Kristie Austin, who was born and raised in Arizona, comes from a family with a history of starting and owning businesses.

Before becoming the owner of Independent Wellness Center, 1000 W. Apache Trail Suite No. 108 in Apache Junction, she worked in the entertainment industry.

Austin spent nearly two decades working as a TV producer, contributing to a range of projects from “Ancient Aliens” to “Tex Mex Motors” for Netflix.

Your Name: Kristie Austin

Age (optional): A lady never tells.

Business Name: Independent Wellness Center, 1000 W. Apache Trail Suite No. 108.

Town/Neighborhood: Apache Junction

Hours of operation: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday; and Saturday by appointment.

How can people contact you? (Email, phone, website, etc.): You can see all of our services, check out which doctor is right for you and schedule online at iwcaz.com or call 480-983-5060

Personal background highlights: I was born and raised here in Arizona where I am a third-generation entrepreneur. My great-grandmother started the first day care center in downtown Phoenix during World War II and my grandparents owned a successful electrical company covering the western states. I graduated from Gilbert High School back in the 1900s and while I have left many times, Arizona — specifically the East Valley — will always be my home.

Professional background highlights: I spent nearly two decades working as a TV producer, contributing to a range of projects from “Ancient Aliens” to “Tex Mex Motors” for Netflix. This extensive experience in the entertainment industry naturally led me to pursue owning a naturopathic office as the next logical step in my career journey.

What I do: I own and operate the only naturopathic doctor’s office in Apache Junction.

What I like most about doing business here: I love the small-town feel of the area where you know your neighbors, but have all the big city conveniences. Nothing surpasses the view of the Superstitions.

What am I promoting: I am promoting: Helping people get a better handle on their health and wellness using natural, non-addictive and affordable options.

What I’m excited about and why: We have three fantastic naturopathic doctors in my office who all offer a range of specialties to help you with everything you need from hormones to realigning the body, nutrient IVs to help you feel better all around, and many more services for a healthy heart mind and soul.

Favorite community cause and why: I am a huge fan of the local food bank that helps give people in need good healthy options.

When and why I started my business/employment here: I am the second owner and while I didn’t choose the space, I love the location being in the heart of it all.

Where was before and why I left: I left TV production after too many long days on set with high stress and unable to make my health a priority as we were often forced into eating whatever was available and that led to many unhealthy habits that wreaked havoc on my system.

My interests & hobbies: I love to kayak Canyon, Saguaro and Apache lakes and will often be found there with my co-pilot Edison or on some of the many hiking trails all around the area.

People who inspire me (and how): Flat Iron Jim amazes me. I made it halfway up Siphon trail and thought I was going to just have to make a home up there and live forever on the side of the mountain. He is proof that age is merely a number if you keep on moving.

My guiding philosophy: As Reba and Shakespeare said “To Thine own self be true” at the end of the day self is all that matters.

My advice to today’s youth: Do the weird thing. Be weird. Do it, whatever it is that lights your soul on fire, do it. Unless it’s murder then don’t do it, there’s enough podcasts about that.