“I chose this path because I wanted to offer healing and comfort. Sometimes motivation doesn’t come from big wins. It comes from the little reminders like hearing patients tell me their pain is finally manageable or that they felt truly seen for the first time.”
Pun Chang never imagined that her quiet, introverted nature would become one of her greatest challenges as a business owner. Yet today, she stands as the proud owner of Healthqi Acupuncture in New Hope, Minnesota, where she provides acupuncture for pain relief and comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine to patients across the Twin Cities.
Her story begins not with grand entrepreneurial dreams, but with a personal understanding of what happens when health is neglected until it becomes a crisis. Growing up in a Hmong family where preventative care wasn’t emphasized and mental health conversations were nearly nonexistent, Pun witnessed firsthand the consequences of this cultural silence. When she lost someone close to her due to mental health challenges, something crystallized in her mind about the kind of healer she wanted to become.
Opening Healthqi in November 2024 represented more than just starting a business. It was Pun’s answer to a gap she saw in both her community and the broader healthcare system. Her practice offers not just acupuncture for pain relief in New Hope, but a comprehensive approach to traditional Chinese medicine that includes herbal medicine, cupping, gua sha, and lifestyle guidance.
The Vision That Started It All
What drives Pun isn’t the typical entrepreneurial hunger for scale or profit. Her motivation runs deeper, rooted in a fundamental belief that people deserve to be seen and cared for before their health becomes a crisis. “I started Healthqi because I wanted to create a space that blends ancient wisdom with real-world care,” she explains. “This medicine helped me during a difficult time in my life and I knew I had to share it.”
Her vision was refreshingly practical from the beginning. While she wanted to help people, she also knew she was capable of building something that would give her financial and creative freedom. She wanted to do healing work her way, without the constraints of working within someone else’s system.
Healthqi serves patients dealing with pain, stress, insomnia, hormonal imbalance, and anxiety, but Pun’s approach goes beyond treating symptoms. Using principles of traditional Chinese medicine that have been practiced for thousands of years, she focuses on restoring balance in the body and addressing root causes rather than just masking problems.
Breaking Out of the Comfort Zone
The biggest challenge Pun faced had nothing to do with business plans or financing. It was confronting her own nature as a shy, introverted person who believed she could avoid the social aspects required to run a successful practice.
She recalls attending her first business networking event with hopes of making professional connections, only to find herself unable to engage meaningfully due to her shyness. “I left feeling as though I had wasted the time and money,” she admits. “This experience was a pivotal moment in my professional development.”
That uncomfortable evening forced her to confront a hard truth. As a business owner, she couldn’t stay behind the scenes. She had to show up, talk to people, and build relationships. “Many of us get into acupuncture because we care deeply about helping others but we don’t always realize we’re also stepping into entrepreneurship,” she reflects.
The transformation wasn’t immediate, but it was steady. Over time, Pun slowly built the confidence to speak about patient care with other health providers, schedule one-on-one meetings, and represent her practice at local and professional events. She’s been featured in Voyage Minnesota, Bold Journey, and Saint Cloud State University’s alumni series, and has been nominated for Community Votes Maple Grove.
“I’m still growing in this area but leaning into those uncomfortable moments has made a big difference in how I show up, not just as an acupuncturist but as the owner of a business I care deeply about.”
Building Something Different
What makes Healthqi unique isn’t just the quality of care, but how that care is delivered. Pun offers stand-alone gua sha treatments, something most acupuncture clinics don’t provide. She includes supporting therapies like cupping, ear seeds, and moxa at no extra cost if they benefit the patient. “No hidden fees, no tips, no upselling, just what’s needed for that person in front of me,” she emphasizes.
This approach reflects her broader philosophy about healthcare. She’s creating the kind of space she wished had existed during her own difficult times, where people feel safe to care about their health proactively rather than reactively.
Her business strategy is equally thoughtful. Rather than chasing the typical metrics of success like packed schedules and waitlists, Pun has designed her practice around sustainability and fulfillment. Success now looks like treating just a few patients a day, three days a week, while still having time and money to enjoy life, rest, spend time with loved ones, and travel without feeling burnt out.
“I remember one night after clinic, I was cleaning up by wiping down the table after the last patient had left and I suddenly felt this deep happiness,” she shares. “It was just me in that quiet moment thinking, ‘I’m so happy.’ Some days, I walk to my car after a clinic day, feeling calm, energized, and proud instead of emotionally drained. That’s what tells me I’m on the right path.”
Cultural Bridge Building
Pun’s Hmong background influences her work in ways that go beyond simple cultural pride. She uses her cultural perspective as a bridge between communities, recognizing that her unique background allows her to create connections and understanding that resonate with diverse patients.
Her approach challenges some traditional Hmong attitudes toward health and wellness. “Growing up, I often saw health being neglected or dismissed until it became a crisis. Preventative care isn’t emphasized and conversations around mental health is almost nonexistent in our culture,” she observes.
Rather than simply criticizing these cultural patterns, Pun has chosen to be part of the solution. She educates and empowers people before things spiral, creating space for proactive health management. “I can’t change everything, but I can be part of the shift. I can offer a different kind of care, one that’s rooted in both compassion and accountability.”
This work has taught her to set healthy boundaries. She understands that not everyone is ready to prioritize their health, and that’s okay. She focuses on patients who are ready while trying to be a steady voice for those who aren’t there yet, planting seeds until they are.
Staying Grounded Through Challenges
Maintaining motivation during tough times requires both practical strategies and emotional resilience. Pun is refreshingly honest about the realities of building a business alone. “In the early days, there were moments when I felt sad because no patients were booked or I was stressed about bills and student loans. Now, with a wedding to plan and pay for, there is always something pushing me to keep going.”
What keeps her going isn’t just financial pressure, though that’s real. It’s the meaning behind her work. “Sometimes motivation doesn’t come from big wins. It comes from the little reminders like hearing patients tell me their pain is finally manageable or that they felt truly seen for the first time, or someone comes in with a positive pregnancy test.”
When motivation isn’t there, she leans into consistency and discipline. She keeps showing up, cleaning the clinic, posting on social media, and preparing for appointments, even on quiet days. It’s a balance of remembering her why, staying grounded in the present, and trusting that everything will come together in time.
Practical Wisdom for Future Entrepreneurs
Pun’s advice for young Hmong people wanting to start businesses is grounded in her real experience rather than motivational platitudes. “Going into business is a good idea and honestly, most inspirational people end up doing it in some form eventually. Starting a business is easier than you think. The real challenge isn’t starting, it’s maintaining it.”
Her recommendations are specific and actionable. Make sure your goals are realistic. Have a financial cushion, whether that’s savings or a secured loan, because finances are one of the biggest factors in business survival. Stay focused and committed, recognizing that business isn’t a short-term thing but requires time, patience, and consistency.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it,” she emphasizes. “There are so many people out there who are experts in their field. If you need help with taxes, talk to someone who does business tax. If you’re looking for a commercial space, work with a realtor. You don’t have to do everything on your own.”
A Message for the Next Generation
For the next generation of Hmong entrepreneurs, Pun offers advice that might surprise some. While respecting cultural connections, she encourages thinking beyond traditional boundaries.
“Don’t box yourself in by ONLY focusing on serving the Hmong community,” she advises. “While our culture is close-knit and deeply meaningful, we are a smaller group based in the US with disparity gaps compared to other markets. If your goal is to build a sustainable and thriving business, it’s crucial to think bigger and reach beyond your immediate circle.”
This doesn’t mean abandoning cultural roots. Instead, she sees cultural background as a powerful bridge between communities. “Your unique Hmong background and perspective can be a powerful bridge between cultures. Use it to create connection, understanding, and value that resonates with many people.”
Expanding audience and serving broader communities opens more opportunities for growth, learning, and financial stability. It challenges entrepreneurs to grow in unexpected ways and allows businesses to survive and flourish in competitive markets.
“Being open and adaptable to diverse communities not only strengthens your business but it also builds resilience,” Pun explains. “Remember, your vision doesn’t have to be limited by your immediate environment or expectations. Dream bigger, expand your reach, and don’t limit yourself. The more you grow, the more you can give back to your family, your community, and the culture that shaped you.”
Looking Forward
As Pun continues building Healthqi Acupuncture, her focus remains on sustainable growth and meaningful impact. She has more interviews coming out soon and continues to be recognized in her community. But the metrics that matter most to her aren’t external accolades.
Success, for Pun, is the freedom to choose how she spends her time, the financial stability to support the life she wants, and the peace she feels knowing she’s doing work that matters. It’s about creating a practice where she can offer high-quality acupuncture for pain relief in New Hope while maintaining her own well-being and continuing to grow personally and professionally.
Her story reminds us that entrepreneurship doesn’t require sacrificing authenticity or well-being. It’s possible to build something meaningful while staying true to your values and taking care of yourself in the process.
Why This Story Matters
Pun Chang’s story is featured here because it embodies the Hmong Network’s mission of celebrating, connecting, and uplifting Hmong business owners through authentic storytelling. Her journey illustrates how personal challenges can become professional strengths, how cultural background can serve as a bridge rather than a limitation, and how success can be defined on your own terms.
The Hmong Network exists to inform, inspire, and empower by sharing real experiences from real entrepreneurs. Pun’s story offers practical insights alongside personal inspiration, showing that business ownership is both achievable and sustainable when approached thoughtfully.
Her willingness to share both struggles and successes provides a roadmap for others who might be considering their own entrepreneurial journey. By highlighting stories like Pun’s, the Hmong Network continues its work of building connections and creating visibility for Hmong business owners who are making a difference in their communities.
Final Thoughts
Getting to know Pun Chang through her responses reveals someone with remarkable self-awareness and genuine commitment to both personal growth and community service. What strikes me most about her is the thoughtful way she approaches every aspect of her business and life. She doesn’t chase conventional markers of success but instead has carefully considered what fulfillment actually looks like for her.
Her honesty about being shy and introverted, combined with her determination to push through those limitations for the sake of her mission, shows real courage. Many people would use personality traits as excuses, but Pun treats them as challenges to work through. Her ability to transform a networking failure into a catalyst for growth demonstrates resilience and maturity that will serve her well as her practice continues to evolve.
Perhaps most admirable is how she’s chosen to channel her cultural observations into positive action. Rather than simply criticizing gaps in Hmong approaches to health and wellness, she’s created a solution. She’s building the kind of healthcare space she wishes had existed while she was growing up, and she’s doing it in a way that serves everyone while honoring her background. That takes both vision and practical wisdom, qualities that shine through in everything she shared about her journey with Healthqi Acupuncture.
