What called you to your line of work?

After working as an ICU nurse for 8 years and witnessing some of the most severe health issues, I realized I wanted to focus on prevention. So many of the chronic illnesses I saw in the ICU could have been prevented with the right lifestyle choices and early interventions. That's what led me to shift my focus -- to help patients avoid these critical situations in the first place. I'm passionate about supporting patients in their wellness journey by exploring natural ways to improve their health, such as supplements and various holistic modalities, rather than just relying on pharmaceuticals. My goal is to empower patients to take control of their health and well-being.

Where were you in life when you decided to open your hormone replacement clinic?

I opened my practice in December 2020, right in the midst of the pandemic. It was a challenging time -- supplies were scarce, and I was at home with an 8 month-old and 2-year old. I found myself feeling restless as a stay-at home mom during that period, struggling to find a balance between work and being a new mother.

I realized that there were many others like me -- people who were longing for connection and a sense of normalcy. I've always found joy in helping people feel their best, and I wanted to contribute to making our community healthier, especially during such a trying time. Starting my practice was my way of being able to be part of the solution, of creating a space where people could come together and focus on their well-being.

What resources would you recommend to someone starting a business (or career) in a similar field as you?

As a Nurse Practitioner, patient care is what I'm good at and passionate about. But learning how to run a business was a completely different challenge -- it was a very steep learning curve. If someone is thinking about opening their own practice, my advice would be to surround yourself with other providers you admire and respect. Invest in a business coach, read books, network, and most importantly, make your practice your own. There's no one perfect way to run a business; it's really about finding what works best for you. Your expertise and unique personality will shine through in everything you do, and that's what will set your practice apart.

What does success mean to you?

To me, success is about making a real difference in each patient's life, one person at a time. It's gratifying to see a patient's life completely transformed for the better through the interventions and therapies we implement to optimize their wellness. Further, success is when a happy patient refers their family or friends to us because they trust me to help them achieve their wellness goals as well. It's about building trust and having a positive impact on the lives of those we serve, knowing that our work is making a meaningful difference.

What does the world need more of? Less of?

I believe the world needs more practitioners who are wiling to openly and freely discuss perimenopause and menopause. These are natural phases of life and absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. We need more healthcare providers who prioritize individualized care, truly listen to their patients' symptoms and concerns, and collaborate with them to optimize their wellness. It's essential for practitioners to foster a supportive environment where patients feel comfortable discussing all aspects of their health, including those that are often stigmatized or overlooked.

Knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently when you were first opened your practice?

I wouldn't change a thing about the journey from when I first opened my practice to where we are now. Both the good and the challenging experiences have been crucial in shaping the practice. Each moment has taught me valuable lessons and helped me establish the boundaries necessary for success. These experiences have not only made my practice stronger but have also allowed me to grow as a professional and better serve my patients.

Ashli Clearwater MSN, FNP-BC is a Family Nurse Practitioner and the founder of Wellness & Hormone Health in metro Denver. They specialize in hormone replacement therapy and weight loss management.

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Physical reprints of Boss Babes Magazine featuring Ashli Clearwater can be purchased here.