Dr. Shamanie, a Doctor of Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Specialist, has always had the purpose to relieve suffering in others. She utilizes healing retreats, functional medicine health coaching, group detoxes and online courses. Her interview inspires us to remember the crucial lesson of caring for ourselves as we carry out our work of caring for others.
What inspired you to become a holistic entrepreneur?
My dad was a holistic entrepreneur. I grew up around healers. I always had a heart to relieve suffering. My dad inspired me to do that.
Tell us about your business or practice.
I use to practice Functional Medicine for almost 10 years in an integrated medical setting with multiple providers and a Harvard medical doctor. This was such an amazing experience as our clinic drew some of the most chronically ill people to our clinic. I was a provider that specialized in the treatment of chronic disease using a Functional Medicine Approach with diet, nutritional supplements, lifestyle, exercise, stress management, detox, testing, etc.
After my own battle with breast cancer, I knew I wanted to offer a space for clients to re-group, re-focus, re-boot and heal from their illnesses using an even more holistic approach, this time focusing on why we get sick in the first place which I believe is our reaction to stress.
What is your current business model?
We have many offerings. We truly believe that our habitat, both internal and external, affect our health.
We do one week healing retreats that offer a space to let the healing begin. We use Functional Medicine testing to personalize intervention, time honored ancient techniques of detoxification, Relationship Code Coaching which helps people address the stress in their relationships, organic gourmet food, juicing, emotional detox and so much more.
We also offer one on one Functional Medicine Health Coaching To people all over the country through facetime.
We also offer Group Detox with the Docs, which is a 10 Day Group Detox.
We also offer online ECourses called Create Health and Trust Your Gut.
What has been one of your favorite moments as a business owner thus far?
Really the best experience I have had is when I get testimonials from patients from years ago, stating that I had helped them change their life and got their health back. It truly brings me joy to help people create health and help relieve their suffering.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced in running your business or practice?
I care so deeply for my patients and clients. That level of care can distract me from taking care of myself optimally.
How have you overcome those challenges?
Yes! Breast cancer for me was a great teacher! Self care is the most important thing!
How do you find new clients?
Referrals, online website
What have you found to be most effective in securing new clients to sign up for your services?
Referrals are truly the best source of new clients. They come trusting and ready to jump in.
What do you do to keep your existing clients engaged in the long term?
Newsletters, blog subscriptions, send real letters in the mail, phone calls to reach out , emails to check in
As your own boss, what is your best strategy for staying focused and productive during your workday?
I have to set a schedule. It’s critical. I am an overachiever so what I actually have to schedule is personal self care time! I don’t have trouble keeping productive. I have more trouble taking breaks!
If you could start your business over again from the beginning, what would you do differently?
I would have not thought I could do it all. I would have hired an assistant earlier . I would have made my old self take more breaks! I would have put more boundaries.
What were some of the first mistakes you made that you would tell a new holistic entrepreneur to avoid?
Again, I’m not sure everyone would do this although I do believe it’s common for healers to take on too much suffering. Healers are empathic and so its natural for us to feel others sufferings. I would have not treated so many people. I would have put a limit on my schedule and not overworked! I would have created a boundary of self protection as to not feel too much. Take care of self first. Self love then love for others.
What are the top three business tools or resources you couldn’t live without?
- Internet
- Social Media
- Marie Forleo
What has been your most effective method for growing your business?
Asking past clients for referrals
Doing interviews online with others
Selling my ECourses on others sites
What is the craziest thing you’ve ever for done for your business?
I think the craziest thing I did was go into an established doctors office in my neighborhood and ask if I can work there. He said no three times, but I had tenacity and kept coming back until he said yes! It turned out, that connection led me to meet my life partner Christopher and we fell in love. Christopher also was by my side when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. He was my “person.” Life is pretty funny. All because I wanted to do more business in my neighborhood.
What is your favorite indulgence?
Chocolate
Most exotic thing you’ve ever eaten?
Escargot
Most memorable place you’ve ever visited?
Kingston Jamaica on a mission trip
Last book you read?
Deepak Chopra Secret
If you could only have one kind of food for the rest of your life, it would be…
Oh man. That’s a hard one. Plants!
What is your go-to breakfast?
Green juice
Kale, lettuce, green apple, lemon
What do you find most fascinating about the human body?
I love our bodies healing capacity. I love how interconnected our mind and body are. And that what happens to our mind, happens to our bodies. I also find it fascinating that the quality of our relationships affect our health profoundly. And I love that it’s not what happens to us, but our reaction to what happens to us that determines our bodies response. And I love the power of LOVE in healing the body as well as hope.
What do you love most about being an entrepreneur?
Time Freedom! I love that my contribution is limitless. Only limited by my creativity and output. And I love that no one gets to tell me what to do! (“You’re not the boss of me!”)
Dr. Shamanie Haneca is a Doctor of Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Specialist based out of Boulder, Colorado. You can find out more about her and her business, Habitat Retreats, at www.habitatretreats.com.
