The Freedom Therapist
Each week we’ll go deep on all things business, self, energy and freedom. There's growth, giggles AND tears, as we lean into the best version of our business - and selves too. We’ll also get to chat with some incredibly inspiring women who will generously share their stories on finding that magic. If you’re looking for deep conversations, no gatekeeping, practical advice all with a little bit of chaos, you’re in the right place.
I'm your host Mia Poklepovich, a previously burnt out mental health occupational therapist and business owner, who found her way to fall back in love with business and life all over again. This podcast was created to be your safe space to learn AND unlearn all the things about scaling your business, without losing yourself in the process. Each week will be talking about ALL the things. And feeling ALL the feels. Because business is a wild ride, at all stages. So if you need an extra dose of inspo, a soft landing or just a moment to unwind you are SO welcome here.
Give yourself permission to take some space for you, and let’s be besties. I can’t wait!
The Freedom Therapist
49. Running a Paediatric OT Clinic: Sustainable Scheduling, Branding & Visibility and the real Vulnerability in Networking with Chante Niemand
What does it really look like to start a private practice before you feel “ready”?
In this episode, I sit down with Chante Niemand, occupational therapist and founder of Little Lighthouse Therapy in North Brisbane — a paediatric practice she opened just six months ago that has already grown to include her first team member.
This isn’t a story about scaling fast or chasing big numbers. It’s about the quiet courage it takes to step out of your comfort zone, trust a future vision, and begin before all the pieces are perfect.
Chante shares openly about:
- The moment of encouragement that sparked Little Lighthouse Therapy into being
- Why she chose to start her business now — and how she considered her long-term vision and sustainability
- Building a clinic space that feels warm, playful, and child-led (including scooter board soccer!)
- What has surprised her most in her first six months — from referrals to capacity growth
- The vulnerability of networking and “showing your face” in the community, and how she built strong referral relationships
- The identity shift from OT to business owner — and what it means to carry a brand that feels true to who you are
- How she navigates imposter feelings, systems, and the messy trial-and-error of running a new practice
This is such a generous and grounded conversation for anyone who’s dreaming of opening their own practice, or in those early months wondering if it’s all too soon.
Chante’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out to begin — you just need to back yourself, start with what you have, and keep showing up in a way that feels honest.
LINKS:
Connect on Instagram: @littlelighthousetherapy