Meet Betty Hernandez-tupta

Today we’re excited to be connecting with Betty Hernandez-tupta again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.

Betty, we are so thrilled to be connecting again and can’t wait to hear about all the amazing things you have been up to. Before we jump into all of that, some of our readers might have missed our prior interview, so can you take a moment to reintroduce yourself?
Greetings! I’m Dr. Betty, the owner of Back Benders, BB Wellness Collective, and The Auric Fields. I’ve practiced chiropractic for over 20 years and crystal and sound healing for over eight. Back Benders is nestled in the beautiful Eagle Rock neighborhood of Northeast Los Angeles. My three-step method is what makes my practice stand out from other wellness practitioners. I will start by attending to your nervous system and soft tissues with the use of tuning fork therapy and cupping. Last, come the chiropractic adjustments. This integrated approach, combining science and spirit, has produced improved treatment plans, quicker recovery, and a broader shift towards wellness.

To add, I’m also the owner of BB Wellness Collective. This wellness collective is one of the most significant outcomes of the post-pandemic era. The group is made up of very skilled practitioners who work in a similar way to me. The team includes three Pilates instructors plus a massage therapist. There’s space for more practitioners; get in touch if you want to join. The Auric Fields is a metaphysical boutique that offers crystals and other devotional items for your intuitive practice. These businesses are all located in Back Benders, our primary wellness clinic, turning 15 in 2025.

Awesome, so we reached out because we wanted to hear all about what you have been up to since we last connected.
Since our last interview, a lot has changed, but some things remain constant. The pandemic had a profound effect on so many businesses, and mine was no exception. The last time we spoke, Back Benders was a successful wellness clinic offering acupuncture, Pilates, and massage therapy, in addition to my own services. Yet, after a remarkable ten-year run, the world was ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic. Overnight, two-thirds of my business was nonessential. This resulted in the loss of both employees and revenue. I was fortunate that my chiropractic practice was considered essential, allowing me to continue working and strategize for the future. With the lifting of restrictions, I developed a plan to maintain the distinctive complimentary services that set Back Benders apart from competing wellness clinics. I would create a wellness collective, BB Wellness Collective (that’s BB as in Back Benders, hehe). Our clinic had the space, equipment, and the added benefit of providing a beautiful and supportive environment for entrepreneurs to start or grow their businesses. I absolutely adore the practitioners who have joined our collective. It’s a group of fantastically talented and intuitive women.

The next challenge was Back Benders. It took a long time for business to pick up again. I was seeing fewer clients than when I first started out all those years ago. My business needed restructuring for future success, so I made it as efficient as possible. It meant a complete and ruthless return to basics, sacrificing the comforts I’d grown accustomed to. This included switching to a cheaper software system, despite my proficiency with the old, expensive one. Everything unnecessary was eliminated. Above all else, I wanted to retain my front office person. The practice, while highly efficient, hadn’t reached pre-pandemic levels, making the extra help painfully unnecessary. And so, I had to make that sad decision and be a practice of just one… and a half, me and my dog, Titus. He’s the emotional support dog that comes to the clinic with me every morning. And thank goodness for that.

To be honest, this reflection has made me realize… Business hasn’t fully recovered since the pandemic. It’s been a slow but steady recovery, with 2024 marking my most successful year in the last five years. Every day reinforces my belief that my post-pandemic decisions were the right ones. Above all, I feel happy and hopeful. I’m content with my career progression and the positive impact I have on people’s lives using my unique wellness approach.

We also want to give folks a chance to get to know you a bit better so we’ve prepared a fun lightning round of questions. Ready?

Favorite Movie: Harry Potter

Favorite Book: Pride and Prejudice

Favorite TV Show: Abbot Elementary

Favorite Band or Artist: Juan Gabriel or Selena

Sweet or Savory: Sweet 100%

Mountains or Beach: Beach- I’m a Pisces sun

Favorite Sport (to watch): Football

Favorite Sport (to play): Volleyball

Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): Yes! Basketball, Volleyball and tennis

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: A nun- Lol. I went to catholic school.

French Fries or Onion Rings: French fries

Chuck Rhodes or Bobby Axelrod: Shiv Roy

Favorite Cartoon growing up: Wonder Woman

Favorite Childhood movie: I got nothing

Favorite Breakfast Food: Eggs

What do you want people to remember about you and your brand? What are some of things that you feel are most important, unique, special, etc?
I hope people remember me as kind but with a bit of an edge—thanks to my Scorpio moon. I hope they recall that their time with me wasn’t simply an appointment, but a transformative experience. One where their voices were heard, their concerns considered, and their problems thoughtfully addressed. Most importantly, I would love for people to remember how they felt after leaving a session. Most people describe it as walking on clouds.

Website: https://www.backbenders.com

Instagram: @back.benders

Facebook: @backbenders

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/back-benders-eagle-rock