
Hiring amazing staff members so that I can focus on what I do best.
What were some of the first mistakes you made that you would tell a new holistic entrepreneur to avoid?
Keep your overhead very low in the beginning.
What has been the best piece of advice you’ve received as an entrepreneur?
Go for it! Don’t wait.
What is your morning routine?
Get out of bed at 5am, have a cup of bulletproof coffee, prayer & meditation, workout at Orange Theory, Infrared sauna, shower and head to work.
What is your favorite indulgence?
Weekly spa/massage.
Most exotic thing you’ve ever eaten?
I don’t really do exotic, routine is good for me and I am [on] a grain-free paleo plant-based diet.
Last book you read?
Brene Brown, Braving the Wilderness
If you could only have one kind of food for the rest of your life, it would be…
Green juices with collagen powder.
What is your go-to breakfast?
Grain-free granola and coconut yogurt with chia seeds and blackberries or pomegranates.
What do you love most about being an entrepreneur?
I get to influence, impact and inspire others.
Jill Carnahan is a Medical Doctor based out of Louisville, Colorado. You can find out more about Jill and her business, Flatiron Functional Medicine, by visiting www.jillcarnahan.com
