2023 SHE.E.O. HILARY SIMILA, L.Ac
Owner, One Mountain Acupuncture & Botanicals
Ok, I’m just going to start off by saying that I owe Hilary Simila mad props. The week of her branding session, my son was hospitalized with appendicitis for almost a week (try keeping an 11-year-old boy from eating or drinking anything for four full days—it’s AWFUL). Hilary was so understanding and accommodating with rescheduling her session. I have always said that one of the best parts about doing what I do is that I attract the very best clients, and Hilary is a testament to that. I’m so grateful that the SHE.E.O. Project introduced us.
As if her kindness with her rescheduling was not enough, on the day of her session, we found ourselves in a few challenging situations—first, we were then dealing with late Fall rain (hello, Oregon, eh?), as well as misplaced office keys that took us on a hunt for a spare. But through it all…we were able to laugh and just let the struggle roll off.
This wasn’t simply Hilary being nice—this is her personality. You only need to chat with her a few minutes to realize so.
And with that, I’d love to introduce you to Hilary Simila’s 2023 SHE.E.O story.
Growing up on the Oregon Coast surrounded by tide pools and ocean, Hilary Simila was a curious and creative child who dabbled in theater and jewelry making. But, at a young age, Hilary developed health problems that weren't alleviated by Western medicine. It was her curiosity which lead to an early passion for natural health and healing, and in particular, herbal medicines. By age 14, she was mixing her own herbal teas and salves.
Her passion grew into a career in natural healing and eventually into Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture.
"I grew up in a household of self starters and entrepreneurs, so once I graduated from Bastyr University and moved back to the coast, it just felt organic to open my private practice," Hilary said.
Starting a practice had its own challenges, however, and Hilary learned quickly the importance of networking with other acupuncturists and local doctors. She remembers having to shamelessly promote herself by doing health fairs and free demonstrations.
But after 18+ years on the coast with a thriving practice, Hilary recently moved her practice to Portland to further her career and education.
Hilary's advice to those just starting out in business is simple. "Creating business isn't just about the hustle. A true thriving business is about having fun and creating something you love and believe in. Combining your passion, with work, play and community."
"It is very important to me that people that walk through my door, no matter their gender, race, economic status, identity, or sexuality, feel comfortable and at ease. I have had the opportunity to work with marginalized communities, addiction/rehab facilities. and cancer centers. All of these opportunities have brought me the experience I need to understand how trauma (whether big or small) can affect our health and nervous system. I believe acupuncture and Chinese herbs are gentle yet powerfully effective at helping to heal us from the inside out. When our nervous system can heal from always being in fight or flight, it allows our body to finally be able to rest, digest and heal."
Currently, Hilary is working on promoting her new line of Chinese/Western herbal salves and oils, One Mountain Botanicals, which integrates Chinese herbal knowledge with both western and eastern herbal medicine, which has been over two decades in the making. These salves will soon be available on her website and also for wholesale accounts for practitioners or herbal apothecaries. In addition, she plans a new line of herbal medicine tinctures and flower remedies.
Since moving to Portland, Hilary is currently working on the East side at Sellwood Family Medicine.
If you are curious about Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine or have specific questions about how you might be helped, Hilary would love your support!
HILARY SIMILA’S 2023 SHE.E.O. FEATURE ARTICLE:
2023 SHE.E.O. MAGAZINE (FULL EDITION)—COMING SOON!
CONNECT WITH HILARY SIMILA, L.Ac HERE:
WHAT IS THE SHE.E.O. PROJECT?
Women-owned businesses are the backbone of the American economy, but they often lack the resources to get their message out there, despite the fact that many of us have started and built businesses despite hardship, lack of funding, and while still doing things like raising our children and taking care of families.
The SHE.E.O. Project is about women supporting other women. By telling your story and being featured in our project, you're strengthening and inspiring a community of women entrepreneurs and helping to create a brighter future for all.
.The SHE.E.O Project combines the power of storytelling with strategic branding photography to help women business owners clarify their brand message, attract the perfect clients, and celebrate their successes while simultaneously helping lift other women. The women are then featured in the SHE.E.O digital magazine.
Because we know that when women support women, we all succeed.
#sheeoproject
INTERESTED IN BEING FEATURED IN THE NEXT SHE.E.O PROJECT + MAGAZINE?
I’d love to hear your story! Let’s connect! Give me a call at 608.385.9079 or submit a contact form here: