Tackling the minefield of business loans and grants can be daunting, but as the subject of this week’s Eye on Small Business – licensed acupuncturist and massage therapist Sian James, DACM, Lac, LMT, RYT – demonstrates, it needn’t be. Her own experience in launching AcuBlend in Stamford, combined with her upbeat, encouraging outlook, should inspire all prospective small business owners in our area.
A little bit about your background please. Where did you grow up and how did your interest in Chinese Medicine originate?
“I grew up in Connecticut, where health and community have always been central to my life. After completing massage therapy school in Westport, I saw the profound impact of touch and healing, which made graduate school in acupuncture and Chinese medicine in New York City the most natural next step. Later, I earned my Master of Science in Chinese herbology at the University of Bridgeport Acupuncture Institute, deepening my commitment to integrative medicine.”
In founding AcuBlend, you received a boost fund from the Connecticut Department of Economic Community Development (DECD), which seems to have been pivotal. What was the application process like, and how did you persuade DECD that your business was a worthy investment?
“The process was seamless through DECD’s easy-to-navigate website, which quickly connected me with lenders. I shared my P&L (profit and loss statement), showing steady growth, paired with data on the region’s need for a top-tier complementary medicine facility. But more than the numbers, it was my passion and purpose that resonated, demonstrating AcuBlend’s potential as both a business and a community asset.”
Before applying for the boost fund, how did you gauge the level of interest in your services within the community?
“I listened to the community and my patients, tracked retention and saw the undeniable trend toward integrative wellness. Every signal confirmed what I already knew, that Fairfield County was ready for a practice like AcuBlend.”
Can you share how you allocated the funds from the boost fund? What areas of your business benefited most from the financial support?
“The funds strengthened my foundation, covering legal infrastructure, acupuncture equipment and technology to create a practice built for growth. That investment not only launched AcuBlend’s first clinic but also positioned us to expand in the near future into a second Connecticut location.”
Since launching your business with the boost fund, what have been some of the key milestones or successes you’ve achieved? How has the funding contributed to those outcomes?
“I launched AcuBlend’s first brick-and-mortar clinic, a soothing, restorative space where patients feel truly cared for, and the patient base is steadily expanding. Without the boost fund, this trajectory would not have been possible.”
And what has been the biggest challenge since you started?
“Cash flow management: Navigating the cadence of billing insurance and receiving payments can be complex. It’s tested me, but also sharpened my problem-solving skills, which will be invaluable as I continue to scale AcuBlend.”
What advice would you give to other local entrepreneurs who are considering applying for similar grants or funding opportunities to support their businesses?
“Entrepreneurship is equal parts passion and problem-solving. You’ll make mistakes – there’s no perfect blueprint – but you’ll learn as you go. Ask for help in areas where you’re weaker, take care of your mental health and prioritize balance. And don’t forget to enjoy the journey. It’s an incredible accomplishment to build a business, even in challenging seasons. Sometimes ‘no’ in funding isn’t rejection, but it’s redirection toward the ‘yes’ that’s right for you. Align yourself with people who see your vision, because those partnerships make all the difference.”
A final thought?
“I am deeply grateful to DECD and to the Fairfield County community for believing in my vision and supporting AcuBlend’s growth. Their partnership not only helped me establish a strong foundation but also made it possible to look confidently toward the future as we expand into our next Connecticut location.”
