Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Courtney Yurko.
Hi, Dr. Courtney. We’re so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Born in chilly Chicago, raised in beautiful North Carolina, I pursued my undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland before earning my doctorate from the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic. Currently rooted in Charleston, South Carolina, with my remarkable husband and baby girl growing in my womb who is due to arrive this summer. Since uniting in love, my husband David and I have created T.O. Mezcal, The Yurko Method, T.O. Missions, and T.O. Design. Embracing the ethos of “Together,” our goal is to imbue love into every undertaking and cultivate a similar atmosphere within our growing family. Beyond entrepreneurship, I am passionate about health, freedom in every realm, living autonomously, traveling as much as I can (65 countries and counting!), and being a forever student through this life journey.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Life is an unpredictable, wild, beautiful, uncertain, gypsy ride. Despite planning, life and divine forces often humble us with their grand masterplan. Upon completing chiropractic school in December 2017, I returned south to establish Connection Health Center. However, the launch of my inaugural business faced unexpected delays when my mother was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in May of 2018.
Entrepreneurship took a backseat as I devoted myself to spending precious time with my dying mother, whose health was rapidly declining. She was not only my practice and first patient but also my greatest teacher in countless ways. Serving as her caregiver, advocate, and personal chiropractor within the medical system, our bond deepened amidst the challenges of her illness. After a tumultuous 2018 marked by her health struggles, she stabilized at the onset of 2019, allowing me to refocus on making the vision of Connection Health Center into a tangible reality. Despite the business’s successful launch on July 1st, 2019, my joy was overshadowed by my mother’s deteriorating condition, which led to her passing on December 19th, 2019.
Her loss profoundly shook my world, underscoring the truth of one of my favorite daily mantras, “God only gives us what we can handle.” Since then, I’ve found solace in this belief. Coping with the loss of my mother as a young entrepreneur, followed by the global upheaval of a scamdemic just a few months later, seemed like an overpowering negative force was against me without any sense of ease or natural flow.
Despite the hardships endured within those eight to nine months, I view them as opportunities for growth and resilience. They’ve taught me that I can surmount any obstacle, no matter its magnitude. Challenges are blessings in disguise, preparing us for the journey ahead with grace, resilience, perseverance, and intestinal fortitude. While the path of struggle may seem arduous, it ultimately leads to profound success and enlightenment. I firmly believe that my heavenly mother aligned the divine connection between my husband, David, and I in early 2022. Our love story, marked by its profundity and beauty, is a testament to the power of divine timing and readiness to receive love. Every event and encounter unfolds according to the grand, divine design within the intricate fabric of life. Trust in the unfolding of life and embrace the journey with constant faith.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Connection Health Center, located in Charleston, South Carolina, is a chiropractic wellness practice. We specialize in providing exceptional spinal adjustments that align spines with the divine for babies, expectant mothers (Webster certified), health enthusiasts, and beyond. At CHC, we offer various services including corrective chiropractic care, integrative dry needling, food sensitivity testing, lab testing, nutritional counseling, breathwork + movement workshops, and engaging community events. This business is my initial entrepreneurial venture and a source of immense pride. With an outstanding team, we expand our reach and offerings daily!
T.O. Mezcal is the first business venture my husband and I embarked on TOgether. We are dedicated to sourcing and supplying 100% natural mezcal infused with love while reciprocating that love to those who produce the exceptional elixir. We are ambassadors of this ancient elixir and proudly showcase the liquid artistry of mezcaleros from the Mexican states of Oaxaca, Michoacán, and Durango. At T.O. Mezcal we embody a lifestyle brand grounded in the philosophy of spreading love. Mezcal serves as a beautiful expression of our shared passion. Through our initiatives, we aspire to nurture a culture of love, bringing together individuals who appreciate life’s finer aspects, including the exceptional mezcal we craft. Our commitment extends to promoting conscious alcohol consumption, prioritizing fair trade amongst all we work with, ensuring the sourcing of the finest agave, and contributing to the well-being of the Mexican communities where our mezcals are crafted. The Yurko Method emerged from our daily morning ritual, encompassing yogic movement, breathwork, meditation, and prayer. This practice holds significant value in our relationship, and we feel fortunate to extend its benefits to others. Our mission involves unveiling internal empowerment through breath, movement, and medicine.
T.O. Missions is (almost) a 501c3 non-profit that delivers compassionate chiropractic and holistic healthcare to underserved communities in Mexico, focusing on T.O. Mezcal’s source regions. My dedication to mission work stems from my grandparents’ legacy, marked by over 30 trips delivering essential dental care across the globe. Inspired by their example, I continued mission work in chiropractic school, solidifying my commitment to spreading holistic healthcare to underserved areas. In October 2022, during our visit to Oaxaca, T.O. Mezcal and T.O. Missions were born where I was the solo, adjusting doctor to the people of Chichicapam, Mexico. A spontaneous mission in Moldova during the spring of 2023, aiding Ukrainian refugees, paved the way for T.O. Missions’ official launch in June 2023 in Oaxaca. Our next mission is July of this summer with a roster of 16 doctors and students ready to serve the community of Chichicapam!
T.O. Design stems from my husband’s extensive experience building stunning homes in Washington, D.C. for over fifteen years. Transitioning to the lowcountry, we blend his expertise in constructing remarkable homes with my passion for curating vibey living spaces where people can thrive, love, and create.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I welcome collaborations with aligned souls, whether for a mastermind, podcast, event, or retreat! If you’re interested in working with me or connecting with any of my business ventures, the details are provided below:
Connection Health Center:
If you’re a Charleston local, check your spine and optimize your life at Connection Health Center. If you’re not a Charleston local and want to work with me to optimize your health (nutrition, food sensitivity, lab testing, supplementation, etc.), become a virtual client. www.connectionhealthcenter.com
T.O. Mezcal:
Order T.O. Mezcal whenever you see it on a menu worldwide and if you’re a US citizen, buy a bottle(s) through our website this spring. www.tomezcal.com
The Yurko Method:
Join my husband and me for live events and free, online masterclasses or connect with us if you want The Yurko Method at a private event. Be sure to dwonload The Yurko Method app with all of our offerings, practices, videos, masterclasses, and much more avaiable on iOS and GooglePlay. www.theyurkomethod.com
T.O. Missions:
Donate to and join us on future T.O. Missions. www.tomissions.com
T.O. Design:
Know of a home in the Charleston area that needs some serious love for an amazing family to move into? We buy, renovate and sell homes in all conditions, let us know! www.todesign.com
Connect on IG:
@drcourtyurko
@t.o.mezcal
@connectionhealthcenter
@theyurkomethod
@t.o.missions
@t.o.design
Contact Info:
- Website: www.connectionhealthcenter.com
