Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Deanna Kanaman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Deanna , so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?
Growing up in a small town just outside the Dallas Fort Worth area, life had its own unhurried pace. At the time, I didn’t realize it was slower way to life, but diving into the fast-paced world of New York City right after college and later experiencing the hustle of banking life definitely put things into perspective. Forney, TX, where I grew up, truly had a different vibe.
We were lucky to have a bit of land, and I was blessed to have a horse named Buck as a companion. He was more than just a pet; he was my first love. Riding Buck taught me invaluable lessons about stepping out of my comfort zone, taking risks and placing my trust in something bigger than myself. Whether it was guiding him around barrels at what felt like breakneck speed during rodeo competitions or simply enjoying a leisurely ride, every moment reinforced the bond between us.
Trusting a thousand-pound animal while barely weighing 75 pounds myself was no small feat. It was a risk, but one that ultimately shaped my approach to life and business. In 2008, I took another leap of faith by leaving behind the security of a corporate banking job to join a startup. From there, I learned the ins and outs of running a small business, laying the foundation for my entrepreneurial journey.
My first venture was a supplements business, inspired by a protocol from a functional medicine doctor in Florida. It was a labor of love, and I juggled it alongside a full-time job until I was confident enough to make it my sole focus. Then came the unexpected twist: a shattered elbow that led me to discover the wonders of regenerative medicine. Turning my personal experience into a business, I ventured into uncharted territory once again, fueled by faith and determination.
Now, I find myself running NeoWell, which started as regenerative medicine and aesthetic clinic and now is a training facility also. We not only provide cutting-edge treatments but also offer training and business support for healthcare professionals across the country. It’s been a journey filled with risks and rewards, but through it all, I’ve learned to trust in myself, my faith, and the incredible people around me. And that trust and ability to take risks has carried me further than I ever imagined possible.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am the founder & CEO of NeoWell, a wellness clinic and training facility for nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. We offer a comprehensive program tailored to bridge industry gaps by offering hands-on, boutique-style training and comprehensive business guidance.
Over the past 15 years, I’ve been on quite the adventure, building businesses all centered around health and wellness, inspired by the needs I’ve observed around me. It all started with a supplements company, which eventually led me into the fascinating world of regenerative medicine.
The catalyst for this transition was deeply personal. I endured a shattered elbow and chronic pain until I discovered the incredible potential regenerative medicine. This breakthrough completely transformed my life, igniting a passion to share the impact of these products and treatments with others. From that fire within, we built a business that provided products and education to over 200 clinics across the country.
The birth of NeoWell stemmed from our desire to make regenerative products more accessible to patients in the Dallas/Ft Worth area and to offer a fresh perspective on wellness. We aimed to revolutionize how people access, choose, and engage with health-related products and services.
Initially, I had reservations about offering aesthetic treatments such as botox and fillers at NeoWell. However, a Nurse Practitioner we hired convinced us otherwise. Despite my initial reluctance, life had a way of surprising me as it often does.
Interestingly, many clients who initially sought consultations for knee pain ended up opting for aesthetic treatments despite the cost. It dawned on me that once they felt better about how they looked in the mirror, they naturally began prioritizing their internal health. As we say at NeoWell, look better….feel better…live better! This revelation shifted my perspective on aesthetic treatments and eventually led to the creation of the NeoWell Aesthetics Program.
Three months after NeoWell’s inception, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, bringing significant changes to our business plan. Despite the initial shock, we swiftly adapted by transitioning to a concierge appointment-only model. Sometimes, what seems like chaos in the moment turns out to be a blessing in disguise.
Amidst the challenges, we persevered, hiring part-time nurses and nurse practitioners who highlighted the need for comprehensive training in the aesthetic industry. Inspired by their stories, we launched the NeoWell Aesthetics Group, offering hands-on training for treatments like botox, fillers, microneedling and business support to providers.
Since its inception a year and a half ago, the program has flourished. While NeoWell remains committed to providing regenerative therapies to those looking for alternative solutions to pain, we also offer aesthetic treatments at discounted rates for those seeking treatments and provide a boutique model for business support for providers eager to delve into the aesthetic industry.
Beyond entrepreneurship, I find joy in spending time with my family and friends, exploring new places, and embracing new experiences. These moments allow me to broaden my horizons and gain fresh perspectives. I have a daughter in college, I have a faith that is unshakable and I have so much support around me that continues to give me the ability to take risks in my life knowing I can trust the world around me.
Life is an adventure filled with surprises, and I eagerly anticipate what the future holds. Each day presents an opportunity to write new chapters in my story and embrace the ever-changing journey.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey, I believe the three qualities that had the most profound impact were curiosity, a desire for growth, and personal discipline.
Curiosity has been my guiding light from the very beginning. I was curious at a young age and delving into the world of business this quality has served me well. For example, when I discovered the transformative power of regenerative medicine from my personal experience with my elbow, my insatiable curiosity drove me forward. I was always asking questions, seeking out new information, and never settling for the status quo. My advice to those starting out is to embrace your curiosity wholeheartedly. Be open to new ideas, explore different paths, and never stop asking why.
The second quality that has provided a strong foundation for me is a desire for growth. As a young barrel racer, I constantly strived to be better, I approached every aspect of my journey with an unyielding thirst for improvement. Just as I would study others in the arena, I applied the same mindset to my business ventures. I still constantly devour books, listen to podcasts, and absorb knowledge around me regularly from other’s experience. My advice to newcomers to this journey of life is to cultivate this same hunger for growth. Seek out mentors, invest in your education, and never stop pushing yourself to reach new heights.
Finally, there’s personal discipline. This quality has been the backbone of my success, allowing me to maintain focus, consistency, and balance in my life. Waking up at 4:30 every morning may not be for everyone, but for me, it sets the tone for a day filled with purpose and intention. My regimen, encompassing physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being, grounds me and prepares me for whatever challenges lie ahead. To those just starting out, I urge you to cultivate your own sense of personal discipline. Find routines that work for you, prioritize self-care, and stay committed to your goals even when the going gets tough.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely, we’re always open to collaborating with individuals who are passionate growing their career as a provider (nurse, nurse practitioner, physician assistant) eager to embark on their journey in this field of aesthetics. Our program, the NeoWell Aesthetics Group, is designed to empower practitioners as they transition into the world of aesthetics.
What sets our program apart is our commitment to providing a transformative learning experience that not only meets the educational needs of transitioning practitioners but also supports their personal and professional growth. We understand the challenges that come with entering a new field, which is why we’ve crafted a program that offers comprehensive training, certification, and the tools to build a successful independent business.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your aesthetic journey, we invite you to reach out to us and we will share more details and see if it’s a fit for you.
Contact Info:
- Website: neowell.com
- Instagram: @neo.well
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/NeoWell-100064193820007/
