Today we’d like to introduce you to Leigh Gilkey and Siri Michel.
Leigh and Siri, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Siri and I met at a Vipassana meditation retreat 9 years ago. The retreat is completely silent for 10 days so our friendship began without words. I was into my second year of graduate school at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and was practicing pulse diagnosis on myself during breaks at the mediation retreat. When we were able to finally speak, Siri mentioned she had noticed me doing that and wondered if I was an acupuncturist as she had just had an interview at my school.
The rest is history. We became friends; she started school. I finished school and started a business with a classmate. When Siri was finishing school, my business partner was ready to move to the east coast and sell her portion of the business. Siri confided she had secretly hoped to be in business with me and we started the transition to her being my business partner.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
If there is a smooth road, I would be worried. I don’t believe great things are accomplished without struggles/challenges along the way. Becoming business married to someone brings to light lots of triggering conversations. Incorporating brought forth discussions about our financial standings. Moving the business was asking us to see how the other envisioned an empty space. The way we process and express our emotions is very different. We had to learn when something was about us and when something was that person’s own hangups. It’s a lot of negotiations, compromise and knowing when to take a break from a conversation. Growth of business includes growth of self and relationships.
These have been the most rewarding challenges to take on. Everybody has to worry about income, but personal and relationship growth while growing financially is the real work.
Essential Acupuncture Chicago – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are a general practice clinic. Though we have not specialized, our practice is known for treating pain, fertility, digestive issues, insomnia, stress and psycho-emotional disorders.
We are proud of creating a welcoming and safe space for all our patients. We are also proud of creating a network of local businesses that benefit the health and healing of our patients.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success has many forms for us. We get to do something we love, make a living at it while maintaining space for other aspects of our life. Sometimes it is as simple as remembering all the passwords we have. Other times it’s setting goals, putting them on the dry erase board and keeping that intention. Some days it’s getting done early with work and at the same time as your partner so you can grab a drink together.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2514 W Armitage Ave #205
Chicago, IL 60647 - Website: www.essentialchicago.org
- Phone: 773-629-9508
- Email: info@essentialchicago.org
- Instagram: @essentialchicago
- Facebook: Essential Acupuncture Chicago
Image Credit:
Dirk Matthews
