In this candid conversation with Grazia’s International Beauty Editor, Kaniz Ali, Nadia shares her journey, the obstacles she’s overcome, and what drives her to keep pushing the boundaries of her work.
Nadia Alibhai is a renowned celebrity osteopath, entrepreneur, and wellness advocate with a genuine passion for helping others lead healthier, pain-free lives. Nadia’s path into healthcare wasn’t always straightforward. From an early age, she was determined to make a difference, and after exploring various career options, she found her calling in osteopathy. Today, as the founder of Back 2 Well Being
in London, Nadia is known for her holistic approach to healing, combining her expertise in anatomy with a deep understanding of how the body’s systems work together.
Kaniz: Talk to us about your background.
Nadia: I am a British Asian with parents who immigrated from Tanzania in the early ’70s. In my early years, I remember telling my parents that I wanted to be on TV when I got older, to which they giggled and said I needed to get a “proper job.” What did that mean to me? I knew I loved helping people and was also very passionate about natural ways of healing, so working in the world of healthcare and wellness became my path.
Kaniz: What inspired you to head into the world of osteopathy?
Nadia: To be honest, I literally stumbled into the world of osteopathy. I was applying for naturopathic medicine, and during my university interview, I was asked if
I would consider doing my degree in osteopathic medicine and combining it with naturopathy. I was fascinated! I loved the concept of how osteopathy treats the cause and not just the symptoms, and I decided I wanted to learn more. Little did I know how much this would impact everyone I have treated.
Kaniz: What inspired you to start your own business?
Nadia: Lo and behold, I had no choice but to start on my own, as nobody would give me a job. After graduating, I applied for a number of work placements and was declined after each. Some told me I “didn’t look like an osteopath and should have joined the world of fashion,” while others said my hands were too small. Little did they know that later in my career, I would be prepping British boxing champions before they went into the ring.
Back then, I was disappointed and deflated, but that didn’t stop me.
In my early years, I rented a consulting room within a GP practice and hand- delivered leaflets, which brought in patients. Within a few months, the word spread that I was helping people feel better and pain- free, and my patient list grew and grew.
I was later inspired to open my own healthcare clinic called Back 2 Well Being in London, UK. It is a multi-disciplinary healthcare clinic with a team of passionate and caring practitioners all under one roof.
Kaniz: What are some of the mistakes you wish you could have avoided?
Nadia: I didn’t delegate enough, as I am a perfectionist and wanted to do everything myself. This later left me exhausted, so I started prioritizing my workload and delegating as and when I could… I still find this difficult to this day.
Kaniz: How did you figure out the right structure for your business?
Nadia: A concise plan, which included my vision, as Back 2 Well Being was something I had envisioned since 2008.
Kaniz: What sets you apart from everyone else?
Nadia: My passion and genuine care for patients to feel better, to feel listened to, and to leave feeling a positive difference when walking out of the clinic. I have a holistic approach to patient care, combining extensive knowledge of anatomy with a deep understanding of the interconnectivity of the body’s systems.
Kaniz: How would you describe success as an entrepreneur?
Nadia: “Giving back.” To me, this is in the form of helping patients live a pain-free and healthier life. I believe you can have all the success in the world, but if you don’t share your blessings with others, you are missing out on the true essence and meaning of life.
Kaniz: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Nadia: I see myself still treating patients but hope to have started on my book.
Kaniz: What’s the biggest challenge you have faced as an entrepreneur?
Nadia: Time management and learning how critical this is so I don’t burn out, as well as making time for those I love. Having achieved a better work-life balance through scheduling, journaling, and learning to prioritize (as well as saying “No”) has helped me improve.
Kaniz: What is the best advice you would give to someone who would like to head into the world of osteopathy?
Nadia: Before you jump into the profession, do your research and ask to observe other osteopaths’ work so you can see if it is something you truly want to do. If it is, remember: patient care and understanding your patient are key!
Kaniz: How do you balance being a business owner and a mother to two young children?
Nadia: This is a great question and one I get asked often! I am a mother first, then a business owner, so creating a routine around my little ones and my business has been essential for both to thrive. I make time to be healthy mentally through journaling and talking to friends, as well as physically through keeping active. I make time for rest by either reading a book or having an early night. A healthy and happy mummy means a healthy and happy business and family.
Kaniz: What’s your favorite part of your job?
Nadia: Talking to my patients is always great, as we have a good chat during the sessions. But I also love creating space within their body so it can heal.
Kaniz: What has been your biggest achievement?
Nadia: Aside from being a mother, it’s watching how excited my little girls are when I am on TV and radio. These media channels allow me to reach a greater audience to help them help themselves and be pain-free.
Kaniz: What do you love the most as an osteopath?
Nadia: On a daily basis, each day is interesting yet never the same as the one before, and I leave work feeling like I gave back and made a difference.
Kaniz: How do you stay motivated?
Nadia: I created a routine to bring ease into each day. I take breaks to rest and heal, and I also journal so I can put pen to paper on what I dream to achieve next. Sometimes these are big goals, whereas other times they are just to make sure I get some movement in my day.
Kaniz: If Nadia was not an osteopath, what would she be?
Nadia: I would be a writer or a presenter for a wellness show!
Kaniz: What aspects of your business do you never compromise on?
Nadia: I never compromise on kindness. In the words of Lao Tzu, “Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.”
CEO : Zahra Saifullah
Managing Editor: Nashmia Amir Butt
Creative Director: Kaniz Ali
Photography: Danny Singh
Hair: Balmain
Make Up: Kaniz Ali
Assisted by Iman Chana
Location: City of Dreams Mediterranean, Cyprus
Interview: Kaniz Ali
Editorial Associate: Sibgha Batool
