Lauren Zajac, MHS, PA-C, AFMCP, founder of Balance & Blossom Wellness, PLLC, is bringing a new approach to women’s healthcare in State College. After nearly 20 years working in surgical and dermatologic settings, Lauren was driven to entrepreneurship by her own health journey. Experiencing the challenges of perimenopause firsthand, she found effective treatment outside the region—an experience that sparked her desire to create a local solution. Today, her practice focuses on comprehensive, root-cause hormone care, helping women regain balance and improve their quality of life. 

Starting her business came with personal challenges. Like many first-time entrepreneurs, Lauren faced self-doubt and difficulty finding the motivation to move forward in the early stages. Confronting those internal barriers required her to reflect on her own limitations and build confidence in her vision. Through personal growth and renewed energy, she was able to take the first steps toward launching her practice. 

Lauren connected with the Penn State Small Business Development Center in October 2024 after discovering the resource online. Working with business consultant Chelsea Blair from the early planning stages, Lauren received guidance, accountability, and support throughout the startup process. Over the course of a year, the SBDC assisted with refining her target audience, strengthening her marketing approach, and ensuring all foundational elements were in place. With consistent support and shared values, the relationship became a key part of her journey from concept to launch. 

Since opening, Balance & Blossom Wellness has experienced steady growth. In just four months, Lauren has built a patient base of 60 clients, adding an average of four to five new patients each week. As demand continues to increase, she is preparing to hire administrative support to expand operations. Her practice introduces a unique model of care to the region, integrating hormone therapy with a whole-body approach that addresses underlying causes rather than symptoms alone. 

For Lauren, the impact of her business goes beyond growth. Entrepreneurship has allowed her to reconnect with her purpose, spend more time with her family, and provide meaningful, personalized care to her patients. She is also expanding her impact through community education, helping women better understand their health and available treatment options.