Pharmpreneur of the week Sandra Tadros Guirguis. "It's been such a journey since graduation."
Snapshot
Education: Graduate, University of Toronto Pharmacy
Roles: Family Health Team Clinical Pharmacist, Anticoagulation Team Lead, Public Speaker, Group Fitness Instructor, Healthy Eating and Weight Loss Coach, Personal Trainer, Bone Fit Certified Osteoporosis Provider, Core Confidence Specialist, Smoking Cessation Provider.
Title: Founder and President of STG Wellness
What excites you about being an entrepreneur?
Being an entrepreneur allows me to combine my passions to help people in a meaningful way while having the flexibility to continue growing and adapting to the ever-changing needs of the humans I love to serve.
How has your entrepreneurial career evolved since graduation?
It's been such a journey since graduation. I didn't have any interest in business ownership back then and certainly never thought I would end up launching and loving running my own business. Here's the thing: working in different settings from retail pharmacies in Canada and the U.S., to virtual platforms and community health settings really allowed me to see some gaps in how the healthcare system is able to support people especially in the areas of wellness and mental health.
I found the desire to help my patients in these areas growing and with God's grace I created something that I pray will continue to make a difference. I took the plunge and created my own business model to promote a holistic approach to wellness. It was scary I will admit, but looking back, I am so glad I moved in this direction. It has been a rewarding ride and I can't wait to see what's next.
How do you define success?
Success to me is when the work you do doesn't feel like 'work' because you are enjoying the journey and finding it fulfilling. It's when your faith and professional pursuits align and you can enjoy the blessings of each day while maintaining a balance between home and work life.
How do you manage a work/life balance?
Achieving a healthy work/life balance is an ongoing endeavour for me and one I deeply value. Over time I have learned to establish clear boundaries to help keep my priorities (God, family and work) in the right order while preventing burnout. I have grown comfortable in politely declining activities/commitments when my margins are getting tight. I have also become more attuned to my body's early warning signs of fatigue and burnout – for me it's heartburn and hair loss – and I encourage everyone to pay attention to their body's warning cues. These strategies help maintain a healthy balance in my life.
What books/resources do you recommend for every entrepreneur to check out?
One of my favourite books is "The Body Keeps the Score" by Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk. It is a book that sheds such light on the brain, body and mind in the healing of trauma. While this is not a business/entrepreneurial resource specifically, it holds valuable insights on a holistic wellness approach for entrepreneurs and others who want to help others heal.
What advice would you give colleagues who want to become entrepreneurs?
To my dear colleagues and friends who would like to become entrepreneurs, I say: Focus on the area where your passion to help others truly shines, then continue to grow, build and learn around this niche. Remember, every person you meet has something to teach you; embrace the mentality of a lifelong learner. As you gain wisdom, share your time, knowledge and passion every opportunity you get, and watch this beautiful cycle of learning and sharing grow into a fulfilling business.