We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacey Bullock and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jacey, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
After spending 5 years working for a school district, and having 3 kids of my own, I knew that I wanted a change. I wanted to create a schedule that allowed me to prioritized my family more, choose what communication disorders I could pour into, focus on giving the best one-on-one therapy possible, and really form great relationships with each family I work with. Although it was scary, starting my own practice has allowed me to do all of those things. I didn’t wait until I had everything or wait until everything was perfect. I started, I went for it. Of course, I did a lot to prepare but I didn’t allow the preparation or unknown to paralyze me. I already had the skills, knowledge, and experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist, and I was confident that I could learn the business operation side as well. Be smart and go for it!
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Following graduate school I took a job in a school setting where I worked for 5 years. When I took that first job, I never imagined that I would do anything else. I loved my job, the people I worked with, and the community. Leaving a job I truly loved to go out on my own and open my own practice was the most difficult decision I have ever had to make. I worked in a setting with some amazing Speech-Language Pathologists that I had grown with, and they had become like family. I am proud of myself for taking the leap and challenging myself, but it was not an easy or comfortable decision at the time. I initially began thinking I would “just see clients on the side,” but that quickly turned into me becoming truly passionate about growing my knowledge and expertise in areas that would allow me to help more clients. I am not one who has taken many risks throughout my life. Taking the risk of opening a private practice and leaving everything I have known in my career was extremely nerve-racking, but it has been extremely rewarding and helped me grow in ways I didn’t know were possible. I want people to know that I am passionate, caring, and kind. I want people to know that I truly care about the overall wellbeing of my patients, and I truly want to see them make progress and succeed. I want my patients to look back one day and remember me as someone that helped them.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spot in the city is Mule Alley and the Stockyards in Fort Worth, TX. Whether you’re going to explore and entertain children, see the decorations at Christmas time, or date night with my husband that is always our go-to area. When we take our children, we start out having lunch at Joe T’s followed by a walk through Mule Alley and then ice cream at Melt. We watch the cattle drive, ride ponies, and even take a train ride which is always a big hit with our kids. We usually end up having dinner on the patio at Paloma Suerte. For date night we usually start at The Drover Hotel. They have the best spicy ranch waters and espresso martinis. We usually venture into Wide Brim for a little shopping and we may go to Second Rodeo Brewing for the atmosphere and live music. There are several great restaurants, but we love the salmon at 97 West so we typically end up back there for dinner. Part of why we love Mule Alley so much is there are several restaurants, shops, and bars all walkable so it is fun to go to several places!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a shout out to my community. From local parents and educators to pediatricians and neighbors, I could not be more grateful for the way everyone has encouraged and supported me. I am passionate about building a practice that focuses on high quality therapy for my patients and thankful for a community that is allowing me to do that.
Website: http://klcpediatrictherapy.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaceybtheslp/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KLCpediatrictherapy
Image Credits
Nikki Caviness Photography