Dr. Kristin Marchman
Chiropractor. Mom of Three. Joy Seeker.
Dr. Kristin Marchman will always stop for a pretty sky, stray animal or seasonal latte, and she’ll happily find a reason to celebrate. Raised among Ohio cornfields, the former 4-H sheep exhibitor and theater major brings a playful spirit to her work as a chiropractor and life as a mom of three. At Essential Wellness in Cumming, she has chosen every detail to help patients leave the chaos at the door. Beyond the office, she gathers neighbors for Christmas caroling and cheers on fellow women business owners. At 43, she’s letting her faith, family and goofy side lead the way.
What experience taught you to keep believing in what was possible?
I’d always dreamed of being a mom. After my husband and I got married, I was diagnosed with endometriosis. One doctor told me I would never have children, and I said, ‘I’m not accepting that.’ My belief was always that God was bigger and had bigger plans for me. I got a second opinion and ended up having surgery. I have three beautiful babies now, though at 10, 12 and 15, they’re not babies anymore.
How did you build a business that leaves room for the life you wanted?
I was always devoted to building my business around my life, not my life around my business. When I first started, I had no kids and could be there all the time. When I started having babies, I started working less. Other people in my profession told me that would never work. Here I am, 16 years later in practice,
working five half days and getting to be at all my kids’ events, parties and games.
Why is bringing women and neighbors together so important to you?
I love community, and I love supporting other female business owners. My practice focuses on mamas and babies, and we just started the Essential Mom Circle, a prenatal and postpartum support group, with a mental health counselor. And I love holidays, so any excuse for a celebration! When we moved into our neighborhood, I wanted to start Christmas caroling. It’s such a lost art. When we come to the doors of some of the older members of our community, their faces just light up.
What have your 40s given you permission to embrace?
When I graduated from chiropractic school, I was so worried about being professional. I was a doctor, so I needed to act like one. I couldn’t show my goofy, silly side. I actually entered college as a theater major, and I have a self-proclaimed dorky side that I now embrace. So listen, all bets are off! Being fabulous is being true to yourself and loving life while you’re doing it. We’re told 40 is over the hill. I say, ‘No, no, no. That hill keeps going up.’
“From the care she puts into her practice to the love she gives our three children, Kristin has a gift for making people feel cared for.” —Tyler Marchman, Mr. Marchman
