Ep. 45 with Courtney Tanaka | Founder, Renew Me PT

Author: Kelly Kirk
Published: Tue 22 Apr 2025
Episode Link: None

After twelve years apart, we reunite with Courtney Tanaka, a physical therapist turned entrepreneur who recently launched Renew Me PT—a practice designed to support mothers in reclaiming their bodies, their strength, and yes, even their sense of self.

With over 13 years in the field and a doctorate in physical therapy, Courtney had built a steady career inside the healthcare system. But after the birth of her first child, she began to feel a subtle tug -- a whisper that maybe there was something more. She had always enjoyed her work… until she didn’t. The missed school conferences and sports games began to stack up, and the emotional load of motherhood couldn’t be ignored.

She didn’t set out to become an entrepreneur. It wasn’t until recently that she connected the dots between motherhood and the desire to carve out something that was her own. As she puts it, if she gives her time and energy to something, it had better light her up.

And it does. These days, Courtney doesn’t mind working on a Saturday afternoon or sneaking in a few hours after bedtime—not out of obligation, but because she’s building something that feels aligned, fulfilling, and deeply personal. She’s serving the very community she once needed.

Highlights from our conversation:

The pain (literal and emotional) of early motherhood—and how even as a PT, she didn’t know help existed for what she was experiencing
The surprising challenge of patience—and learning to trust the slow build
Creating her dream support network of doulas, chiropractors, mental health professionals, and fellow practitioners to serve new moms more holistically
Real talk about marketing, especially learning to speak directly to the one woman she’s meant to serve
Reclaiming empathy, faith, and purpose after years in a system that often overlooked all three

Courtney opens up about the moment she realized her child was learning kindness not just from school, but from watching her. She talks about setting boundaries with her kids, involving them in the journey, and modeling what it means to pursue meaningful work without sacrificing what matters most.

She’s also refreshingly honest about self-sabotage, boredom, and her Enneagram 7 wiring—and how knowing herself better has helped her lead more intentionally, both at home and in business.

Her guiding philosophy? Everything happens for a reason. It’s a belief shaped by deep personal loss and a quiet but persistent faith that’s carried her through each chapter.

Words of wisdom for other women walking a similar path: start where you have control. Change something small. Don’t wait for the whisper to turn into a shout.

A beautiful, layered, real-life journey of a mother reclaiming her hue—one choice at a time.

Connect with Courtney: