SIX on the 6th: Reflections From a Business Owner, a Leader, and a Human Still Finding Her Way

Today, Empowered turns six.

Six years of building something from nothing. Of building something I believed in long before I knew exactly what it would become. Of putting one foot in front of the other, even when the ground felt shaky or worse I couldn’t see where I was going.

In comparison to the previous five, this year felt heavy. The kind of weight that forces you to ask harder questions about who you are, what you’re building, and how you want to keep showing up for it.

And somehow, through all the noise and self-doubt, I found my way back to something steadier. A quiet sense of home in myself, in this space, and in the people who hold it with me.

The people of Empowered are truly special. From employees, to clients, to the network of providers and communities we work alongside, you all make this what it is. You’re the reason this place has not only made it to year six but has made it worth fighting for every year along the way.

There wasn’t one big moment that got us here. No earthshattering epiphany or groundbreaking achievement. Just the quiet, relentless rhythm of showing up, day after day, and oftentimes night after night, doing the work, staying the course. Holding true to who we are and what we believe in.

And somewhere in the middle of all the hard…we became something stronger. More grounded. More aligned. More us.

I have never claimed to be graceful and in business that is much the same. I have made my fair share of mistakes, doubted myself and even our mission at times, but it was real, and it was honest, and truthfully it has helped shape me and this community in all the right ways.

And as I sit in reflection now, in 2025, I can say with every ounce of honesty I have in me – I am so damn proud.

I’m proud of the woman who kept showing up even when she wanted to burn it all down.

I’m proud of this business and how it has endured, evolved, and has come out stronger on the other side.

And I am so fucking proud of the people I get to do this with.

Kristin. Kenzie. Ashton.

You three have breathed new life into this place. You’ve anchored me when I was untethered. You’ve believed in the mission, the work, and most importantly, in me…even when I was struggling to believe in myself.

And to our community – our patients, our people, our true ride-or-dies who continue to walk through our doors, refer their friends, and support us quietly and loudly, you have no idea how much you mean to us.

Your stories, your trust, your loyalty, and your willingness to push for something bigger – something better. To allow yourself the space to be vulnerable in an environment that encourages it.…that is what keeps this place alive. That is what makes Empowered what it is.

Six years ago, I opened the doors to Empowered with nothing but a treatment table, a borrowed space, and a heart full of passion.

Six years later, I have a full team, a full schedule, and a heart carrying more depth, perspective, and pride than I ever imagined possible.

So, no, this year doesn’t come with a party. No cake, no candles, no big celebration.

But it comes with something better: Clarity. Gratitude. And a quiet, steady knowing that we’ve built something that lasts.

Happy 6th birthday, Empowered. You’ve grown up. And in the process, so have I.

Thank you to every single person who’s walked with us, whether for a season or the full six. We see you. We thank you. We don’t take you for granted.

Here’s to what’s next.

All my love, Dr. Alli Brattin-Volkens – Owner/Founder of Empowered Physical Therapy