Melinda Choy, LAC, WIMI-CE, Founder & CEO of Elevate Wellness Center is celebrating 20 years in practice in South Lake Tahoe!
We asked her a few questions that everyone wants to know…
What is one lesson you learned as a woman in business?
I’ve learned so much as a business owner. First, it’s important to understand how much risk tolerance you might have. There tends to be an ideological myth that anyone can be a business owner and that it’s easy. The reality of it is that most small businesses don’t survive and that there will always be stressors associated around running and owning a business. Fortunately, I use this as an opportunity to support my nervous system and to try to stay flexible with the constant change.
Second, owning a business and being a wife and mother is like having three full time jobs that run through all hours of the day. I’ve learned to really let go of the need for control, trust my dedicated and amazing staff and delegate duties as best as I can. I can’t do it all and it’s an illusion to think that I can. I do my best in giving myself grace for the things I can control and letting go of the things that I cannot.
Finally, success has its limits. I now recognize what the end goal is and to get my ego out of the way to enjoy and reap the benefits of success. Success is reflective of how well balanced my life is as a whole which includes my mental andphysical health, the health of my family and being able to experience the joy of what I’ve built.
Melinda was a guest speaker for WellnessCreators.com if you are interested in learning more about her journey starting elevate, listen to “Building a Successful Wellness Business” episode #89
What keeps you practicing?
I chose acupuncture and integrative medicine as my profession because I knew that it would push me to live my life honestly and with integrity. It’s quite selfish really, in that I need the accountability to be my best self in order to serve others. Being of service in the health profession is truly a commitment to my own health physically, emotionally and spiritually. I don’t strive for perfection but am always a work in progress and can identify my opportunities where I can do better for myself and those around me.
Why did you start Elevate?
I was in and out of hospitals and clinics most of my youth with my parents who both suffered from chronic health conditions. I became very aware in my 20’s, after losing my Mom to cancer, that there’s something very wrong and broken about the current conventional health system. I was inspired to become an alternative health practitioner and to create a wellness clinic of various modalities to treat body, mind and spirit. I wanted a space where people could feel a sense of safety and comfort immediately when they walked through our doors and where they could feel heard and confident walking out.
Elevate Wellness Center has won Best of Tahoe for Holistic Healing 3 years in a row!
What is next for you professionally?
There’s a few changes and unknowns during the next year. My practice has very much reflected my life experiences. I’ve honed my knowledge in women’s health through the years as I’ve gone through all of my life stages. I’ve been through my reproductive years in fine tuning my hormones, having two pregnancies, becoming a mother, raising children and now moving into menopause. My practice is so personal to me and I’m so fortunate to share my work with so many in this community.
Recently I’ve been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I’ve been so fortunate in being healthy most of my life and this comes quite as a shock. I’m asymptomatic, feel very normal and healthy and just making my way through this process. Please know that during our sessions that I’m here for you and your wellness journey. I’m taking this in as an opportunity for emotional and spiritual growth. The process is opening up areas of deep trauma as my mother passed away from cancer. It’s also giving me greater compassion for those with chronic health conditions. I’ve always been open to experiencing LIFE and part of all the good is also living in contrast with the fear of the unknown and discomfort. This journey is bringing me a gift. I know that as I go through the healing and the treatments that it will help me continue to evolve as a healing practitioner. More than ever, I’m required to practice what I preach but at the same time give myself acceptance of just what is. This will bring some changes to Elevate as I need to be more conscientious of my energy and time as I’m going through my own healing journey.
I’m so grateful to this community who has entrusted me to work with them at such a deep personal level. 20 years have gone by and I’m still learning every day. I hope that you will continue to support Elevate, myself and all of the amazing providers we have as we go through these changes over the next year. -Melinda Choy
If you are interested in following along on Melinda’s wellness journey please make sure to follow us on social media and read the latest blogs.