49. Running a Paediatric OT Clinic: Sustainable Scheduling, Branding & Visibility and the real Vulnerability in Networking with Chante Niemand
What does it really look like to start a private practice before you feel “ready”?
In this episode, I sit down with Chante Niemand, occupational therapist and founder of Little Lighthouse Therapy in North Brisbane — a paediatric practice she opened just six months ago that has already grown to include her first team member.
This isn’t a story about scaling fast or chasing big numbers. It’s about the quiet courage it takes to step out of your comfort zone, trust a future vision, and begin before all the pieces are perfect.
Chante shares openly about:
- The moment of encouragement that sparked Little Lighthouse Therapy into being
- Why she chose to start her business now — and how she considered her long-term vision and sustainability
- Building a clinic space that feels warm, playful, and child-led (including scooter board soccer!)
- What has surprised her most in her first six months — from referrals to capacity growth
- The vulnerability of networking and “showing your face” in the community, and how she built strong referral relationships
- The identity shift from OT to business owner — and what it means to carry a brand that feels true to who you are
- How she navigates imposter feelings, systems, and the messy trial-and-error of running a new practice
This is such a generous and grounded conversation for anyone who’s dreaming of opening their own practice, or in those early months wondering if it’s all too soon.
Chante’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out to begin — you just need to back yourself, start with what you have, and keep showing up in a way that feels honest.
LINKS:
Connect on Instagram: @littlelighthousetherapy
