When medical science was unable to solve Teresa Jenkins’ fertility issues 25 years ago, she turned to natural health alternatives to conceive. When the natural solutions provided by her herbalist worked when all else failed, Teresa found natural healthcare to be an exciting hobby and passion.

Natural Beginning Teresa was so involved in learning more about natural remedies, she became a “go-to girl” of sorts for family and friends regarding natural healthcare, herbs, and other remedies. Consequently, Teresa had a growing desire to further pursue her passion and obtain the proper credentials associated with natural healthcare. In this, her passion became a journey.

As a stay-at-home mother of two, Teresa began NatureWorks Wellness Center, a traditional, non-invasive, theocentric, natural healthcare practice, out of her home about 10 years ago and quickly built a reputation as a leading source of natural healthcare education and services. Her company’s mission is that clients’ thirst for better health will be quenched through their experience at NatureWorks. Teresa’s typical clientele includes those who are looking for alternative answers to their healthcare problems, those who cannot afford general medical care, and those who simply desire a more natural approach to their healthcare.

Enlightenment As NatureWorks grew, Teresa realized the company had outgrown the facilities at her home, and, with her kids grown, she decided to take the opportunity to pursue her dream of opening a formal wellness center. Teresa found the perfect location in a former dental office building on Devine Street. At 3100 sq. ft., the facility offered a more efficient layout as well as more convenient parking options needed to grow the business. But with the expansion, Teresa also found a need for assistance in writing a business plan and initiating marketing programs, as she had no formal training in the rudiments of setting up a business.

Business Wellness Regimen Teresa’s husband had previously worked with the South Carolina Women’s Business Center (SCWBC) and knew their counselors had experience in evaluating and advising small businesses. Teresa had an SCWBC counselor perform a Business Assessment. Teresa next worked with SCWBC Training Director Carol Robinson to complete the national Core Four® course to get aligned from the standpoint of formally starting and organizing NatureWorks.

The Core Four Business Planning Course outlines the “core” knowledge of starting and growing any business, including success planning, market planning, cash flow planning, and operations planning.

Optimum Performance Teresa used the instruction to move forward in the startup of NatureWorks’ new location. Because she wanted to avoid debt, NatureWorks opened its new facility on a shoestring budget without assistance from major loans.

“SCWBC was an excellent resource for specific training and instruction in the necessary steps and processes involved with starting up a successful small business,” said Teresa. “The assistance has been invaluable to NatureWorks as we prepare for our grand opening.”

At the new location, Teresa is already beginning to see an increase in customers and revenue growth. NatureWorks now engages three independent contractors including a chiropractor and one massage therapist, and offers a variety of services, including allergy elimination treatment (NAET), color therapy, the KI Method, hair analysis, parasite zapping, bio-terrain analysis, chi machine, ionizing foot bath, auricular therapy, nutritional counseling, and rehab exercise therapy.

Positive Growth Looking ahead, Teresa wants to continue expanding her business through more advanced marketing strategies. In the next five years, Teresa also hopes to build a new wellness center that will serve as a one-stop-shop for all natural healthcare needs and resources.

NatureWorks Wellness Center
Dr. Teresa Jenkins, DCh
2301 Devine Street
Columbia, SC 29205
803-929-1150

www.natureworkswellnesscenter.com