The Why Behind the Leap: My First Weeks as a Full-Time Business Owner
Well friends, it finally happened—Roots Performance & Wellness is officially launched, and I’ve taken the leap into being a full-time business owner. These first two weeks have been a whirlwind of excitement, chaos, gratitude, and deep reflection. I wanted to share a little behind-the-scenes with you—why I started Roots, what the launch felt like, and how these first days have been both humbling and inspiring.
Why Roots?
The inspiration behind Roots came from years of working in healthcare and seeing the same frustrations play out again and again. Patients being treated like numbers. Quick fixes instead of real solutions. A lack of education to help people take ownership of their health. I saw too many people leaving the system feeling lost, unheard, and discouraged.
Roots was created to bridge that gap—to bring health and wellness together under one roof, to create a space where patients feel truly seen and heard, and to equip people with the tools they need to feel empowered in their health journey. My hope is that Roots isn’t just a clinic, but a movement toward better care and a better experience.
Taking the Leap
Owning a business was something I’ve dreamed about since I was young. The idea of Roots started small, as just a vision for my own PT clinic, and slowly grew as I journaled, researched, and reflected on what I wanted to create. By early 2025, it was clear: it was time to leap.
Pressing “go” on this business was surreal. It was equal parts excitement and nerves, but mostly, I felt aligned—like this was the step I was always meant to take. My partner and I celebrated with a nice dinner, and I took a restorative weekend with my family in the NC mountains. But the real moment it hit me? That first Sunday night when I realized I didn’t have the “Sunday Scaries.” Instead, I felt energized and ready for the week ahead.
The First Weeks
If I’m being honest, the first week was a little chaotic. I had to figure out my schedule, my boundaries, and the rhythm of being my own boss. I was excited but also tired by the end of it. And you know what? That’s okay. Growth can be messy and exhausting.
The wins? Booking my first three clients within that very first week. The trust those individuals put in me meant everything—it validated why I started Roots in the first place.
The challenges? Learning not to bite off more than I can chew. I’ve already been reminded that this journey is a marathon, not a sprint. If I want to show up fully for my patients, I also need to show up fully for myself.
Creating Roots as a Lifestyle
One of my biggest goals with Roots is to build a clinic that looks different from the traditional healthcare grind. I’ve seen too many clinicians burn out, and I refuse to repeat that cycle. Instead, I’m building Roots as a lifestyle business—one that weaves meaningful work into life instead of squeezing life around work.
That means one-on-one visits with patients, creative time for education and content, and also space in my day to breathe—to step outside, enjoy a longer lunch, or take my pup to the vet without guilt. This balance allows me to stay energized, present, and able to give my best to my patients.
Emotions in the Mix
Owning my schedule feels like freedom. Within just a week, I noticed I felt lighter and more balanced. Of course, there are still moments of doubt—what if this doesn’t work, what if I fail? But then I flip the question: what if it works out better than I could have imagined?
The most joy so far has come from sharing my passion with others and seeing the support behind this dream. Every message, every referral, every word of encouragement reminds me that I’m not in this alone.
Gratitude
I couldn’t do this without my support system. My family, my friends, my partner, and even fellow PT business owners (shoutout to Integrity PT & Wellness!) have been incredible. From business advice to late-night pep talks, their encouragement has carried me through.
Looking Ahead
As I look to the next season of Roots, I’m excited to keep growing—bringing together multiple disciplines under one holistic roof, creating a healthcare space that truly serves people. My deepest hope is that when patients walk through Roots’ doors, they feel a sense of relief—that someone is finally listening, and that they’ve found a partner in their journey.
Here’s to the beginning of something rooted in care, empowerment, and the belief that healthcare can be better.
—Dr. Rachel Wolinski, PT, DPT