Beth Walker Gram, Elemental Wellness, Collaboration Story
Find out how Dr. Beth Walker Gram at Elemental Wellness collaborated with fellow health and wellbeing practitioner Emma Grant from Heartfelt Change.
“I love being part of a diverse community of holistic healthcare providers and I think having a way for us to share our specialties makes everyone’s business stronger.”
What does your rural business do?
I educate and empower people of all ages about their health to prevent and alleviate the suffering that comes with chronic health conditions using acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
Where in rural Scotland are you based and what do you love about living and working there?
I’m in a village called Taynuilt in Argyll. I love being surrounded by this beautiful landscape everyday and being part of a small community of people who take the time to care for and look after each other.
When did you set up your rural business, and what inspired you to start it?
I started in October of 2020. I knew coming here that this is what I was meant to do. Holistic healthcare isn’t just for people in cities. My community in particular is full of health minded individuals who shouldn’t have to travel to Glasgow for care.
What is the biggest challenge you face or have faced running your business in rural Scotland?
Getting the word out that I’m here and explaining to people what I do. Being newly transplanted during lockdown, tucked away just out of the village and also providing something that even known about still feels a bit foreign to most folks has been the biggest hurdle.
What’s been your biggest achievement so far?
Someone paid me in groceries! I felt like I had arrived as a country doctor. Seriously though. My first fertility baby was born in December so that was pretty awesome too.
Who did you collaborate with and how?
Emma Grant from Heartfelt Change. We launched a Facebook live campaign, where we chronicled our experience sampling the others services. She was needle averse and I was intimidated by starting a mindfulness practice. So we each took the plunge and then talked about it publicly together.
We’re also still looking for other ways to collaborate.
How has REDS helped you facilitate collaborations or connections?
I love the group meetings and networking opportunities I’ve been able to participate in. Since joining REDS I tell all the business owners that I know to sign up. It’s such a great service.
Living rurally forces you to be community minded and I know my neighbours feel the same. If we can support local business, we do. But because of the way we all live, it’s like we’re tied to word of mouth or Facebook. Having a place to find folks is helpful.
I’ve always felt that to emphasise collaboration over competition is the right way forward. I love being part of a diverse community of holistic healthcare providers and I think having a way for us to share our specialties makes everyone’s business stronger.
Find out more about Elemental Wellness here and Heartfelt Change here.