Dr. McKenzie Hollyoak grew up a competitive gymnast, which resulted in constant lower back pain. When she sought help from a chiropractor, she fell in love with the idea that health care could be proactive.
Hollyoak graduated from Life Chiropractic College West in Hayward, California after earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Gonzaga University. In June 2020 she founded her own practice Grit City Chiropractic in Ficrest. “I love my little office where we – practitioners and patients – can connect to achieve health,” she said. She loves the supportive and friendly community and looks forward to adding another doctor to her practice. Here is her list of favorite things to do in the South Sound.
Favorite places
RELAX I love relaxing at home with my husband Brian and my dog Remi Barkamus.
TO TAKE A COFFEE Espresso itself on Regents Boulevard in Ficrest
FOR BREAKFAST Shakabrah on Sixth Avenue is definitely a breakfast favorite. The Classic Signature Breakfast Combo plus a mimosa are my favorites.
FOR DINNER Katie Downs is one of our favorite restaurants in Tacoma. They have some of the best nachos and service.
BE INSPIRED My parents live outside by the Tappssee, and I love to sit outside in the morning when the water is completely still – that’s probably the source of inspiration for me.
Inspiration board
READ LATEST I just finished listening to Trevor Noah’s Born A Crime on Audible. It was hilarious and also had a great look at things in South Africa not too long ago.
LISTEN UP TO DATE I listened to the East2West podcast co-hosted by a Gig Harbor local. It is a podcast for those who have had or are considering weight loss surgery. I am constantly trying to learn more about different people who could benefit from chiropractic care. For music I listen to Luke Combs. I’m trying to get in the country mood for Watershed at The Gorge this summer.
MANTRA AFTER YOU LIVE “Nothing great has ever been achieved without enthusiasm.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
HOBBIES Exercising, days at sea with friends, skiing, wine tasting and reading
questions and answers
WHAT REASONS FOR YOU TO START GRIT CITY CHIROPRACTIC?
I’ve always wanted to have my own practice. When I was in Gonzaga I was working at another integrated wellness facility and it was a great experience to see another practice work and I followed some other doctors while I was in school. That helped me find out what my practice should look like, and I started drawing up my business plan during my studies.
WHAT WAS THE MOST EDUCATIONAL ASPECT OF LEADING GRIT CITY CHIROPRATICS?
The community! Before I even opened, I met so many local business owners who were very supportive of me. I have also met and helped some incredible patients. Seeing people have more energy and feel better is so rewarding. In my first few months when I was open-minded, a patient came up to me and told me he could finally play with his children without pain – this is the most rewarding feeling in helping people feel better, function better, and feel better to live.
WHAT DID YOU BRING IN THE LAST JOURNEY?
I think a lot of the stress was caused by our lack of social interaction. I feel really blessed that my job allows me not only to see people on a daily basis, but also to learn about their lives and help them realize the value of maintaining their health. I enjoy spreading my passion and seeing my patients happy every day.
I am passionate about helping women be proactive about their health, which results in a lot of pregnant women and children on show too. I feel like women’s health has been shaken up somewhat and people are beginning to see the power of health care for ourselves and the younger generation. To see my patients feel better; have more energy; Progress in their fitness goals; get pregnant and have easy beautiful pregnancies; play with their children without hurting; and just live their life to the fullest.
