By Ryo Hamasaki, Loring Park resident

I’ve met many entrepreneurs in Loring Park since I began this volunteer photojournalism work earlier in 2024. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I decided to interview a chiropractor, thinking our lines of work might have very little in common. But that hesitation disappeared the moment I met Zeynep Tuzcu. Her laid-back nature and genuine care for her work and the community made her incredibly approachable, turning our conversation into an effortless and engaging experience.

Building a Wellness Space in Loring Corners

Loring Corners, a historic office building in Minneapolis, has become home to a variety of unique businesses, including Zeynep’s chiropractic practice. She started her practice during the peak of the pandemic, a time when starting a hands-on business felt especially tough. But she persisted in her goal of creating a space for healing and support.

Zeynep was particularly drawn to the small business-friendly atmosphere at Loring Corners. She saw it as a perfect spot to start her practice, while extending the friendly vibe to help others and create a space where they felt safe, connected, and understood. This idea of building a community through business is a common theme I’ve noticed among many entrepreneurs and non-profits alike in Loring Park since starting my work. Zeynep reflects this collective spirit in everything she does.

Holistic Care with a Purpose: Zeynep's Patient-Centered Approach

Zeynep’s chiropractic practice is all about taking a whole-person approach and customizing treatment for each patient. She dedicates time to truly get to know them and their challenges, creating personalized treatment plans that solve not just for their immediate pain but the underlying causes as well. Her care goes beyond physical adjustments, focusing on education, self-care, and long-term wellness.

As a photographer, I was drawn to Zeynep's patient-centered approach. At first glance, chiropractic care and photography might seem unrelated, but her philosophy resonated with me. Like her, my work is built on understanding my clients' needs and partnering with them to create something meaningful—whether it's a healing plan or a brand-defining image that lasts for years to come.

Zeynep's Broader Impact through Advocacy and Community

Beyond her practice, Zeynep is more than just a chiropractor. She believes everyone deserves access to affordable, inclusive care and works hard to try to make that a reality. This passion for equity guides how she treats her patients and influences the way she runs her business. It's no surprise that this commitment has contributed to her business's rapid growth in such a short amount of time.

Zeynep is also an active participant in the local business community. She works and collaborates with fellow entrepreneurs, attending networking events, and helps out with neighborhood projects. Her energy and commitment to wellness inspire those around her to follow their dreams and contribute to the vibrancy of Loring Corners and the Loring Park neighborhood. Her influence isn't just felt in the treatment room but it's felt all over the neighborhood.

Finding Inspiration in Community and Connection

As I mentioned at the beginning, I was a bit worried we wouldn't have much to talk about since our lines of work are so different. But I was wrong, and realize that we have a lot in common. Interviewing Zeynep made me realize that her work isn’t just about fixing backs - it’s also about building a stronger community around her.

It’s a reminder that whether we’re healing bodies or capturing moments, our work can have a lasting impact. My chat with Zeynep highlighted the significance of building deeper connections with those we serve and surround ourselves with. Perhaps that's what sets certain businesses apart - their ability to address needs while also creating meaningful relationships.

Zeynep’s insights left me reflecting on the importance of bringing that same level of intention into what we do, whether it’s through improving our own health, creating visual contents that are meaningful, or supporting the people and businesses that make our community stronger.

This article was originally published with additional photos on Ryo Hamasaki's website.