What's your business, and who are your customers?

My business, Pain Away of Philly, is a pain management clinic located in the heart of Philadelphia. We specialize in offering a range of effective services designed to help manage and alleviate pain, such as massage therapy, acupuncture, and other traditional Chinese medical treatments.

Our customers are diverse and come from all walks of life, spanning various age groups and backgrounds. Many of our customers seek our services to manage chronic pain, such as back or neck pain, while others come to us for post-injury or post-surgery rehabilitation. We also serve athletes and fitness enthusiasts who are looking to improve their performance and prevent injuries.

At Pain Away of Philly, our mission is to provide our customers with a personalized and effective treatment plan that helps them achieve their pain management goals and improve their quality of life. We believe in taking a holistic approach to pain management, addressing not just the physical symptoms but also the underlying causes of pain. Our team of experienced and compassionate therapists and practitioners work closely with each customer to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to their individual needs and goals.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Bin Wang, and I am the founder and owner of Pain Away of Philly. What got me started on this journey was my own personal experience with chronic pain and injury. In 1986, while working in a cigarette factory in China, I suffered a severe injury that left me unable to take care of myself. The doctor said that I would spend the rest of my life in bed, but I refused to accept that fate. Two years later, I was able to stand up again, but my body was still full of sequelae, and I experienced a lot of pain.

Because of my own experiences, I can empathize with the pain that my customers feel. I use Chinese medical massage and other Chinese medicine treatments that I have personally experienced and studied for over 30 years. I have gained a wealth of knowledge and experience over the years, and I'm always looking for ways to improve my services and provide better care to my customers.

What keeps me going is the satisfaction of seeing my customers recover from their pain and return to their normal lives. It's incredibly rewarding to see someone who has been struggling with pain for months or even years finally find relief and be able to enjoy the activities they love again. I truly believe in the power of Chinese medicine and holistic therapies to improve people's lives, and I'm committed to helping as many people as possible achieve better health and wellness.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been the positive impact that my business has had on the health and well-being of my clients. It is incredibly fulfilling to see clients come to me in pain or discomfort, and after receiving my services, they leave feeling much better and healthier. Knowing that I have played a part in improving their quality of life is a tremendous accomplishment for me.

Additionally, I take pride in the friendships and trust that I have built with my clients over the years. Many of my clients have become loyal, long-term customers who trust me and my staff to take care of their health and wellness needs. These relationships are a testament to the quality of service that I provide and the personalized care that I offer.

As an immigrant woman, starting a business was a necessity for me after losing my late husband to cancer and losing my only source of income. Overcoming the challenges of the language barrier and navigating the complexities of starting a small business has been a significant accomplishment for me. I am proud to say that my business now provides jobs for many other immigrants in my community, which is another accomplishment that I take pride in.

Overall, my biggest accomplishment as a business owner is the positive impact that I have had on the health and well-being of my clients and the positive contributions that my business has made to my community.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

The hardest thing about being a business owner, especially as a small business owner, is the need to adapt to new challenges continually. As a business owner, I wear many hats and take on multiple roles, such as HR, manager, accountant, social media manager, front desk, and massage therapist. It can be difficult to juggle all these responsibilities and ensure that everything is done correctly and on time.

Moreover, I need to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, technologies, and techniques in my industry and adapt to changes in the market or my clients' needs. It can be challenging to keep up with these changes while also managing the day-to-day operations of the business.

However, I believe that these challenges also make me a stronger business owner. I have learned to be flexible and adaptable, to prioritize my tasks effectively, and to seek help when needed. It has also taught me the importance of time management, delegation, and continuous learning and improvement. Despite the challenges, I love being a business owner and am passionate about the work that I do. Seeing my clients leave my business feeling better than when they arrived and building a successful business that supports myself and others in my community is incredibly rewarding.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Start small and learn as you go: Starting a business can be daunting, but it's important not to get too bogged down in planning and analysis paralysis. Instead, start by doing and by learning. Try to start a business without investing too much capital upfront. This will allow you to learn as you go and make adjustments along the way based on what works and what doesn't. Doing everything yourself in the beginning, can also help you to better understand the different aspects of your business.
Show honesty and integrity: Honesty and integrity are essential qualities for any business owner. Building trust with your customers is crucial, and it starts with being honest and transparent about your products, services, and pricing. Always strive to do the right thing, even if it's not the easiest or most profitable option. This will help you to build a positive reputation and a loyal customer base.
Find your niche: In today's competitive business world, it's essential to find your niche and stand out from the crowd. Identify what makes your business unique and focus on that. This could be a specific product or service, a unique selling point, or a particular target market. By specializing in a particular area, you can differentiate yourself from your competitors and attract customers who are looking for what you offer.