Meet Kahlia ~ Central Victorian Podiatry

My name is Kahlia Borserio and I am a proud born and bred Bendigo local. I graduated from La Trobe University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Health Science and a Master of Podiatric Practice. I was awarded with the Deans Commendation for academic excellence for my achievements during my studies. 

I worked in the private sector for almost five years before taking the leap of faith into beginning my own practice. In April 2019, Central Victorian Podiatry was born;  a small beginning with two days a week inside White Hills Medical Practice.

Whilst building my business, I took on a four month leave cover as the senior podiatrist at East Wimmera Health Service (EWHS) three days a week. Four months turned into six with the offer of expanding my business at the end of my contract. I now service four areas including Bendigo, Birchip, Donald and Wycheproof. 

Central Victorian Podiatry provides thorough and specialised assessment, diagnosis, treatment and management of the foot, ankle and lower limb. We care for all ages, babies through to centurions.  

What prompted you to start your own business?

I come from a long line of family business. From a young age, I have watched my parents build and grow local trade-based businesses, and my younger brother also runs a plumbing business.

I was feeling as though I had grown to capacity within my previous position. Starting my own business had always been a dream of mine. It seemed like this was the best time to have a go at turning a dream into a reality. I wanted to take charge and do it my own way as I have always taken pride in the service I provide.

Did you find the start up phase easy?

I knew that it would be difficult to begin working for myself as I was unable to disclose to my clients where I was going to be practicing due to solicitation and non-compete clauses.

I was served with a cease and desist letter only two months into running my own business. I had been incredibly lucky to enlist the help of an extremely thorough lawyer to facilitate a resolution of the issue.

However, this obstacle really tested me and it made me consider whether everything I had been working for was worth pursuing, or whether I should bow out and continue working purely in the public health sector.

With unwavering support from those closest to me and a deep seeded passion for podiatry, this situation actually made me more determined to grow both personally and professionally in my business.

What have been some of the challenges running your business?

Initially it was uncertainty about the future; not knowing exactly what my income would be on the fortnightly basis.

Being a health professional, I found in the beginning I was not overly confident with financial management like, profit margins, financial planning, business financing. Maths and I have not always been the best of friends.

I have found having a thorough and understanding accountant has been invaluable when starting my own business.

And sometimes, it’s as plain and simple as not having enough hours in the day!

What have been some highlights of running your own business?

Watching it grow and begin to thrive. With all the travel I do sometimes I pinch myself and think, ‘Hell yeah! I’m actually doing this, and you know what, I think I’m going pretty well’.

It’s always very rewarding when you have a new client say, ‘My friend told me about you and highly recommended that I come to see you’ or ‘My doctor recommended you’.

I don’t think that you can ever put a price on good old fashion word of mouth. 

What personal traits have helped you succeed in business?

Passion ~ I have always been of the belief that if you want your work to bring money, you have to love it. To keep yourself motivated in rough patches, you have to love it. And most importantly, to go through all those extra hours and stress without giving up, you have to love the job, and I’m proud to say I love what I do.

Flexibility ~ As a new business owner, everything is an opportunity. I’ve found some situations more promising and important than others, but I never forget to be open-minded and flexible in my approach. I’ve found being flexible has allowed me to form connections between situations and events that appear unrelated.

People skills ~ I have strong communication skills and I’m genuinely interested in the stories people have to tell me. I’m not rigid in my approach and I’m able to adapt to different people’s communication styles to reach common ground.

How do you deal with those days where is all seems too much?

Determination helps me to get through a tough day. I’ve faced some challenges early in my career. I took a risk to get to where I am now but I have used past “failures” or challenging times to keep me motivated and determined to continue growing. 

I find when I’m really under the pump, I write a list, I go for a walk or pick up some type of craft project I have on the go to clear my mind. I then sit, re-assess my “to do” list, prioritise and continue to work through the musts.

You service Birchip, Donald and Wycheproof. What do you love about working in rural communities?

The people – they are amazing. The sense of community and the passion they have for keeping their towns alive and thriving. Something as simple as a smile and a G’day when you’re walking down the main street, people with genuine interest in the service you are bringing to the community and how they can support you to ensure that this service continues to thrive.

What other businesses have you discovered on your travels?

Marlboro House, Wycheproof ~ Living rurally doesn’t mean you should not have access to beautiful things locally. (P.S. They have an online store!)

Bakery on Broadway, Wycheproof ~ Coffee and the fit out/vibe of the place is top notch.

What goals do you have planned for your business this year?

1. My first goal for 2020 was to be working for myself five days of the working week. I’m proud to say that as of the second week of March, I can but a big TICK next to this one.
2. Revamp my business plan
3. Hire my first employee
4. Mentor a podiatry student for placement

What is a piece of advice that you always remember?

This following piece of advice came from my dad who had been given it when he had decided to begin his own business. It’s something that has always stuck in the back of my mind and is a piece of advice that I live by both personally and professionally.

“Business can sometimes be like sport. For a long time you can be playing A grade. At your fittest and at the top of your game, you can either choose to believe you are better than everyone or you can choose to take the time to talk, encourage and mentor those in lower grade levels, because in the blink of an eye anything could happen – you may injure yourself or you may be forced to play a lower grade. If you care about those around you, there will be someone to cheer you on and lend a hand because you won’t be playing A grade all your life.”  

Kahlia’s top 3 tips to healthy feet

1. Look after the skin on your feet, just as you would look after the skin on your face.

A lot of us take our feet for granted but they get us around every day and are just as important as our face to care for. A great Urea based moisturiser applied daily will help to curb those dry and cracked feet, as well as a light going over with a pumice stone or course emery board. If you are still having trouble with unsightly heels, a visit to your local podiatrist will have them looking altogether different.

2. Buy yourself a small spikey massage ball.

Whilst sitting down, place the spikey massage ball underneath your foot to roll back and forth. This will help relieve tired and aching feet, help to reduce any trigger points and also help promote blood flow to our feet. Five minutes a day can make all the difference.

3. Invest in great fitting footwear that is appropriate for whatever activity you are doing.

It is important to have your foot regularly measured – as our feet can and will change throughout our lifetime.

A handy little trick to assess for good fit is to remove the insole/sock liner from the shoe and stand on it – make sure there is enough room between your longest toe and the end of your insole (generally a thumbs width) and that your foot is not over hanging the parameters of the insole (this will ensure there foot has enough room to adequately move).