Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan McIntosh
Hi Susan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
When I was in college at Towson University pursuing a degree in art I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. This dramatically changed not only my life but also my career path. After numerous doctors appointments and a hospitalization someone suggested I try acupuncture. After a few visits and treatments, I was considerably better. This experience took me to the path of alternative healing and exploring Eastern Medicine and Philosophy. I finished up my degree in art and started working at a health food store. I immersed myself into a healthy lifestyle and found that I could heal my body naturally. I enrolled in MUIH (formally known as Tai Sophia? and received my masters degree. I became an acupuncturist in 1999 and never looked back. I started a small practice in Mt Washington with another practitioner and eventually went out on my own in Hampstead. After many years there I wanted something more. An opportunity presented itself to work at Carroll Hospital. I jumped on the offer and had a great experience. I worked at their wellness center and was able to get a community acupuncture program up and running. This became my baby over the next 10 years and I learned so much about acupuncture and the community. Working in a hospital setting was a great opportunity to see many different types of patients. I was very grateful that they allowed me to be a part of their healing journey and this cemented my dedication and love for this art. In 2020, Covid hit and changed everything. I picked up another location in Towson, Maryland and started working with an amazing group of women. This finally felt like home. After a few years of hard work the owner of Satori was retiring and was looking for someone to take over the business. I took this as my calling and purchased the practice. It has been one of the most rewarding and hardest experiences I have been through. I love going to work everyday and sharing hope and guidance with my patients, practitioners and employees. Acupuncture has been a healing journey. I am grateful for everything it has taught me and continues to teach me. What a gift to be able to fulfill my dream and offer my love of the craft to the world.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There has definitely been some bumps along the way. Working on my own and finding a balance between career and family has been a constant struggle. Now that my children are older, I have been able to focus more on building my brand. Acupuncture has not alway been as widely accepted in the world of Western Medicine. I struggled with finding a client base and building my practice took some time. Today more people are seeking alternative therapies when it comes to their health and overall wellness. This has allowed us to build a bridge between Eastern and Western Medicine. Due to this, we are able to work closely with medical doctors and share our knowledge and experience. Covid, also, was definitely a setback and I had to rebuild the majority of my client base from zero. However, part of the Eastern Philosophy is to “Trust the Process” and allow things to happen naturally. And it was during this time the opportunity to purchase Satori Wellness Center appeared and after lots of sleepless nights, I too the leap of faith. I have to learn how to run a business and also still be a practitioner. However wearing many hats has been very challenging and also fulfilling. As I enter my third year, I find I am able to breath a little easier. Satori is built on an amazing group of woment. that want the best for each other and the business. There have been days when it is hard to show up. The front of house staff and practitioners are always there in partnership and dedication. I now have a deeper appreciation for small business owners. It definitely takes a tribe.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Satori Wellness and Acupuncture Center?
Satori Wellness Center is a small business. It is woman owned and women ran. We offer acupuncture, massage and herbal medicine. Under the scope of acupuncture patients can experience different types of modalities. These include but are not limited to red light therapy, moxa, cupping, microneeding and neuropuncture. We also offer herbs and supplements as well as natural products from local small businesses. Many insurance companies now cover acupuncture so the doors have been opened for more people that are looking to take charge of their health. Satori is set apart from other wellness centers beucase of our our dedication and time we spend with each client. We sit with them and we listen. We treat everyone as an individual and let them know they are heard. We take our time. We are very well known for working with women who are on their fertility journey. We get many referrals from doctors and midwives in the area. We have a great program and have seen many women get pregnant and have healthy babies. This is such an emotional time for these woman and we are thankful that they allow us to take part and walk with them on this journey. We also specialize in pain relief and assisting patients who want a better quality of life. Our brand is helping clients pursue a healthier lifestyle naturally and walking hand in hand with them. We help teach the body how to heal itself. Healing is a partnership between practitioner and patient. Acupuncture is a beautiful and natural form of healing. It is simple yet complex and allows people to show up as their best selves.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Surrounding yourself with likeminded and motivated people, who build each other up, is crucial for success. My tribe has always been supportive and helped me make Satori Wellness Center what it is today. It is important that we lift each other up celebrating successes while holding the space for challenges we may face. Get involved with local groups and meet up. Ask questions. Be vulnerable. Be teachable. We all have room to listen, learn and grow.
Pricing:
- pricing varies depending on insurance coverage
- massages $100/60 minutes
Contact Info:
- Website: https://satoriwellnesscenter.com/
- Instagram: satoriwellnesstowson
- Facebook: Satori Wellness Center
- LinkedIn: Satori Wellness Center
