WHY DID YOU BECOME AN ENTREPRENEUR?

This endeavour is dedicated to my mom and her experiences in the Healthcare System.

She had two separate rounds of breast cancer, has type two diabetes, a hernia, two hip replacements, a knee replacement, a heart attack, multiple angioplasty stents and a double bypass, and an annual battle with bronchitis. Interestingly enough she has never had chicken pox.

And yes, she’s still alive. She wakes up every day thinking about how she can help others. She is pretty much invincible in the eyes of her children and grandchildren. She grew up, worked hard, got married and had babies, and then kept giving as she lived and survived all of these medical incidents over three decades.

The medical system patched her up every single time and got her back out there, but it lacked person to person resources. We were sent home each time with pamphlets and a table full of new prescriptions. There were written resources for what to do next and how to cope with her diagnosis, but there was a limited community to turn and share war stories with.

There was no one there to show her how to live a lifestyle to prevent such things happening again.

Health Yourself Guide grew out of a need to provide that beacon when people are at their most vulnerable. We want to make it easier for others. This site is dedicated to Darlene and others who are searching for help.

A video about “Our Why”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbZr4dYuyGc

HOW DID THE HELP YOU GOT FROM BACD IMPACT YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS?

I’ve started businesses before, but this project is a massive undertaking.  The advice I received from Patrice at BACD helped me streamline my early decisions and start tackling this massive project.

WHAT UNEXPECTED CHALLENGES DID YOU HAVE?

Far too many to  count with this project, but that’s also what keeps me intrigued and passionate. We are tackling a new way to empower patients with good health habits on a digital forum.  When I shared that with people in the early days they asked if I was crazy.  My hope is that 5 years from now that will make a good story at the dinner table when we transform healthcare communications.

HOW DO YOU MARKET YOUR BUSINESS?

I almost exclusively rely on digital marketing and networking.  My other business Moko Media helps companies get their message in front of target audiences and that has proved invaluable in building Health Yourself Guide.
Beyond digital, good old fashioned networking had led to incredible partnerships, friendships and opportunities.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO  SOMEONE WHO WANTS T0 START THEIR OWN BUSINESS?

Streamline your finances as much as possible to give you as much financial flexibility in the early days as possible.  My businesses have thrived because of being able to invest back into the company.

WHAT IS IT THAT YOU DO THAT’S MADE YOU A SUCCESS?

I believe it’s my ability to keep asking questions and tackling problems from new angles brings me success.  That and I love what I do and always want to be doing more.