We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Ricker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I saw a need to address the longer conversations in women’s health care. So many women were actively seeking solutions to their healthcare needs that were difficult to address in a traditional health care setting. I also wanted more flexibility in the time and the tools I could use to help my patients. They wanted more than a pill, they wanted to know the “why” and all the options they have to feel better. It’s really difficult to fit all that into a 15 min office visit.

What should our readers know about your business?
I think that the deiversity of my background as a healthcare provider sets me apart. I practiced as a Midwife, a Family Nurse Practitioner, a Certified Menopause Pracitioner and spent most of my career in an OB-GYN practice. My goal w/ my patients is not only to address their Menopause Sympotms, but to focus on disease prevention; menopause is a critical window of time when we can significantly impact the next several decades to come.

Because I specialize in Menopause/hormones, I’m well equipped to address other hormonal changes such as PCOS, PMDD, and PMS symptoms along with hormonally driven weight gain.

When I first started my practice I felt very isolated and alone – for about 1 week, haha, before all the other women health care owners in my area reached out to me. Physical therapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, counselors who owned their own businesses wanted to know who I was and how to support me. My prior patients found me online and I was shocked because I was not expecting that type of support.
At this point I’m most proud that word of mouth is my number one driving referral source. I love that women are talking to other women about their menopause experiences and enouraging others to be proactive and feel well.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Hampstead, just North of WIlmington.
We’d definatly hit the beach – Surf City beach is my favorite. Then we’d checkout Shaka Taco at Iron Clad golf – eat some great food and take advantage of their fun outdoor space. I also love ILM classics like Indichine and the OC if we drive into Wilmington. I love my community – Hampstead is small enough that you always run into someone you know. So just walking in my neighborhood or getting coffee at Sundial Coffee we are likely to run into friends and aquaintances.There are also some great local businesses here such as Oval and Ale, Hampstead Olive Oils and the Wicked Stitch.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My sister 100% inspired to me to open my own practice. She is 10 years older than me and going through menopause when I was considering better ways to help my patients. She helped me understand that there is really a limited amount of practitioners that specialize in Menopause and that women deserve more!
She has always been healthy, raised 4 children, and a sucessful busineswomen herself but just felt rocked by the sympotms of perimenoause/menopause and despite her efforts her health care team that she had always trusted fell short. She kept telling me that I had a lot to offer women on a bigger platform – and eventually I started to believe her!

Website: https://www.womenswellnessforlife.com

Instagram: womenswellness_np

Linkedin: Amanda Ricker

Facebook: Women’s Wellness for Life, PLLC

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutNorthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.