At an early age, 33-year-old Amélie Gerlach already had a clear idea of how she wanted to shape her life: once she had completed her family plans, she would become self-employed. On 2 April 2024, the moment arrived. With the support of her husband and family, the mother of two opened her podiatry practice in Goslar. In her words, it was ‘very well received’.
Her interest in feet was sparked while training as a beautician. Podiatry is not limited to cosmetic improvements: it includes prevention, advice and treatment of foot conditions, which often accompany chronic illnesses and impair patients’ quality of life. A good podiatrist can help improve people’s lives, and that awakened her love of the profession.
She completed her training in Kassel – and met the man who is now her husband. She went on to qualify as an ICW wound care specialist and as a sectoral non-medical practitioner in podiatry. In 2018 and 2022, her wish to become a mother came true. With her family goals fulfilled, she could now pursue her professional ambitions. She began planning for self-employment.
The start was demanding. She applied for a startup grant through the Employment Agency. To receive it, a business plan including a certificate of activity is required. WiReGo issues the latter, but applicants must attend the startup modules. In just three months, the podiatrist completed the modules, wrote the business plan, organised the business launch and managed her young family. ‘That was a huge effort,’ the founder says. ‘But my husband supported me fully. It wouldn’t have worked without him.’ In her first month in her own practice, she had 90 patients – the result of an advertisement in the Goslarsche Zeitung.
As early as October 2024, she took on a trainee who will join as an employee next year after completing her training. A larger practice will open at Breiten Str. 87 in early April 2026 – exactly two years after she founded the business. ‘My business plan worked out,’ says Amélie Gerlach happily. ‘It was a very good foundation that helped me keep my bearings during the turbulent early stage.’
Today, her way of life requires precise planning. She arranges her business hours around her husband’s shift work. Together, they balance family life and professional fulfilment. ‘This form of self-employment as a mother is a challenge,’ the founder says. ‘Nothing can be allowed to get in the way.’
She has dreams for the future too: a practice with enough space for staff and enough appointments for patients.
Her advice to prospective founders is: ‘Before starting a business, everyone should reflect on the workload they can handle as an employee and include that in their planning. You can’t just double it overnight.’
Contact: Amelie(at)podogerlach.com
