As part of the Morning Lazziness series about empowering women who encourage and do incredible things with their ideas in society, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Yelena Deshko.
Dr. Yelena Deshko, ND is a licensed naturopathic doctor and the founder of Lumèr – Timeless Health Clinic. Her Ontacrio health and beauty clinic has two locations: in Toronto and Mississauga. With over 15 years of experience in the field, Dr. Deshko blends the best of functional medicine, naturopathic therapies, and modern science to help women thrive through all stages of life.
Her areas of expertise include hormonal balance, longevity optimization, IV nutrient therapy, regenerative aesthetic medicine, and metabolic health. Whether supporting a woman through perimenopause, restoring energy and focus after burnout, or managing chronic inflammation and weight fluctuations, Dr. Deshko’s approach is both personalized and results-driven.
Dr. Deshko is a sought-after educator and speaker in the field of integrative women’s health. She is passionate about empowering patients with the tools and knowledge they need to feel confident, balanced, and radiant in their bodies—at any age.
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur, and what led to the creation of your current venture?
I grew up in Ukraine, where holistic and natural healing methods were often our first line of care. That early exposure sparked a deep interest in human health, though I wasn’t aware of Naturopathic Medicine as a formal field in Canada until later. While studying in undergrad, I worked as a receptionist at a naturopathic clinic—and that experience was a turning point. I knew immediately that this was what I wanted to pursue.
Becoming a Naturopathic Doctor led me to launch Timeless Health Clinic—a space where modern wellness, aesthetics, and functional medicine come together. What began as a personal passion has grown into a multi-location clinic helping thousands feel and look their best from the inside out.
As a woman in business, what unique challenges have you encountered, and how did you navigate them?
Balancing motherhood with running a business has been the most challenging aspect—both require your full mental presence and emotional energy. There’s no true “off” switch for either role. Learning to delegate effectively has been essential. As I built a strong team and trusted others to take ownership, I was able to create more space for both my family and strategic growth. It’s still a daily balancing act, but I’ve learned that I don’t have to do it all to do it well.
How do you handle the demands of running a business while maintaining your personal well-being and life balance?
I prioritize my health the same way I encourage my patients to—through regular exercise, proper nutrition, and lifestyle habits that support energy and resilience. I truly believe in practicing what I preach. If I’m not feeling my best, it shows up in how I lead, how I parent, and ultimately, in the business itself. Taking care of myself isn’t optional—it’s foundational to everything I do.
What networking strategies or communities have helped you build meaningful and valuable professional connections?
To be honest, I’m more of an introvert, so traditional group networking settings have never been my strength. I prefer to build connections in more intentional ways—through private coaching, one-on-one conversations, or by attending select educational events that align with my goals. For me, it’s about depth over volume. The most valuable relationships have come from these focused settings, where there’s space for real alignment and shared growth.
How do you approach mentorship—both as someone who seeks guidance and as someone who offers it—and how has this shaped your growth as an entrepreneur?
I try to stay self-aware and honest about my own gaps—whether in leadership, operations, or strategy—and then seek mentors who can help me grow in those areas. I value mentorship as a shortcut to wisdom. At the same time, I’m always open to mentoring others who show real intention and commitment. It’s incredibly fulfilling to support someone else’s journey, and it keeps me learning, too. Mentorship, on both sides, has been one of the most important drivers of my growth.
What strategies have been most effective in acquiring and retaining your customers or clients?
Really niching down has made the biggest difference. I pay close attention to what our patients are consistently asking for, then tailor our services to meet those needs with precision. Rather than trying to appeal to everyone, we focus on serving a specific demographic deeply and effectively. Retention comes naturally when the experience is seamless, results-driven, and enjoyable—people come back when they feel seen, supported, and satisfied.
Which marketing techniques have worked best for your business, and how do you track or evaluate their success?
A combination of social media, PPC ads, SEO optimization, and SMS marketing has worked really well for us. Each plays a role at different stages of the client journey—from awareness to conversion to retention. We closely track metrics like click-through rates, booking conversions, and re-engagement through SMS to evaluate what’s performing. It’s all about testing, refining, and making data-informed decisions.
Can you share a significant setback or obstacle in your entrepreneurial journey and the steps you took to overcome it?
One ongoing challenge has been navigating changing regulations. In the medical field, the rules around how we deliver care—what services we can offer, how we market them, even the physical layout of the clinic—are constantly evolving. At times, it can feel restrictive. But instead of focusing on what we can’t do, I’ve learned to pivot quickly and optimize what we can do within the new framework. That mindset shift has helped us stay agile, compliant, and still innovative.
What’s one key piece of advice you’d give to women just starting their entrepreneurial journey?
Start before you feel fully ready—you’ll learn far more by doing than by over-researching. And once you start, really commit. Don’t pivot too often or try to please everyone—it dilutes your energy and your message. Focus on your niche, refine your offering, and stay consistent. That’s how you build real traction.
Is there a quote, mantra, or personal philosophy that guides your decision-making as a founder or leader?
“Build the kind of business you’d want to be a customer of.”
That’s been my north star. Whether it’s the way we greet a patient, choose equipment, or design a treatment protocol, I always ask: would I be thrilled by this experience?
Here is our main question. “What Are The 5 Things You Need To Overcome Self-Doubt and Build Confidence?” (If possible, please share a story or example for each one)
1. Start Before You’re Ready
Confidence doesn’t come from waiting—it comes from doing. You won’t have all the answers at the beginning, and that’s okay. Taking that first imperfect step teaches you more than endless planning ever will.
2. Take Action Over Analysis
I’ve learned that momentum builds clarity. The more you act, the more your self-trust grows. Even small wins stack up—and they quiet the voice that says, “What if I fail?” I now launch, test, adjust—then refine.
3. Focus and Commit
Constantly pivoting or second-guessing yourself drains your energy and weakens your message. When I truly committed to my niche—wellness and aesthetics for a specific, underserved demographic—everything aligned. Confidence followed clarity.
4. Let Results Build Your Belief
Seeing real outcomes, like client transformations or positive feedback, reinforces that you’re on the right path. I track wins—big and small—because they’re proof that my work is making an impact. That external evidence fuels internal belief.
5. You Can Be Scared and Act Anyway
Self-doubt doesn’t mean stop. When fear shows up, I take a step back and ask: “Where is this voice coming from? Is it true?” Most of the time, it’s just the inner critic trying to keep me safe. I acknowledge it—and then take action anyway. Confidence is built in those moments of courage.
If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the greatest number of people, what would that be?
I would make health, wellness, and nutrition mandatory in all educational systems—from early childhood through high school. It’s much easier to prevent disease through healthy habits than to reverse damage caused by years of neglect. Children are sponges for information, and if we teach them how to properly nourish their bodies, move with intention, and understand the value of vitamins, natural remedies, and self-care, we’d see a generational shift in public health.
This isn’t just about individual well-being—it’s about creating a more empowered, informed population that understands how to take care of themselves before chronic illness ever sets in. Education is the most powerful tool we have, and when it includes wellness, we all benefit.
