Page 23 - Demo

How does Wigs on Wheels help to empower women and make them feel good despite their personal challenges?
Like I said, women just want to see themselves when they’re going through a tough time. They don’t want to be defined by their illness. They don’t want sympathy. I’m just telling you what women tell me every day. They want to get on with life and not be treated any differently, and I know I can help them with that.
I hear some very tough stories from women and it’s hard
not to take that on board sometimes. I’ve definitely suffered from compassion fatigue and I have to be careful not to take
on everybody’s story. One way I do that is I say to myself: I’m not their doctor, I can’t ‘cure’ them, but I can sure fix their hair. That helps me get through the tough times, because I know I’m doing my small part in helping them at what can be the toughest time in their life.
The website says the service is operated by “compassionate, friendly women” dedicated “to making a positive difference”. It certainly sounds like a service run by people who are in it for the right reasons.
Oh, you wouldn’t do it if you weren’t. It’s too tiring to just ‘sell’ wigs. I don’t even look at it as ‘sales’. It’s more like problem solving for me, and when I do solve the problem, it can have a profoundly positive effect on that person and their wellbeing, and can help them with deal with their illness.
What qualities are important for people who work in health and wellness?
For me, it’s about being empathetic. I was drawn to this industry because I genuinely care for the people I serve. But, like I said,
this can be a double-edged sword because, typically, people who are empathetic can forget about their own needs in the meantime. We have to be well within ourselves in order to truly be of service to others. I often think, if I went back to an office job or the likes, how would I be? And I think, for me, I’ll always have to be of help to others in some capacity. That’s what life and this business has taught me. That’s where I’m at my best.
How can retail pharmacy assistants make a difference
in people’s lives in their day-to-day interactions with
their customers?
Just having an understanding of what someone (the customer) may be going through. The fact that they find themselves at the pharmacy may mean they already need something to help them with their wellbeing, so having that empathy and compassion, to me, comes through as authenticity to the customer. Then from there you can build rapport and trust, and I think people at their core just want to be seen and heard, and that’s what you’re doing: you’re acknowledging that person.
Where can retail pharmacy assistants learn more about
the service and how can they refer their customers to
Wigs on Wheels?
We’re a national franchise, with women all over Australia offering this service. We have a very comprehensive website giving women knowledge to empower them and their decision making around acquiring a wig.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW 21
For more information on Wigs on Wheels, visit:
wigsonwheels.com.au/
SUPPORT
LIVER HEALTH AND DETOXIFICATION
Oriental Botanicals Livaclean contains milk thistle to support the liver’s health and help maintain its natural detoxification processes. Plus goji berry to strengthen the liver and citrus peel to relieve bloating, excessive burping and feelings of fullness, based on their traditional use in Chinese medicine.
Always read the label. Follow the directions for use.
If symptoms persist, worsen or change unexpectedly, talk to your health professional.
RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • JUL 2020