Chiropractic care helped change Melisa Hon’s life for the better. She’s now a chiropractor and is using her knowledge to help make a difference in other people’s lives.
What’s your story?
My chiropractic journey started 15 years ago. Growing up, I had a poor immune system and suffered from a significant number of musculoskeletal aches and pains due to sports injuries. There was nothing I could do to relieve my conditions until I found chiropractic care and it did not just relieve my aches and pains but corrected the underlying cause of the problem and strengthened my immune system.
Chiropractic care changed my life and I want to make a difference in other people’s lives. I enrolled into chiropractic college after high school and the rest is history. I worked as an associate chiropractor for a few years before I decided to start my own practice.
The hardest part when I first started the practice, was the marketing and branding portion of the business. It took us a while to build the brand and we are still working on it. I can easily spend 10-12 hours a day, six days a week working on the business including treating clients, documentation, marketing and general business operation. The best part about owning my own business is that all of the work I put forth directly benefits the business I am determined to grow.
What excites you most about your industry?
Patients’ or clients’ success stories inspire me and keep me going. It is extremely satisfying when you are able to help someone get rid of their neck and back pain that they have had for more than 5 years or help a patient that has given up hope of being “normal” again because of their health. Those instances are what make all the struggles worthwhile.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I was born in Malaysia. After completing high school in Malaysia, I went to Australia to do Year 12 followed by a university education and was working in South Australia for a few years before moving to Singapore in 2014.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Singapore. Closer to home and my family.
Singapore is one of most business friendly places in the world. Government offers several attractive grants and funding schemes that help businesses especially SMEs to grow.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Always have a game plan. “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Benjamin Franklin.
Why is preparation important? If we are prepared, we stand a better chance of making things work or achieve things that we want. One thing I’ve learned from being both prepared and unprepared is that life presents us with limited windows of opportunity. Many of these chances are once-in-a lifetime opportunities.
Once you have missed it due to not being prepared, you have to bite the bullet and accept it as a missed opportunity. For example, let’s just say you are looking for a job and you are called for an interview. Are you going to wing it on the day or are you going to do some background research on the position? It is better to be over prepared than taking the chance hoping that the interviewer would like your personality instead of what you can offer.
Who inspires you?
My late father. He taught me many valuable lessons, specifically: to never give up on your dreams and always work hard and smart. It doesn’t matter how long you take to succeed but as long as you get there.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
Have multiple mentors. They are a valuable source of guidance that helps you move your career forward. I have been lucky to find mentors with a positive outlook on life who help me through tough times and show me how to find the opportunity in the difficulties I am facing.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I would not change anything as everything happened for a reason. There is no right or wrong choice in life. Every journey is a learning experience that helps us to do better in our next phase of life. The only regret I have is not spending enough time with my late father.
How do you unwind?
I enjoy hiking, outdoor activities and connecting with nature.
Reading and travelling with family and friends.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Japan. Japan is a country that is full of history has many beautiful temples, stunning scenery, friendly people and awesome food. If I could, I would spend one year studying Japanese and live in Japan.
Everyone in business should read this book:
Awaken the giant within by Tony Robbins.
This book is all about taking control of your life, of your abilities, and of your destiny. If you want to change something in your life, be it mentally, emotionally, physically or financially, the desire has to come from within. Love this book and I would read it again and again.
Shameless plug for your business:
A chiropractor is primary health care provider specialising in non-invasive, non drugs approach to managing musculoskeletal conditions. Your first consultation with Asia Chiropractic and Wellness involves a thorough history and examination which includes orthopaedic and neurological exams. We send out for imaging like X-rays/ CTs/ MRIs as necessary followed by the reports of findings. Our chiropractors are not just trained in educating patients how to stay out of pain but more importantly, how to stay well. We are doctors who care about your long term health. Our treatment involves spinal manipulation and adjustment, muscle work/trigger point therapy, exercises/rehabilitation, posture correction, advice on workstation ergonomics setup, nutrition and stress management strategies. Everyone is different, we tailor our treatment plan based on individual’s needs. If you know anyone with musculoskeletal conditions looking for conservative care, send them our way.
How can people connect with you?
www.asia-chiropractic.com
Email: [email protected]/ [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asiachiropracticwellnessSingapore/
Instagram: asiachiropracticwellness
Tel: 65344393
WhatsApp: 98209970
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This interview is part of the ‘Callum Connect’ series of more than 500 interviews
Callum Laing is an entrepreneur and investor based in Singapore. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is now a Partner at Unity-Group Private Equity and Co-Founder of The Marketing Group PLC. He is the author two best selling books ‘Progressive Partnerships’ and ‘Agglomerate’.
Connect with Callum here:
twitter.com/laingcallum
linkedin.com/in/callumlaing
Download free copies of his books here: www.callumlaing.com
