Alum has a healing touch

Make no bones about it, Jaime Evans is an award-winning entrepreneur.

Jaime was recently awarded the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, sponsored by College of the North Atlantic (CNA) by the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs (NLOWE). The organization helps shine a light on women whose successful businesses contribute to their communities. This award recognizes an entrepreneur, 35 years of age or younger, who has owned and operated a profitable business for at least two years.        

A graduate of CNA’s Rehabilitation Assistant program, she says the award came as a pleasant surprise.

“I was so happy!” she recalled excitedly. “It was definitely unexpected, and I cried on the phone.”

She was recognized for her role as an Osteopath, which is a non-invasive manual therapy aimed at treating a patient’s bones and muscles.

“In my current role, I am the sole owner and operator of Evexia (a Greek word for well-being) Osteopathy. I am a Manual Osteopath who sees patients with all conditions or issues; however, I primarily see those suffering with chronic pain. In addition, I currently do my own administrative work and manage all social media and marketing accounts.”

She says her favourite part of her job is being able to lend a helping hand.

“I love being able to help people in my community and surrounding areas. Osteopathy allows me to treat a diverse range of issues or conditions, so each day is different from the last … Each hour is different from the last!”

Originally from Gander, NL she says she returned to her hometown after her education.

“I graduated from the Rehabilitation Assistant program in 2015,” she said. “It was while working as a PTA/OTA that I was introduced to Osteopathy and decided to return to school to further my education.”

She attended the Osteopathic Manual Practice program at NAO (National Academy of Osteopathy) in Toronto, ON, and graduated in 2018. She opened her clinic, Evexia Osteopathy, later that year.

Jaime says she whole-heartedly recommends this career to others.

“I would 100 per cent recommend to others! There aren’t very many of us in NL, so there is huge opportunity to grow the profession all over the island,” she said, adding that starting your own business can be daunting, but the rewards are worth it.

“Go for it! It will be scary, but you’ll never know how amazing it could be if you don’t give it a shot.”

When she is not working as an Osteopath, she says she enjoys reading; spending time with her dog, Brody; and, working on her crafting business, Threaded with Fur.

For more information about CNA programs, visit: www.cna.nl.ca.

 By Ryanne McIsaac