Before launching their own clinic, Brittany Delaney and Chrissy Akins were successful nurse practitioners working for a large corporate healthcare network. But success came at a cost—burnout.
“We loved helping people,” says Delaney, “but we couldn’t ignore the system’s flaws. We wanted to care differently.”
That desire led to Inicio Wellness, a clinic founded on holistic, patient-first medicine. Its name, Latin for “a new beginning,” reflects both their journey and their patients’ fresh start toward wellness.
Building from the Ground Up
The transition wasn’t smooth. With no business training, they navigated complex regulations, funding challenges, and slow early growth. “There were days when it felt impossible,” Akins admits.
Their breakthrough came from two realizations: one, that excellence in care is the best marketing, and two, that community builds credibility. Joining the local Chamber of Commerce expanded their reach—and their confidence.
Finding Mentorship and Momentum
When they posted a job ad for a supervising physician, they met Dr. Amir Baluch, a Texas-based physician and serial entrepreneur. His mentorship helped them see their business not just as a clinic but as a brand with national potential.
“He’s shown us that it’s okay to think big,” Delaney says. “That confidence has been transformative.”
The Power of Personal Care
Inicio Wellness focuses on functional medicine—addressing the root causes of illness rather than symptoms. Their telehealth-first model ensures accessibility while in-person care deepens relationships.
“We treat the patient as a whole,” Akins explains. “Medicine isn’t one-size-fits-all.”
Advice for the Next Generation of Founders
Their lessons for aspiring healthcare entrepreneurs are pragmatic:
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Start with service. Build trust before scaling.
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Be authentic. Patients choose stories, not slogans.
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Stay consistent. Momentum comes from persistence.
Growing Smarter, Not Harder
Delaney and Akins acknowledge the weight of entrepreneurship, especially in healthcare. They prevent burnout by outsourcing non-clinical work, automating systems, and supporting each other.
“Owning a clinic isn’t easy,” says Akins. “But seeing the impact we make keeps us going.”
Expanding the Vision
The duo is now expanding to Utah, with plans for nationwide reach. They’re also innovating through genotyping partnerships and collaborations with InsideTracker to personalize medicine like never before.
“Our goal isn’t just growth,” Delaney concludes. “It’s transformation—of care, of mindset, and of what healthcare can be.”
Connect with Inicio Wellness:
🌐 inicio-wellness.com
📸 Instagram
📘 Facebook
