A passion for foot care leads to self-employment
What is a Podologist?
Podologists have advanced knowledge of lower limb diseases and disorders, gait analysis, and advanced pedicuring skills. They specialize in pedicuring geriatric, diabetic and immune compromised clients.
Beginnings
Stephanie moved to PEI from Quebec 11 years ago. Her goal was to learn English. She was amazed at the help she received from the people she met. She was able to find jobs doing tourism surveys, and work at La Voix Acadienne, and Fédération of parents PEI. She also worked as a French monitor at Elm Street school, and as a receptionist in a dental office.
In 2011, she decided to open her own business and do what she loved – foot care. “I wanted to give a service that is personalized and adapted to the needs of each client,” says Stephanie.
Education
She graduated from an Aesthetics program in Quebec. . In 2014, she took an advanced foot care program, with North American School of Podologie and just upgraded her Podologie skill last November 2016.
Help to start the business
Stephanie visited the SkillsPEI office in Summerside to talk about starting her business. She was eligible for assistance through the Self Employ PEI program. It is an employment benefit program designed to help people start and succeed with owning and operating their own business. Participants receive financial assistance as well as business counselling and ongoing support from SkillsPEI.
“I was really lucky to receive EI during that first year. The support was very important. I was able to invest in the business.”
What services do you offer?
Her services include Advances Foot Care, Diabetic Foot Care, in-grown toenail treatment, excessive curvature of the nail with BS Brace technique or compacting with Gutta Percha, treatment for plantar wart, reduce callus, reduce / remove corn, foot reflexology, paraffin treatment, hand care, hair removal with waxing. Retails creams, shoes socks for diabetic, variety special item for feet. Coming soon filling prescription of compression sock. “I ask questions about their feet and their shoes, and look at their gait. I look for a pattern of calluses, corns, and bunions to figure out why they are having problems with their feet.”
At first, she was offering only a mobile service. By 2012, Stephanie’s father-in-law and her husband had fixed up a room in their house as a foot care office, and the business has grown since then.
Future hiring
Stephanie would like to hire a part-time assistant within the next few months. The duties will include receptionist, bookkeeping, assisting with disinfection of instruments, laundry, and scheduling appointments.
Expanding the business
Besides the services offered out of her home, Stephanie travels regularly to seniors’ homes and seniors’ apartments in western PEI. She also have partnership with The Coop The Chez-Nous in Wellington, The coop senior home in Tignish, and coming soon community center in Tignish.
Advice for others starting a business
“I am very comfortable working with my clients, but the administrative duties are still a learning experience. I would tell people not to be afraid to admit what they don’t know, and ask for help from RDÉE and CBDC.
For more information about the Self Employ PEI program, visit www.skillspei.com and click Programs for Job Seekers.
For more about Blossom Foot Care, call 902-724-2330 or visit www.blossomcare.com