This July marked my 10th year in Davis Square. I started Great Way Wellness Center quite early in my practice. I graduated from New England School of Acupuncture in 2003 and immediately began practicing in a chiropractor’s office in Cambridge. After about a year and a half there I decided it was time to set out on my own.

I lived in Central Square at the time and did not own a car. It was clear that I needed T-accessible space, preferably on the red line. I spent 6 months looking at spaces all up and down the red line, and even a few places on the orange and green lines.

Then I found a space in Davis Square and signed a lease to start on July 1 2005. It had dirty light grey carpet and sad light-grey walls, but it had windows that opened, new carpet on the way and the option to paint those walls any color. More importantly, it was small enough that I could manage it. When I started Great Way Wellness Center I opened with just the two rooms that I use now and the waiting room. About a year and a half later the opportunity came to expand and add 2 more treatment rooms so I took the plunge and expanded. Expanding allowed me to bring in other acupuncturists and massage therapists, a goal of mine in starting my own wellness center.

Davis Square today is a bustling village of restaurants, shops and cafes. 10 years ago it was still a little sleepy, but you could see the rising potential of the area. I love the mix of families, students, urban professionals and long-time Somervillens (or “Villens” for short).

Being an acupuncturist is challenging but rewarding work. When I decided to study acupuncture way back in 1998 I had no idea what the day-to-day of being an acupuncturist would look like. I fully understood that I would be self-employed (whatever that really meant), but nothing could prepare me for the work. I love the mix of patients who walk in my door–I’ve learned so much from them over the years!

Looking forward to my next 10 years and the new challenges that come my way!