Women leading the way to health and happiness on Long Island.
Jillian Finker, ND, CNS, of Finker Wellness Inc.
NA: What does it mean to you as a woman to be the owner of your own business?
I am so fortunate to be able to own my business. I am forever grateful to all of the support that I have received 
over the years from the Bellmore Chamber of Commerce as well as the SBA association, along with other healthcare providers. It has been such a privilege to observe my patients heal over the last 16 years. It is so wonderful to be able to choose all of the state-of-the-art healing modalities to help my patients, without having to answer to a corporation that may not have my patients’ best interest in their heart. I enjoy helping my patients heal while being able to manage the peaceful environment that I work in.
NA: Who is your role model or mentor, and how have they helped you to realize your dream?
I have so many role models. My mother was a nurse and this really helped me solidify my path
to becoming a naturopathic doctor instead of another type of doctor. She knew that I would want to be able to spend hours with patients and follow their healing process over the course of time. My father has been an inspiration when it comes to healing the body through natural modalities since I was young. Also, there have been many doctors that I felt encouraged by along the way. Dr. Tori Hudson has helped me to become an expert in balancing female hormones. Also, one of the more famous people who always inspired me is Louise Hay. She really taught that medicine can have a softer healing side. She was way ahead of her time.
NA: What is your work “tribe” like, and how do the women you surround yourself with help you to keep going?
I have so many inspirational and strong women in my life. Professionally as well as in my personal life; they are my cheerleaders on the sidelines, as well as the medical doctors who I refer to. My director of operations is one of the kindest, most intelligent and dedicated individuals I have ever met. I am so grateful every day that she is running everything so smoothly for me all of these years. Also, I have been very fortunate to always have strong female role models, from my grandmothers to my great aunt, my mother, and my cousins. They all have been overachievers—successful in all of their endeavors.
NA: Any advice for young (or not so young) women that may be thinking of going out on their own?
I am so grateful that I have my own practice and that I am able to care for my patients thoroughly on a case-by-case basis. I would advise any female to follow their passions and pursue their own career. There are so many entrepreneur resources available for women—special government loans, support groups, as well as other female business owners that usually give advice freely.
Finker Wellness Inc. is located at 2308 Bellmore Ave., in Bellmore. For more information, call 516-765-3272, email [email protected] or visit DrFinker.com.
Dawn Siglain, ND, LAc, of Inner Source Health
NA: What is your work “tribe” like, and how do the women you surround yourself with help you to keep going?
As a naturopathic doctor, I strive to create a warm and friendly office as a safe haven for my patients. By setting 
that tone and implementing my comprehensive health plans for patients, I am focused on one goal—wellness. This optimal level of health is achieved by increasing the vibrational level of each patient.
As humans, we vibe with our tribe. It is so important how you co-exist with co-workers. I am blessed with a supportive, caring, enthusiastic and intelligent group of women here at Inner Source Health (ISH). We all flourish in our own unique way.
We put the care back into health care. By truly caring about each other personally and professionally, it trickles down to our patients. They feel special from their first contact with ISH. It starts with the greeting upon each visit that they receive from Lindsay, our bubbly office manager. Then there’s the detailed and thorough care during their appointments.
Furthermore, I make myself accessible to my patients for support in between visits. Their appreciation warms my heart. I do what I do because I love my medicine. I’m honored to work with such a solid group of women who are uplifting!
Inner Source Health is located at 11 Stewart Ave., in Huntington. For more information, call
631-421-1848, email InnerSourceHealth.com or visit InnerSourceHealth.com.
Tracy Cleary, CHHP, of Pure & Simple Health—Wellness Made Easy
NA: Do you have any advice for young (or not so young) women that may be thinking of going out on their own?
It’s a good time to start a business, especially if you’re a female. Today, four out of every 10 businesses in the 
U.S. are women-owned. Many women are leaving the corporate world for flexibility, freedom and fulfillment. Business owners need to remember that opening a successful business involves patience, time, and requires you to tackle a piece of the goal one day at a time. It’s crucial that you set goals for yourself and write them down as a reminder. It is so easy to get distracted when you are the business owner and have a lot of things going on all at once. Goal setting is key to keeping you on track. When you find yourself second-guessing your decisions, ability or strength, trust your instincts and don’t be afraid of making some mistakes.
Trust me, there will be those negative people who will doubt you—people you totally thought would support your dreams. You know in your heart that you have something good and you should go for it. Surround yourself with a good team. This will make the hard times a lot easier. Join your local chamber of commerce and find local networking groups. Using these practices will be very helpful.
Pure & Simple Health is located at 128 N. Long Beach Rd., in Rockville Centre. For more information, call 516-203-7442, email [email protected] or visit PurenSimpleHealth.com.
Annetta Ferrante, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, of YOU Wellness and Well-Being
NA: Who is your role model or mentor, and how have they helped you to realize your dream?
I carried out the plan of creating my company all by myself. I had no mentor, nor did I have a framework of 
support and guidance. I learned all that I needed to know to start. My entrepreneurial spirit helped me to explore the possibilities. Today, I feel proud I have been brave enough to consider them, and I am happy to say I own the first piece of my success.
NA: Any advice for young (or not so young) women that may be thinking of going out on their own?
Be confident in your abilities, even when others underestimate you. Surround yourself with the
right people; they will inspire and encourage you to use your voice! We all have potential within us, and with a positive attitude, you will be able to see that. Know your strengths and use them every day to push through. Be strategic about your weaknesses; choose people to work with you to help with your blind spots. This helps your business grow and helps you to have balance in your life. I hope to encourage and empower the women out there who are ready to step up and be their own boss, and I am thrilled to be an inspiration to my own daughter as she takes on the world.
For more information about YOU Wellness and Well-Being, call Annetta Ferrante at 516-423-0628 or visit YouWellnessAndWell-Being.com.
Tori Quisling, Clairvoyant Practitioner, of NY Center for Clairvoyant Development
NA: What does it mean to you as a woman to be the owner of your own business?
Owning a business is challenging at times. I know that having my own business allows me to fully live my 
passion and combine all my talents I’ve acquired over the years. I encourage my clients to do the same when they are ready.
NA: Who is your role model or mentor, and how have they helped you to realize your dream?
I have been inspired by many people, but I consider Louise Hay to be an amazing role model. She was dedicated to being in service to others, living her life passionately, and trusting that the universe would create the opportunities she needed to keep growing and succeeding. She was a true pioneer in the spiritual enlightenment movement, creating the idea that once we love ourselves, everything we wish for will fall into place.
NA: What is your work “tribe” like, and how do the women you surround yourself with help you to keep going?
In terms of who I surround myself for support, I am lucky to say that I consider my clients and students to be my tribe. We meet each week to discuss our personal challenges and growth. I have so much admiration for adults who are ready to be curious, full of wonder, and learn something new.
NA: Any advice for young (or not so young) women that may be thinking of going out on their own?
I would let them know that it’s challenging. You have to have a spiritual practice and mindset that allow you to trust that you will be provided for even when it seems like nothing is happening. Being an entrepreneur requires stamina for the “ebb and flow” of business; it’s not necessarily a steady flow like working for a corporation. Find joy, gratitude and amusement in your quieter days as you learn and grow in the business.
Location: 150 Bayview Ave., Port Washington. For more information, call 516-423-1794, email [email protected] or visit ToriQuisling.com.
Vanessa Drew, aka Detox Diva, of Cleansing Concepts
NA: What does it mean to you as a woman to be the owner of your own business?
I have had my own business for 14 years, and I have helped thousands of people change their lives, so it is very 
empowering to feel grateful for the life that I lead.
NA: Who is your role model or mentor, and how have they helped you to realize your dream?
I believe this was my plan from God, and He is the one who has made my dreams come true.
NA: What is your work “tribe” like, and how do the women you surround yourself with help you to keep going?
All my employees are women. They are the most amazing women I know. They are strong but compassionate, and hard working. They are kind and loyal.
NA: Any advice for young (or not so young) women that may be thinking of going out on their own?
Just Do It! Believe in yourself and keep God in the first space. Stay humble when you do finally reach your goals.
Locations in Smithtown and Garden City. For more information, email [email protected] or visit CleansingConceptsWorld.com.
