Meet Trailblazer Marie Gonzer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marie Gonzer.

Marie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My path towards Chinese medicine began while attending Naropa University in Boulder, CO. Receiving a contemplative education was incredibly transformative and led me down a path of investigating various ancient healing modalities. I spent a year studying abroad in Jaipur, India with the intention of experiencing as much Yoga and Ayurvedic medicine as possible. Like so many young eager Americans, I sought out this beautiful and complex culture to impart some wisdom to my naive twenty-year-old self. While I was working with a group of Ayurvedic doctors in a village outside of Udaipur, I contracted typhoid and spent a week in the hospital. I was so grateful for the western medical care I received, and it was in this moment I decided that the study and integration of both western and eastern medicine were essential to my future pursuits.

After returning to the states, I worked for chiropractors, naturopaths, and acupuncturists. My experience working with these doctors of complementary medical practices led me to the belief that the various modalities of Chinese medicine offered the most comprehensive care. I loved that, after 3500 years, Chinese medicine remains as a major healthcare system of East Asia. In searching for a school that incorporated both western and Chinese medicine, I found Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (PCOM) in San Diego, CA.

During my first semester at PCOM, I met the love of my life, my husband, Matt. After graduating, we moved to Colorado and started a practice together. However, our husband and wife business was short-lived because after a couple of years together in practice, my husband decided to change careers. This challenging transition led me to rediscover why I did what I did and what I wanted to create.

Has it been a smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road and is still rather bumpy. However, I find solace in the fact that every entrepreneur I have ever met or marketing/business workshop I have attended have all said the same thing. Starting and maintaining your own business is really really hard. You are not alone. Not having the safety/security of being an employee is not for the faint of heart. So, you are a badass for even trying!

Starting your own business can be lonely. So, my advice would be to try and find a community of people with whom you can share your struggles and grow. As you face new challenges, this community can provide guidance, support and serve as a wonderful resource.

We’d love to hear more about YinBloom Women’s Care.
I am a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese medicine practitioner. My practice specializes in women’s health and infertility. I practice acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and am in the process of completely my functional medicine certification.

What I enjoy the most about my practice are the relationships I build with patients and the constant challenges this profession demands. While in school for Chinese medicine, I never anticipated the personal, clinical and professional growth I would experience, not only as a practitioner but as a business owner as well.

What I am most proud of is offering complimentary women’s healthcare. Women are not taught to understand their reproductive health and there are limited western treatment options for the myriad of hormonal health issues a woman can face throughout her life. Educating women about their bodies and providing effective holistic treatment options is the essence and joy of my practice.

Honestly, I am not entirely sure what sets me apart. All I know is that I spend as much time and attention as possible investing in each patient’s care, both during an acupuncture treatment and outside of their appointment.
My treatment style involves more than Chinese medicine. Addressing the mental and emotional states of a patient during a treatment is essential. I believe healing and change can occur when we experience those “ah-ha” moments that shape our behavior and decision-making. The treatment process must address the whole person, physically, mentally and emotionally. Ultimately, the goal is for women to lead healthier, happier lives, not just be free of symptoms or disease.

What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
What has worked well for me in terms of networking is realizing that I need to network with like-minded individuals that are in a similar profession. More than anything this has given me the support, optimism, and courage to keep going. Knowing you are not alone in the journey is huge!

Following not only what I think is best for my business but what is best for me as well is just as important. After 5 years of practicing in Denver, my husband bought a house in Littleton. I wanted a practice close to my home but I was afraid that I would lose what I had built. It was a big leap of faith to move my practice! Not only am I happier than ever in my practice in Centennial, but have found two other wonderful practitioners with whom I am creating a new business with! Reminding me that the difficult steps that challenge and push every part of who we are the ones worth taking!

Contact Info:

• Address: YinBloom Women’s Care
  6650 S Vine Street #120
  Centennial, CO 80120
• Website: www.yinbloom.com
• Phone: 720-675-8282
• Email: info@yinbloom.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YinBloom/

Image Credit:
Tony LoVerde

Suggest a story: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.