An interview with JADA’s founder, Dr. Hilary Patzer
JADA Studios celebrates its 10 year anniversary this December 2019! We honor all of the practitioners and patients who have been a part of our powerful community over the years.
It’s been an incredible journey, and is worthy of reflection. To do so, enjoy the following interview, where founder Dr. Hilary Patzer reflects on her journey.
Q: What does JADA mean?
Dr. Hilary: I get this question all the time and wish I had an amazing story or cheeky acronym, but I don’t. It’s actually named after a winery! I was visiting my brother in California, toured the winery and I loved the vibe, wine and name. Further, jade is a very important gem in the Chinese culture, so I thought it was very fitting!
Q: How did you decide to open your own practice in a city you’re not from?
Dr. Hilary: When I was about to graduate, I didn’t have a strong pull to anywhere in particular. My gorgeous hometown (Sun Valley, Idaho) already had a ton of acupuncturists and I wanted to try city-living in Minneapolis a little while longer… so I stayed put. I never thought I would live in Minnesota, but I have built an amazing life and practice here. The land of 10,000 lakes is now my home!
Q: What is the significance of the JADA logo?
Dr. Hilary: The overlapping circles on the JADA logo illustrate the interconnectedness within the environment, other people, and our own bodies. I often describe our human body as one big net. Nothing can be altered within one part of it without it impacting everything else, much like the ecosystem within JADA.
Q: When did you start working with professional athletes?
Dr. Hilary: I started working on professional athletes about seven years ago. A dedicated athlete myself, I naturally attracted a few very committed athletes in and it grew from there. But the flood gates really opened when I was hired by the Minnesota Vikings in 2015. My confidence, knowledge and passion continued to grow more and more every day. I loved what I was doing and that has attracted more and more athletes from different teams and disciplines to me. It is truly an honor!
Q: When and how did you get a contract with the Vikings?
Dr. Hilary: I had a desire to work for a team and I was already working with a few Vikings players. I knew that the athletic trainers were the gate-keepers, but I also knew that a cold call wouldn’t work.
An acquaintance of mine suggested I reach out to one of her friends in the front office of the Vikings. I reached out with a beautifully drafted letter and my resume. I heard…. nothing. I was disappointed yet again, but she suggested I reach out again after the Super Bowl in 2015. I did, and within a few minutes received an email back connecting me to the head athletic training, GM and the legal team. I was ecstatic! I was meticulously drafting an email to the trainer when he responded, “can you meet me on Monday?” Of course, I cleared my calendar. I met with him and he told me the players had been asking for an acupuncturist and I was the caliber that he was looking for. He sent me some players as my “interview.” This was in April and I started working OTA’s in May. It was a long time coming and I had barked up a lot of trees, but it was well worth the wait.
Q: What sets JADA Studios apart?
Dr. Hilary: At JADA, we are dedicated to helping our patients activate and express their most powerful, most aligned, highest performing selves. Rather than simply treating symptoms, we take into consideration all aspects of the human body - mental, spiritual, and physical. Through a unique blend of acupuncture, massage, and neurological optimization, JADA practitioners create a customized treatment plan for each patient. Our intention is to go beyond helping our clients simply feel better (which we do), we want to unleash the individual expression of optimal peak mental and physical performance. We want to elevate our clients beyond what they think is possible. For our high achievers and high performers - whatever your game is (sports, business, travel), JADA’s got you.
Q: How did you settle on your current locations for JADA Studios East and West?
Dr. Hilary: It has been a journey to find JADA’s current resting spots. When I opened 10 years ago I rented a room on Grand Ave and one in Uptown. Fatigue of dancing around other practitioner’s hours motivated me to officially move into the hip and chic IMS building in 2013, which has now become JADA West. Once I started working for the Vikings, I was approached by the Vikings and Twin Cities Orthopedics (TCO) about an opportunity to open a studio inside the Training HAUS (located on the Vikings’ campus) in 2018 - I jumped on it! JADA East and West are amazing resting spots for us for now, and we are excited to continue to grow and expand into new areas so we can reach new patients.
Fixing up JADA West in International Market Square
Q: What is your vision for JADA?
Dr. Hilary: Expansion - I want to spread the JADA love across the Midwest, US and World. Anyone who knows me, knows that I’m not afraid to dream big nor am I afraid of a little (okay, A LOT) of hard work! My favorite hashtag to use when I’m communicating with JADA employees is #JADAtakesovertheworld. This is not for fame or fortune, it’s because I know that we have the amazing ability to help so many people reach their highest potential. To improve their quality of life, to help them sparkle, and support them in reaching their peak mental and physical performance. The role that JADA practitioners play in our patients’ lives is profound and we don’t take it lightly. We are honored to work with every single JADA patron.