By Robyn Gautschy
The Register-Mail, Galesburg, Ill.
WWR Article Summary (tl;dr) From therapeutic massage to meditation to working with essential oils, Dr. Rita Wilcox is focused on helping people find a path to heal what ails them.
GALESBURG
Alexis native Dr. Rita Wilcox, 36, graduated from Alexis High School, University of Iowa and Parker College of Chiropractic. She worked at a wellness center in Peoria and at Azer Clinic in Galesburg before opening her own practice, The Path Center for Healing, on Main Street in downtown Galesburg.
“I chose Galesburg because it is near family and downtown for its character — unique offerings and neighborhood feeling,” she said. “I love the people, convenience, specialty shops and creative atmosphere.”
But most of all, she loves being able to help people and give them hope, whether through massage and meditation or with yoga and essential oils.
“We are always open to new products, services and classes to help serve the community,” she added.
Register-Mail: How did you come up with the idea for your practice and make it happen?
Rita Wilcox: There are so many ways to help people beyond what I can offer. I wanted The Path to bring all of these people and techniques into one place. Very supportive family, friends and community made it happen. The Path wouldn’t exist without my husband and my parents.
RM: Why did you choose downtown Galesburg as the location for The Path? What do you like about working in this area?
RW: I chose Galesburg because it is near family and downtown for its character — unique offerings and neighborhood feeling. I love the people, convenience, specialty shops and creative atmosphere.
RM: What do you love about your work in general?
RW: I love the feeling of being able to help someone. The best is meeting someone at their most vulnerable and seeing them leave with hope.
RM: And, on the flip side, what are the challenges or downsides of owning a business?
RW: Balance is the hardest thing for me. I always want to do more at the office, at home, within the community. Fortunately, I have a huge support system.
RM: What have you learned from running your own practice?
RW: What I truly value. Strengths/weaknesses. I have learned to stick to what comes more easily and let others do what they do best!
RM: What is something a lot of people don’t know about The Path?
RW: A lot! We have so much to offer, regardless of where you are on your path to wellness. Beyond practitioners and products, we have a network of resources to help you along the way. (Within The Path: holistic chiropractic, traditional Chinese medicine, massage, yoga, meditation, essential oil classes and more!)
RM: If you could share only one wellness tip with someone, what would it be?
RW: Drink more water! And the way to make lasting change is to believe it is possible and to truly want the best for yourself.
RM: And, what is your advice to other entrepreneurs, especially to young people like yourself who are just getting started?
RW: Find a way to serve. If you don’t feel you can do that within your position, get involved with an organization you can be passionate about. Having a purpose brings more fulfillment than money or anything else.
RM: What’s next for you? Any new projects or ideas in the works?
RW: Always! I am taking more classes, which will allow treatments to continue to evolve. We are always open to new products, services and classes to help serve the community.
RM: Tell us about your life outside of work — what do you like to do for fun? Any clubs or hobbies? Family or pets?
RW: Really, outside of work, I just spend as much time as I can with my husband CC and our girls, Vida and Sydney.
RM: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
RW: I am just so grateful for The Path and all the relationships I have made along the way. The community has been so supportive and I am excited to see how The Path and downtown Galesburg continue to grow.
