Building healthier lives: Vivian Vu’s journey with Wellness IV Drip in Canberra
Vivian Vu, Founder of Wellness IV Drip, brings a compassionate approach to wellness, rooted in her early years as a nurse in aged care and hospitals. Witnessing the limitations of symptom-focused healthcare, Vivian was inspired to prioritise preventative care and education. After honing her skills in vitamin IV therapy, she launched Wellness IV Drip in Canberra, who specialise in administering IV therapy to clients at home to enhance their health, boost energy, and support overall wellness. Her business aims to transform lives by addressing health at its roots.
What inspired you to pursue a career in your field, and how did you get started?
I spent the first six years of my nursing career working in aged care facilities and hospital settings, caring for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. During this time, I observed that our healthcare system tends to focus more on treatment than on prevention or health education. We often concentrate on addressing symptoms rather than identifying the root causes of disease. As a result, treatments sometimes come too late, whereas prevention efforts could have been far more effective. This experience strongly shaped my belief in advocating for prevention over treatment. As Benjamin Franklin famously said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
After the COVID-19 lockdowns, I left my job at a hospital in Canberra and moved to Sydney, where I had the opportunity to work for an incredible company specialising in vitamin intravenous (IV) infusions. As a mobile IV infusion nurse, I saw firsthand the vital role nutrition plays in preventing and combating illness. This experience fuelled my passion for vitamin IV therapy, as I witnessed how it enhanced my clients’ quality of life and overall wellbeing.
After being trained by some of the most experienced experts in the field, I returned to Canberra and founded Wellness IV Drip, aiming to make a real difference in people’s wellness journeys.
What moment in your career are you most proud of, and why does it stand out to you?
One of my proudest moments was deciding to establish Wellness IV Drip in Canberra. It wasn’t just a moment of trusting myself, but also believing in the potential of this innovative therapy. I am confident that it can play a significant role in illness prevention and improving people’s quality of life. At Wellness IV Drip, we are dedicated to providing exceptional, comfortable care tailored to each client’s unique needs, whether they prefer treatment in the comfort of their home, office, or our clinic. Our services cater to a wide range of health and wellness goals, including hydration, immune support, energy enhancement, athletic recovery, and targeted treatments for nutrient deficiencies, migraines, chronic fatigue, and more.
What are your favourite things about living and working in the Canberra region?
One of my favourite things is the sense of community. Canberra has a welcoming, close-knit atmosphere that makes it easy to connect with people and build strong relationships. I also love the region’s balance between city life and nature. There are beautiful parks, nature reserves, and outdoor activities just minutes away from the city, which offer a great way to unwind and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Professionally, Canberra’s focus on innovation and health makes it an ideal place for my work in wellness and preventative care. The people here are health-conscious and open to new approaches, which makes it exciting to introduce therapies like IV vitamin infusions that can improve their overall wellbeing.
What drives you to continuously enhance your professional skills?
My deep commitment to providing the best possible care for my clients is a key driver. In the field of healthcare, things are constantly evolving, and I believe it’s essential to stay informed about the latest research, techniques and innovations. This allows me to offer the most effective and cutting-edge treatments, especially in preventative care and wellness.
I am also motivated by my passion for making a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Seeing the positive changes in my clients’ health and well-being drives me to keep learning and improving. Each new skill or knowledge I acquire helps me better serve my clients and contribute to their health journey. It’s this sense of purpose and responsibility that keeps me motivated to continually grow in my profession.
How significant is the support of family and friends in helping you throughout your career and life?
Their support has been incredibly significant. Their encouragement has given me the confidence to take bold steps, such as starting my own business and pursuing new professional challenges. Having a strong support system means I always have people to turn to for advice, motivation, and reassurance during difficult times.
Their belief in my vision has been invaluable, especially during moments of self-doubt. Knowing that they are behind me has not only strengthened my resolve but also allowed me to stay focused on my goals and continue growing personally and professionally. Their unwavering support has played a key role in my success, and I’m deeply grateful for it.
Have you faced any major challenges in your career? If so, how did you overcome them?
One of the most significant challenges was making the transition from working in hospitals and aged care to starting my own business, Wellness IV Drip. Moving from a structured healthcare environment to running a business presented a steep learning curve. I had to learn about entrepreneurship, marketing and management—areas that were new to me as a nurse.
To overcome these challenges, I focused on self-education and sought guidance from mentors and industry experts. I also surrounded myself with a strong support network that helped me navigate the complexities of business ownership. Persistence and staying true to my vision were key factors in overcoming these obstacles. Each challenge taught me valuable lessons that have ultimately helped me grow as a healthcare professional and business owner.
What are your top tips for creating a healthy work-life balance?
To me, a perfect work-life balance is more of a myth than a reality. It’s natural to find yourself focusing more on one area of life than another at different times. Instead of forcing myself into rigid routines, I prefer to go with the flow, allowing room for flexibility when life happens.
I prioritise tasks and manage my time effectively, but I never lose sight of the importance of self-care. I make it a point to listen to my body, recognise its needs, and identify what truly matters in the moment. This approach helps me maintain a sense of well-being and adapt to life’s demands without unnecessary stress.
Wellness IV Drip
25 Kennedy Street, Kingston
