We had the good fortune of connecting with Gina Vanluven and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gina, what role has risk played in your life or career?
The term “no risk, no reward” is completely untrue. Some people take zero risks, yet still get rewarded. For example, a child born to a wealthy family may receive everything their heart desires without doing anything. You may have also heard the term “dumb luck” where someone has no idea what they are doing yet lands a windfall of something unexpectedly good.

Growing up, we have little to no control over our circumstances, as our parents dictate our surroundings. In adulthood, however, we gain far greater control, even if we don’t realize it. It is in understanding this control that we can leverage risk.

Throughout my adulthood, I’ve found working for others very easy. I give them what they want plus a little more. You could consider it risky to over deliver, but I never looked at it that way. I figured the extra was a ‘gift’ and if they didn’t want it, that was fine. I was also careful to get clear expectations so that I didn’t end up missing the mark. Risk in this case would be delivering something very different from what was asked and hoping it would be accepted. This would not have been a risk I would have been willing to take. I tend not to take big risks with other people’s time and money.

Risk with my own time and money is another store. Starting a business is risky. It is the ‘type’ of business that can make it more or less risky. I am not ‘risk-averse’ by any means. But I’m also not a huge risk-taker. The bottom line for me is understanding how much money I can stand to lose versus how much I could gain. And what I ‘gain’ may not always be financial. For example, I could spend $10,000 on a vacation. What I am gaining is an ‘experience.’ But what if I ended up sick the entire time? I would be very disappointed; but I wouldn’t bash myself for spending the 10k and then being sick. Such is life!

In business, some people literally mourn the loss of money. But, unlike time, you can get money back. I never expect to lose money in a business deal. But I understand and accept it can happen. I also know I can make up that loss doing something else. Good businessmen and women understand this ebb and flow and are more willing to take risks because they know they have the ability to bounce back if a business goes belly up.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I started working when I was sixteen, ended up as a project manager at Intel and then left to start a Health Coaching business in my early thirties. While I was scouted a couple of times to work as Director of Nutrition for a couple of supplement companies, I’ve worked for myself for nearly twenty years, the bulk of which was Health Coaching. In 2023, I decided to open an IV business. IV therapy was an integral part of my own healing journey, and I saw this as becoming a mainstream way to help people maintain good health and wellbeing. After meeting with the owners of Prime IV Hydration & Wellness, I was certain this was the place for me and opened my own franchise with them in September 2023.

In my many careers, I’ve managed projects and people and under high stress. But never has anything been more challenging than opening a brick-and-mortar medical business. It was far more challenging than I anticipated and took me to the edge of my sanity more than once. I had to dip into my mental/emotion toolbox many times. For now, I am on the other side and have regained work-life balance. I know I will have times in the future when I need to push through; but the most challenging is behind me, and I know how to properly prepare myself for busy times. One of the ways I prepare is IV therapy, which provides my body with instant nutrition to help me maintain good health and wellbeing.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Downtown Mesa, Arizona is a lovely little town with amazing restaurants, local shopping, museums, and outdoor activities. Next, I recommend Canyon Lake with 30 miles of boating (try Dolly Steamboat), skiing and fishing surrounded by a stunning landscape. After a long day at the lake, go to dinner at Organ Stop Pizza, featuring a stunning performance on a 1927 organ that towers above the dining room surrounded by instruments. It is an unexplainable experience! Some other places to visit are the Airforce Museum, Sloan Park, Salt River, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, and Papago State Park.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are dozens of experts, gurus, friends, and family who have helped me in my journey through life. My mom is at the top of my list. She’s been my foundation and cheerleader through everything. No matter what trials come my way, she is always there to support me. My husband would be next. While he’s far more risk averse and struggled through some of my ventures, I appreciate his willingness to work through his fears and support me.

Website: https://primeivhydration.com/locations/arizona/northeast-mesa-85215/

Instagram: Prime IV Hydration & Wellness (@primeivnortheastmesa) • Instagram photos and videos

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gvanluven/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/primeiveastmesa

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/prime-iv-hydration-and-wellness-northeast-mesa-mesa?osq=prime+iv

Youtube: Prime IV Hydration & Wellness – Red Mountain – YouTube

Other: About Gina Van Luven: https://www.ginavanluven.com/

Image Credits
I took the photos

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