For this month’s First Friday Interview, we’re excited to feature not one, but two female girl bosses who are combining their talents under one roof on Walnut Street. Sisters and soon-to-be business partners, Christie and Casey D’Arcy, have always had a passion for the wellness industry and helping others feel their best selves. Wellness Above Walnut will soon bring that passion to life. Learn more about Christie’s IV therapy lounge, Casey’s chiropractic practice, the challenges of working with family members, and more!
Philly PR Girl (PPRG): Let’s start from the beginning. Share with us how you each became involved in the health & wellness industry.
Casey: Throughout my life, my mom struggled with migraines. It wasn’t until she found chiropractic treatment that the migraines subsided. After that, in sixth grade, I knew that I wanted to become a chiropractor so I could help my mom and anyone else struggling with these unresolved issues. After graduating high school, I studied from 2006 to 2013 and eventually opened my own practice at age 26. It’s been the most rewarding grind because I love coming to work and helping people every day.
Christie: Growing up, I always knew I wanted to work in the healthcare industry. After my high school graduation, I began pursuing my nursing career. From neuro ICU to burn trauma and the ER, my work has taught me more about the human body than I could’ve ever imagined. Over the years, my focus shifted as I’ve developed an understanding and better appreciation for total wellness.
PPRG: Casey, how did you go from getting a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) to opening your practice, Luminous Chiropractic?
Casey: After my mom’s miracle story, I began shadowing her chiropractor (even babysat for them). They opened my eyes to the power of chiropractic. The human body is so incredibly capable; it’s crazy how much we sometimes take it for granted. We are meant to heal and function at optimal levels for our entire life—not just in your young 20s. There is literally no time to be sick and in pain. I want to help everyone suffering and everyone that has “given” up because there is always hope.
PPRG: Christie, before launching City Hydration, how did you become involved in IV therapy? What are the benefits to vitamin and mineral packed infusions?
Christie: As a nurse I saw people benefit from IVs daily. They’re used to treat a range of conditions from dehydration to nutrient absorption disorders. They’re also used as a preventative measure for illnesses. Vitamin bags can significantly help someone’s health because they replenish the body and increase vitamin levels. It wasn’t until I became a travel nurse that I saw my first IV bar in California. Then, I watched as they continued to pop-up throughout the U.S. In 2017, it was time Philly had one too!
PPRG: Did you always envision yourselves becoming business owners?
Casey: Yes, always! When I was very young, I tacked a black sheet to my wall and hid stickers or trinkets behind it and charged my family to view. I don’t know where the entrepreneurial spirit came from but it’s always been in me. Now, being in the business of getting people well is a realized dream I’ve always had.
PPRG: We heard you are joining together for the first time in a new business venture, Wellness Above Walnut.* Tell us more about what’s to come!
Christie: Ahhh, the excitement! Wellness Above Walnut is going to host a group of awesome entrepreneurs making this city healthier one client at a time. We’re creating this wellness collective to allow people a “one stop shop” to wellness. Casey and I have a ton of joint clients that use our services back-to-back. Now, they can get their IV and then head to Casey for a quick adjustment right afterwards. Of course being in the wellness field, so many clients were always asking about massages, workouts, healthy eating, vitamins etc. We are binging all these health initiatives into one space to provide the utmost convenience for customers.
PPRG: That is genius… we’re so excited to see this come to life! What are the best and most challenging parts about doing business with family members?
Christie: The challenges of working with Casey are the same as they were when we were 12 years old. “Are you wearing my shirt?” I can’t even say there are true challenges because we actually work really well together. Any challenges that come up, we usually conquer together. Don’t get me wrong, we but heads sometimes but never enough to affect our work or how we respect one another. I feel lucky working with her and I can’t wait for our older sister, Colleen, to join in on the fun!
Casey: I think we have instilled in our brains that we’ll be together for life, so there’s never be anything challenging enough to break us up! Soon we hope to have our other sister, Colleen, join us. She is embarking on doula certification this summer and has really big ideas for mommas to be!
PPRG: What guidance would you give aspiring entrepreneurs, especially in the health and wellness space?
Christie: Hands down, take time to breathe! The biggest mistakes I’ve made this far have all stemmed from not taking a moment to myself and unplugging from the world. When I can regroup and recharge, it benefits my business more than being exhausted and overwhelmed.
Casey: Be sure you achieve results. A shiny new office is nice… but if you can’t deliver what you’re selling, you have to find a new service! You can’t always promise the world to a patient or a client, but you can promise to try your best and provide the absolute highest level of care.
PPRG: Why did you choose to launch your businesses in Philadelphia?
Christie: Philadelphia had yet to be introduced to an IV lounge, so I was determined to launch the city’s first. I worked at Jefferson for many years and knew several doctors and nurses who were excited to jump into this venture with me! Everything really fell into place to open here and I’m so glad it did. The response Philly has had to City Hydration has been so wonderfully overwhelming. I couldn’t have asked for a better start!
PPRG: When you’re not helping others feel their absolute best through your work, where can we find you in Philadelphia? What are some of your favorite go-to spots?
Christie: Anywhere I can let my dogs run free! I love to take them hiking in the woods or down the shore to swim. Midtown Village has also always been a great spot to stop after work and have a glass of wine outside.
Casey: Now that it’s summertime, my go-to spot is the beach. I love the city but as often as I can, I want to escape. I think it makes you appreciate the city that much more when you return to it! I also really enjoy running around town, especially along the Schuylkill River.
To learn more about Wellness Above Walnut and stay up to date on announcements, follow their Instagram.
* Wellness Above Walnut is a client of Philly PR Girl.
