Dr. Martine Charles is the American Dream in action.  She is a true example of how hard work and determination can pay off.  Allied Health & Rehabilitation is now fully operational at 842 E. Park Avenue in Tallahassee (https://www.callallied.com/).  Dr. Charles not only specializes in excellent chiropractic care for accident related injuries, but also wellness chiropractic care.  Being a savvy business woman and technically able; she also has diversified her business by preforming pre-employment physicals and drug screening.  Along the way to opening her own clinic, she found helpful guidance from her SBDC Certified Business Analyst, Christine Urban. 

Dr. Charles was born on the Island of Haiti and came to the United States at the age of fourteen. She and her parents settled in the east section of Brooklyn, New York. They instilled in her the values of hard work and determination. She excelled in school despite language and cultural barriers, but suffered many setbacks. Determined to overcome adversities, she eventually fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a practicing chiropractic doctor.  She then worked in several clinics in Florida and became well known for excellent patient care.  She was able to learn the ups and downs of the business, one of the best ways to prepare yourself for owning your own business.  When the time was right, after some encouragement, she was ready to fly on her own.    

Although Dr. Charles is exceptionally skilled with her technical ability to treat patients, she realized she needed some help around proper business management.  Christine Urban of the FAMU SBDC not only provided her with sound business advice but gave her the last little push she needed in validating her readiness to go off on her own.  Dr. Charles has taken advantage of the no cost one to one appointments as well as workshops and networking opportunities.  As well as learning new skills in business administration, through events at the SBDC Dr. Charles has connected and inspired other entrepreneurs.

Dr. Charles says the best thing about owning her own practice is being able to implement steps to make her vision a reality.  Due to her efforts she has been awarded the 2013 Startup Business of the Year during Small Business Week which is sponsored by the FAMU Small Business Development Center in partnership with the Leon County Minority Women and Small Business Enterprise Division and the City of Tallahassee Minority Business Enterprise Office.