For years, Phoenix Moore has always known she wanted to go into business. After becoming certified in phlebotomy 15 years ago, she went on to get her degree in healthcare management, and she quickly saw an exciting opportunity to put the two together.
Phlebotomy is the practice of doing blood draws, and while most people go to a lab facility if they need a blood test, Phoenix realized that there was a need for more accessible phlebotomy, especially for seniors or those with disabilities.
“Maybe you’re a senior or you don’t have easy access to transportation,” Phoenix explains, “and that’s where I come in.”
Phoenix started Go Phleb mobile phlebotomy service in 2015 and focused on developing that sense of trust with her clients.
“My goal is to make the experience personal, not just professional,” she says. Phoenix also takes pride in the positive feedback she gets from clients.
“They’ll say that they love the way I treated their mom or dad, because I treated them with respect. That means a lot to me,” she admits. “I’m always touched that my clients feel comfortable enough to show their true colors and be themselves with me.”
“They’re not just a number,” she adds.
Over the past four years, Go Phleb has continued to grow. Phoenix now offers blood draws, employer drug and alcohol testing, on-site drug and alcohol testing, and medical courier services. Her business was able to truly take the next step when she heard about Community Forge.
“I was actually one of the first business tenants at Community Forge,” Phoenix smiles. “Having a collection site there gives me more flexibility and makes me feel confident.”
That’s where Peoples had our first chance to meet Phoenix. Through our partnership with Community Forge’s business incubator program, Peoples is helping to provide resources to two local businesses in Wilkinsburg. Go Phleb is one of them.
Through the business incubator program, Phoenix was paired up with a business coach, Tricia, who helped her think ahead with her business plan.
“She holds me accountable,” Phoenix said, “and makes sure I have all of my ducks in a row.” Phoenix certainly is looking ahead, and is already thinking about ways to expand her business.
“I’d like to try to create more training programs in schools for phlebotomy,” she explains. “There are so many job opportunities in this field that I want more young people to be aware of.”
Phoenix’s drive to be a successful entrepreneur is actually not limited to phlebotomy. She is also a licensed notary and has been working to get her other business, Notary One, up and running, too.
After spending time with Phoenix, it was clear that she truly embodies the heart of Community Forge’s mission. She’s embraced the opportunity to grow her business and to help strengthen the prosperity of local entrepreneurs.
“I want to be a role model, especially for young black girls. I want to show them that you can do this, too.”