Self-employment
Eastern Ontario business taps into alternative health-care marketHealthy bottom lineWhen it comes to health, people are open to trying new treatments and products beyond conventional medical care. "It's an exciting time for the alternative health care industry because people are willing to explore options," entrepreneur Jeanne Raymond says. ROGER PIERCE -- www.bizlaunch.ca |
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 [ 2007-11-14 ] |
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Jeanne Raymond runs a healthy alternative health-care business in Belleville, Ont.
When it comes to health, people are open to trying new treatments and products beyond conventional medical care. "It's an exciting time for the alternative health care industry because people are willing to explore options," entrepreneur Jeanne Raymond says.
Raymond owns Whole Body Healing ( www.wholebodyhealing.com) located in downtown Belleville, in the Quinte Region of Eastern Ontario.
Whole Body Healing provides professional therapy supplies to massage therapists, chiropractors, aromatherapists, physiotherapists and other holistic practitioners. The clinic also offers massage therapy, live and dried blood analysis, Tragerr treatments, craniosacral therapy and integrated healing services.
"We're really seeing a growing interest in alternative health services in our local market," Raymond says.
She opened her business to serve alternative health practitioners who were paying too much to bring in supplies and equipment from Toronto or Montreal.
"There are no other professional therapy supply stores in the vicinity," Raymond says. "Our clientele can visit our store, e-mail or phone in an order, or place an order through our website. We offer free delivery on designated days and on larger orders." Raymond admits she opened her own business to make money. She also admits running a business requires long working hours. "Being self-employed means you get to choose which 80 hours of the week you want to work!" she says.
One of the lessons she's learned is to keep accounting records in order. "You can't know if your business is profitable if you don't keep good books," says Raymond, who sought the advice of an accounting professional when setting up her books. "Make sure you update your records regularly and pay your taxes on time."
Raymond's future plans include expanding her store to include more alternative health care items and services. "And we intend to open more locations to serve this growing industry," she says.
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