BABE #354: DR. PAULINE HAUGEN - Owner, Higher Health Spine & Sport
Athletics have always been a big part of Dr. Pauline’s life. Growing up, she thrived in sport settings, but as most athletes can attest, she often experienced injuries, too. Feeling frustrated over the lack of answers and an overabundance of medication, she ended her running career early and pursued a career as a chiropractic physician instead. Today, Dr. Pauline is the owner of Higher Health Spine & Sport and ProGlow Protein. While the two companies differ in some ways, they intertwine with the same goal in mind: provide holistic, patient-oriented methods of care to individuals who want to feel better, move better and live better.
The Basics:
Hometown: Elora, Ontario, Canada
Current city: Seattle, Washington
Alma mater: University Of Michigan; Logan University
Degree: B.S., Kinesiology; Doctor of Chiropractic
Very first job: Worked on golf courses doing maintenance
Hustle: Owner, Higher Health Spine & Sport; Owner, Proglow Protein
The Interests:
Babe you admire and why?
Tracey Mallett, owner of Booty Barre. For years I have worked out to her DVDs and I have admired her work ethic. She recently survived a threatening brain tumor and came back more powerful than ever.
Favorite fictional female character? Why?
Emilia Clarke/Daenerys Targaryen. She demonstrated power, beauty, true talent—and was very believable.
Go-to coffee order and/or adult beverage?
Grande Americano with a splash of heavy cream. Favorite cocktail: tequila on the rocks with a splash of “fresh” pineapple juice.
Current power anthem?
Rufus Du Sol, “Say a Prayer For Me.”
What would you eat for your very last meal?
My mom’s Christmas roast dinner, followed by a decadent, moist chocolate cake.
What’s something you want to learn or master?
I would like to polish up my French speaking.
If you could have coffee with anyone in the world, who would it be?
My husband.
What’s something most don’t know about you?
I’m an extreme homebody; I love to wear sweats and my Costco socks.
What game/reality show would you win?
“Deal or No Deal.” I would rely on my son to pick the cases.
The Hustle:
Tell us about your hustle.
I am the owner of Higher Health Spine & Sport. I started a practice (Higher Health Chiropractic, Denver, Colorado) in 2001 and sold it in 2009. Since then I have rebranded my name, built a spa-like wellness center, and launched two product companies: ProGlow Protein and ProFunction.
Walk us through your typical day.
I’m typically seeing patients—and when I’m not at work, managing employees—at Higher Health. I’m extremely active in the fitness and corporate local community—and at the same time, manage two product companies. I’m also a mom of two and a wife.
When did you decide to turn your passion for fitness and wellness into a career?
I ran for The University of Michigan and earned an athletic scholarship, then became a NCAA Division 1 All-American Athlete. I experienced injuries as an athlete and the only physician who educated me about the “underlying cause” of these injuries was a chiropractor (my cousin). I was so sick and tired of taking pain medication and I felt like nobody could give me an answer. I ended up closing my running career early (which was extremely difficult) and pursued a career as a chiropractic physician. When I practiced in Denver, I would always refer my patients to pilates as it was the perfect form of exercise to keep the body balanced after the spinal alignment. When I moved to Seattle, I couldn’t practice for one year because of my immigration status (I was Canadian on a work visa), so I decided to get certified in BASI pilates to learn more about it. I also decided to bring pilates into my practice.
Have you always had an entrepreneurial spirit?
Yes! I always loved being the boss and I also love to create visions and bring them to life. I’m always thinking of new projects to take on. Running a business is always slightly terrifying. The bigger goals you set, the more obstacles you run into. I got to a point where I had to get comfortable being uncomfortable. It’s really difficult maintaining balance in life and it has been important for me to set boundaries with work projects when spending time with my family.
What’s your approach to creating and fostering relationships within your business?
In practice, I have realized it’s crucial to always lead by example. I’m firm with my staff about expectations, but I also treat them well and maintain a tight-knit team. I don’t make them feel like they are “just” the employee. I keep them excited about their growth and how valued they are. With clients in the community, I have a lot of integrity and I stay loyal. If I say I will do something, you can count on it.
What’s been your biggest career milestone?
My biggest career milestone has been expanding my wellness center, Higher Health Spine & Sport, and at the same time launching ProGlow Protein. With ProGlow, we’re on a mission to make effective nutrition accessible to everyone through providing clean, pharmaceutical-grade supplements. It’s crazy that only 3 percent of supplements on the market are pharmaceutical grade (meaning the main ingredients are natural sources that do not contain binders or fillers such as cork, dyes, or unknown substances). It’s important to me to be able to spread holistic wellness not only through alternative medicine, but also clean supplements and optimal diet.
How has being a woman affected your professional experience?
It is so important for there to be women leaders in our world, especially in chiropractic settings. I’ve always had a passion for what I do, and feel like it is in my innate self as a woman to want to spread wellness and nurture others to optimal health. Running a team of strong women at our office and working with like-minded female team leaders allows us to be stronger together. We need to continue to work together and uplift each other in this (and other) industries. It is so important to encourage future generations that they are beyond capable of being a female leader, and to not be afraid to fight for your passion. Accessible education, fair pay, and a supportive environment is key.
What’s the gender ratio like in your industry? Do you see it evolving?
Males are absolutely dominating the chiropractic field, but I do see it evolving. More and more women are discovering the importance of alternative medicine and wellness centers—of all kinds of healing—are being opened by women every day. I hope that more women push themselves to go for their passions, and try alternative wellness in the chiropractic field. The gap between the pay of men and women is still quite large, so the more women (and boss ladies!) we have in the field, the more the pay and gender scale will even out.
Who are some women in your field you look to for inspiration?
My cousin, Jenny Weiman, who is a chiropractic physician and who inspired me to take on chiropractic as a career.
Career and/or life advice for other babes?
Make time to recharge, separate work from family, and when you are working, stay laser-focused.
In partnership with: True Botanicals
True Botanicals is the product of heavily researched, meticulously crafted nontoxic skincare line. Boasting pure and potent skincare that’s proven in independent clinical trials, True Botanicals is certified MADE SAFE™, meaning it doesn't harm humans or the planets. Click here to shop True Botanicals, and use code TBAFFILIATE15 for 15% off your first order! (Also enjoy free shipping on orders over $35+ with a 30-day guarantee!)
*This is an affiliate partnership. That means when you shop using the links we provide, a portion of your purchase comes right back to us, so we can continue creating content that matters. Of course, we only promote brands and products we genuinely stand behind. Thank you so much for your support!
Interested in advertising with us? Email us!
Join our community:
Instagram / Facebook / Partnerships / Shop
