Meet Miriam Mulkewich & Lesley Hughes – Fit for Life Physiotherapy
To celebrate International Women’s Day the Aldershot Village BIA is shining a light on some of our Women owned businesses along Plains Road. It is a day to celebrate women’s achievement, raise awareness about discrimination and take action to drive gender parity.
We are thrilled that this group of women owned and operated businesses have chosen Aldershot for their business. They are mentors, change-makers, trailblazers and community givers.
What brought you and your business to Aldershot and Plains Road?
Miriam Mulkewich, one of the owners of Fit for Life Physiotherapy, has a strong and long connection to Aldershot as she grew up in the community. At the time when the clinic opened in 2009 there were very few physiotherapy clinics in the west end of the city and with Aldershot expanding there was a growing need for physiotherapy services in the community. Miriam met her business partner, Lesley Hughes at a physiotherapy course. They instantly made a great connection and made the decision to open a physiotherapy clinic in Aldershot. Between Miriam and Lesley, they had a wide range of skills and experience to provide much needed services to the community. Over the past 14 years their clinic has expanded to 7 physiotherapists, 3 massage therapists, 2 Osteopaths and 1 Kinesiologist/Yoga Therapist, and of course a wonderful administrative team.
Do you have a female mentor or partnership and what has that relationship meant to you?
Over the last few years, Miriam and Lesley have been part of a community of physiotherapy clinic owners from across Canada who share experiences and knowledge providing an opportunity to learn from each other in creating a work environment that supports both the staff and clients. Within this business community there are many female clinic owners who have been a great support. Miriam and Lesley have also been working with a business coach from this group who is also a successful female physiotherapy clinic owner. She understands the challenges women face in business in juggling the roles of being a clinic owner, wife and mother and has been a wonderful mentor for Miriam and Lesley.
Do you have any advice for the younger generation of women coming up as entrepreneurs and small business owners?
For young aspiring entrepreneurs who have a dream of owning their own business, Miriam and Lesley’s advice is to do what you love, do your homework about what the need is in your community and then take a leap of faith and do it! Trust your gut. Set boundaries for yourself around time because it will be easy for your work to take up the majority of your time. Setting aside time to recharge will help you to have more energy and be a better leader for your team.
Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity.
