Discovering Wellness and Community in Daysland, Alberta: HOM of Well Being
In the heart of rural Alberta lies a sanctuary dedicated to wellness and community. HOM of Well Being, a wellness centre in Daysland, is the brainchild of Shirley Damberger. With a background in teaching and wellness, Shirley’s journey to opening this centre is a testament to resilience and the power of community.
Can you recall the moment when you knew HOM of Well Being was something you had to pursue?
HOM of Well Being was born out of necessity. In 2020, I had 30 weeks of teaching scheduled across Canada, but the pandemic hit, forcing me to pivot. Moving back to Daysland to support my aging parents, I realized I needed to refocus my skills and experiences. The pandemic made me reassess how I could be of service in my community, and that’s when the idea for HOM of Well Being took shape. It was a leap of faith, but I’m grateful every day that I took it.
What do you love most about your business and the work you do?
Community is at our core. We work with clients of all ages, from infants to those in end-of-life care. What I love most is seeing the tangible impact we have on our clients. Whether it’s improved range of motion or better stress management, knowing we contribute to their well-being is incredibly fulfilling. It’s about empowering people to take control of their health and witnessing how that positively affects their interactions with family and community.
How do you envision your business making a difference in your community or industry?
We are a collaborative environment, nurturing one another and creating job opportunities for youth. By mentoring student therapists and supporting new businesses, we contribute to the economic growth of our community. Our work has also caught the attention of our municipality and county, leading to discussions about establishing a regional wellness hub. We’re not just making individuals well; we’re strengthening our community.
What are the most rewarding aspects of operating your business in Alberta?
Alberta offers immense opportunities. The support from our community, municipality, and county is incredible. Being in rural Alberta means being part of a tight-knit community that supports and uplifts each other. We truly have the freedom to grow and innovate here.
What services or support have you received from Business Link?
Business Link has been instrumental, particularly with the Digital Economy Program and the Canada Digital Adoption Program. These programs helped us align our digital presence with our physical space, enhancing our website, SEO optimization, and email marketing campaigns.
In what ways did these programs benefit HOM of Well Being?
The one-on-one support we received was invaluable. Having experts look at our projects from different perspectives and provide tailored advice was crucial in taking our marketing efforts to the next level. The support we received allowed us to create a cohesive and inviting online presence that reflects our physical space. Our email marketing campaigns, developed through these programs, have significantly increased community engagement, with open rates doubling industry standards. This alignment has attracted like-minded individuals and opened up new collaborative opportunities. Business Link has helped us reach a broader audience and engage more deeply with our community.
Can you share any upcoming projects or initiatives that you are working towards?
We’re excited about scaling our business! With a 98% return rate and over 5,000 appointments in the first three years, we’re looking to expand. Upcoming initiatives include retreat offerings, educational programs, and a collaborative research project that aims to revolutionize the massage therapy industry.
What would you recommend to a small business thinking about using Business Link’s resources?
Running a business in Alberta is fantastic because of the supportive community. I always say I have the best customers. The community has wholeheartedly supported our greenhouse through social media shares, shout-outs, and word-of-mouth recommendations. It’s humbling and heartwarming to know that they appreciate the resurgence of a community greenhouse in their area.
What would you recommend to a small business thinking about using Business Link’s resources?
Reach out and communicate your needs. Business Link offers a wealth of resources tailored to different stages of business development. Let them know what you need, and they can provide the support to help your business thrive.
Shirley’s journey with HOM of Well Being is a testament to the power of community and support. Using Business Link’s resources, she has not only realized her entrepreneurial dreams but also made a profound impact on her community’s well-being. HOM of Well Being continues to thrive, embodying the spirit of small business success in Alberta.
Shirley Damberger
Owner, HOM of Well Being
