Editor's Note: For healthcare professionals considering practice ownership, the journey from employee to entrepreneur involves many critical decisions, especially regarding location. In this spotlight, we share how Dr. Garza and Dr. Pham navigated this transition with data-driven location insights that set their practice up for success from day one.
When Dr. Garza and Dr. Pham worked at different locations for the same employer, they had no idea they would one day become business partners. But their similar approach to patient care—evident in their detailed chart notes—created an unspoken professional connection that eventually led to a life-changing brunch conversation.
"Two weeks after reaching out, we're having brunch, and by the end of it we said, 'Okay, we're gonna open up a business!'" recalls Dr. Garza. "Two years later, we're cutting a ribbon."
Taking the Leap: From Idea to Action
Many healthcare professionals dream of practice ownership but hesitate at the uncertainty involved. For Dr. Pham, reaching out to a potential partner was the first step toward making that dream real.
"I wanted to reach out to someone and hopefully find some solace, maybe a connection," explains Dr. Pham. "And thank goodness we did."
Their partnership began with careful planning—emails, documents, and even a PowerPoint presentation outlining their vision. But they quickly recognized they needed expert guidance for the real estate component of their business plan.
Finding the Right Location: Data-Driven Decisions
After deciding against purchasing an existing practice, the doctors partnered with Macie Morris Robinson at Practice Real Estate Group to find the perfect location for their startup.
"We had a limitation with Dr. Pham's non-compete covering a 10-mile radius from her previous employer," Dr. Garza explains. "Looking back, that was a blessing in disguise because it led us to consider Georgetown, which might not have been on our radar otherwise."
The doctors were particularly impressed with PRG's comprehensive market analysis approach.
"We were really impressed with the kind of data and information we got whenever we approached Macie," says Dr. Garza. "Not only did she consider what we wanted, but she also provided detailed demographics for the area. It would be a poor business decision to open within a mile of another office selling glasses. The analysis was comprehensive and exactly what we needed."
Dr. Pham notes that Macie's patience was as valuable as her expertise: "We didn't realize how many steps there were for the legal aspect. She was patient, and that stood out to us—not just the data, but her personality matched what we needed."
Building From Scratch vs. Buying Existing
Starting from scratch gave the doctors complete control over their practice design and equipment selection.
"We're very fortunate to be able to open a startup practice because that gave us access to pick and choose every single piece of equipment," Dr. Garza shares. "If we had bought an existing practice, we couldn't have made those major changes."
This control extended to their service model as well. They designed their patient flow to be "time rich," using high-end equipment to streamline testing so they could focus on patient education and personalized care.
Results That Validate the Journey
Despite initial challenges like delayed signage, their practice, Blink Boutique Eyecare + Eyewear, has seen consistent growth.
"We've seen the numbers increase month over month, which is dramatic and amazing," says Dr. Garza.
Beyond the financial metrics, the doctors find tremendous satisfaction in their new roles.
"It's been amazing to watch both of us grow professionally," Dr. Pham reflects. "We're learning so much about each other and what we bring to our practice. I love that we can show everyone a touch of our personality in everything that is in this office. And we love coming to work here!"
