We had the good fortune of connecting with Tanya Lawson and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Tanya, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I envisioned my practice, I knew it needed to be a place that reflected elegance, hope, positivity and warmth. Every aspect of the experience from the decor to the staff and the clinical treatments needed to be delivered in a way to meet these goals. I built my team very carefully to maintain the highest standards while still creating a totally patient centered experience. When patients enter our space, they are coming with a wish to make their lives better. We want to honor that experience, support them and create a plan that helps them achieve or surpass their goals. By empowering patients to take charge of their wellness and beauty, lives are transformed. Patients feel better about themselves and tell us they are better parents, spouses, and employees. They are more confident in themselves and feel more relevant. Knowing we make this positive difference in the lives of others is one of the most important and humbling parts of our work. It’s also the reason I’ve never thought of my practice as something that needs to have boundaries or limits and our company is constantly evolving and growing into a more refined version of our ideal.
What should our readers know about your business?
As a licensed naturopathic doctor in New Hampshire, I take an individualized and holistic approach to beauty and health. It’s not common for naturopathic doctors to focus on aesthetic medicine but for me it is a passion and a necessary part of a patient’s health and well being. Patients often visit me when they aren’t feeling their best and want to make a positive change in their lives. I feel it is my duty and honor to help patients achieve their goals.
This year, I had the privilege of being nominated for NH Business Woman of the Year. This accomplishment and the success of my business did not come easily. When I moved to NH in 2015, I didn’t know anyone. I had no friends or family outside of my husband and children. I was recovering financially from a divorce that occurred several years prior and since I was a new immigrant to the country, I had very little resources. When I told the bank about my business vision, I was offered only a $500 credit card. I tried to convince them because I was a doctor, they should increase my limit. They laughed and told me to come back in 6 months and they would bump me up to $1000. They said my credit score didn’t move countries with me. This did not stop me. I started planning my ideal practice while doing whatever I could, including taking jobs less than desirable, to save enough money to rent a one room office with a small waiting room and hire one staff member. I built my practice working long hours including evenings and weekends while taking care of my 3 young children. In 2018, I was able to sign a lease for a 2000 sq foot office and started to really expand on my vision. This year, my office took over the neighboring unit and doubled in size and I now have a staff of 8.
When growing a business, it’s important to have vision, determination and work ethic. The vision will carry you through the difficult times and remind you of all the reasons you keep going in the face of adversity. Determination will help you execute your vision no matter what obstacles. Despite having the vision and the determination, if you do not put in the effort and time, it will be impossible to be successful.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Southern NH offers so much in terms of nature, shopping and activities! We could grab a coffee at O’Shea’s Coffee and Tae and then go for a relaxing hike on our local “Rail Trail” and check out some beautiful scenery. We could then pop in for a work out at Collective Studios, and end with a smoothie and healthy eats at Troy’s Fresh Kitchen. We would then visit Sorellina boutique to check out unique jewelry and clothing finds and then on to Tuscan Village for shopping and visiting Tuscan Market for fresh bread and goodies to take home. You can’t come to New England without eating a lobster roll so stopping at the Beach Plum where you get to choose how much lobster you want on your roll! We would also have to go to La Belle winery for wine tasting and the farmer’s market and then to Exeter to eat at Otis, an amazing farm to table restaurant. We would also have to stop at the many ice cream shops along the way, like Moo’s Place! If we had a little more time taking day trips to Boston, MA (45 mins south) or Portland, ME (90 mins north) are also well worth while! If it’s winter, bring your skis! We will have to hit the many amazing white mountain slopes. In the summer, bring your swimsuit and we will head to Hampton beach!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shout out the other amazing women who have supported my practice and business! This would be first and foremost my amazing team who are always there for our patients and make Inbloom an amazing place to work- Laura Luippold, Kellie Wallman, Tera Mullin, Kelsey Bragrowski, and Catherine Hamlin.
Also, a shout out to my amazing husband and three girls who truly supported my vision and understand the craziness of having an entrepreneur life.
Website: inbloomhealthnh.com
Instagram: @inbloomhealthnh @drtanyalawson
Image Credits
Mariah Gale Creative Rae Ellen Photography