ICYMI: Small Biz Profile: Healing Point Therapeutics

NATICK, MA—Growing up, Marisa Fanelli watched her mom suffer through a variety of illnesses and diseases. And in most cases, she noticed that the doctors treated her symptoms; not her.

"They would treat one issue, which would lead to problems elsewhere in her body, and I hated the idea of treating patients in pieces, as if the whole person didn’t matter," said Fanelli. "These experiences led to an interest in holistic health."

She enrolled in NESA and received her graduate degree in acupuncture. After starting her practice, Fanelli realized that she loved treating insomnia, anxiety, and depression.

"I thought that hypnotherapy and acupuncture would combine beautifully to treat these issues (and many others), and they have," she said.

When did you open/launch? April of 2011.

What made you decide to open this type of business? And why this location? It was a difficult decision to start my own practice," she said. "I started with absolutely nothing; I was waitressing every night just to pay my office rent. I realized, though, that I would not be able to create the vision I had for my work life if I was working for someone else. Originally, though, my plan was to move back to Connecticut. I saw an ad for a space in Wayland, and decided to go see it, just to get an idea of what it cost for a space that size. I instantly clicked with the space and the landlord, and decided on the spot to stay here in Massachusetts. After five years of building a practice of almost 1,000 patients, I outgrew that space and am very excited to relocate to this larger location in Natick.

What do you like best about it? Since I am my own boss, I set the theme and tone of my business-which means that we have lots of fun and laughter around the office. I wanted to create a space of ultimate comfort and happiness, where people could come in and feel motivated for change but never judged. I believe I’ve achieved that, so coming to work everyday is always enjoyable for me.

Biggest struggle? Learning to ride the waves of ups and downs. Now that I’m more established, I don’t worry as much as I used to. However, in the beginning it was a constant fluctuation of highs and lows. I would have a very lucrative month and be on top of the world, followed by a month of wondering if I’d make enough to pay my rent. Being a small business owner is great for adrenaline junkies! You never know what you are going to get from day to day. That’s also what makes it so exciting.

What do you see for the future? I’m incredibly optimistic about the future of my practice. A few years ago, I was struggling to get by. Today, I have people coming in from all over the U.S. to experience hypnoacupuncture. I feel like the sky is the limit; in a few years my practice will likely look completely different as I create ways to share this technique with a larger audience without completely burning myself out.

Politics and small business: how does government affect your business? The taxes for small business owners can be overwhelming. It’s imperative for those starting out to find a great CPA that they really trust, to show them the ropes.

Name another local business you’d send customers to: Karen Reid, LMT, is my top pick for a massage therapist in the area. She is amazing. I refer her to all of my patients, and they love her.