We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dr. Nicole Laird PT, DPT. Check out our conversation below.
Nicole, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
As I have grown as an entrepreneur, wife, and mom, I realize that I am being called to expand and lead women in a new and exciting way. I am transitioning to coaching women on reclaiming and restoring their health in midlife through online services that allow me to reach more women outside of my physical location. In the past I have been afraid to step outside of my physical therapist hat even though I’ve been in the health and fitness industry for the better part of two decades, I’ve been identifying as a physical therapist these last few years and wondering, “Is this it?” I have felt a pull for several years to step outside my identity as a women’s health physical therapist to bring the holistic healing mindset and skills to women on a global level. Stepping into the online space will allow me to reach more and more women and fulfill that dream. I am excited for this next step to get to serve women in a very intimate one on one setting and eventually step into group programs and settings. I’m so grateful to have been blessed with gifts to help women, and now I get to share that with women all over the nation!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Dr. Nicole Laird, owner and founder of Hays County Physical Therapy and Wellness, the only established women’s health and wellness facility in Hays County, Texas. I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy, fitness instructor, personal trainer, nutrition coach, and women’s health specialty focused provider. My company helps women navigate all of life’s changes to feel strong, confident and in control of their bodies again. We help women end bladder issue, end pelvic pain, and navigate pregnancy, postpartum, and the menopause transition with ease and strength.
At the end of 2017 I started my practice thinking I was going to transition to personal training and fitness and maybe bring physical therapy into the practice at some point. By the end of 2018, I was providing mobile physical therapy services part time on a limited basis. In January of 2020 I decided to go full time into my physical therapy practice and really focus on women’s health physical therapy and fitness. By the end of 2021 we’d outgrown our space and moved into a larger facility with my team of personal trainers, massage therapists, and physical therapists. From just me as a mobile provide to a team of 5 providers by 2022, we had such great momentum. Now, we offer massage, personal training, group classes, women’s strength training foundations workshops, physical therapy, red light therapy, and have a physician on site. We are creating the women’s wellness center to serve women for years to come.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Having my first son transformed how I see the world. Motherhood is a transformative process for many of us. It was in this journey that I discovered my deeper calling, to help women navigate life’s changes and feel strong, confident, and in control of their bodies again. While navigating all of the changes that my body was going through during pregnancy, I realized that there was so little support and guidance. As a competitive athlete prior to pregnancy, I envisioned having a very active pregnancy and smooth, “bounce back” recovery from birth. It was in that postpartum recovery that I realized I needed to be helping women navigate this change. I wanted women to feel strong and confident again and like they knew what to do next. There was so much fear and lack of support and guidance from my coaches and providers that I knew I had to step in and do something about it and that’s what shaped my view on how I work with my clients. I now know that focusing on movement, nourishment, connection, and restoration are keys to navigate life’s changes as women.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been several times over the course of my business journey that I ask myself, “Is this really worth it?” And have almost given up and returned back to working for someone else, however, when I dig deep down, I know that I am meant to serve women in this way and this business is vital to that mission. It is always those times when I feel like giving up that a client or one of my team members says something or does something to remind me of the impact we are having on hundreds of women and that motivates me to keep going. I think every business owner questions whether or not they should keep going at some point or another especially at new growth points where you have to stretch into a new comfort zone. It is those that push through and dig deeper into their why and anchor into that why that get to the next steps to continue to serve their mission.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I strongly believe that every women should feel strong, confident, and in control of her body in all stages of life. When we navigate pregnancy and postpartum we are not weak and we do not have to “just deal” with pelvic issues or pain. When we go through the menopause transition we don’t shrivel up and “just deal” with pelvic issues, joint pain, fatigue, or brain fog. Women are allowed and can thrive in all stages of life. It is my mission to help every woman thrive and continue to feel powerful at every life transition and stage. I’ve committed to building an in person wellness practice as well as an online community and coaching platform to help women globally. I will work on this mission for as long as it takes to help women see that they can be strong and in control of their lives for many years to come.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
My goal is for people to look back and remember that I was passionate about helping people. My legacy is about empowering and educating women to feel strong, confident, and in control of their bodies at all stages of life, and my hope is that message resonates long after I’m gone. I hope people tell about how great of a mother, friend, and wife I was and how I loved and supported my family as I grew my businesses to be wildly successful in serving women globally. I hope that people talk about the kindness I displayed daily and the support I provided for the community. I hope people tell about a woman who left a legacy for others to aspire to achieve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hayscountypt.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayscountypt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hayscountypt
