Hidden Gems: Meet Gwen Dudley Pouncil of Amazing Grace Ultrasound

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gwen Dudley Pouncil.

Hi Gwen, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I started in the medical field as a Radiologic Technologist (X-ray) over 35 years ago. My decision for radiology was since most professionals that I knew at the time were nurses, I wanted to do something different. After consulting with two Radiologic Technologists and a couple of schools, I decided to proceed with X-ray. While radiology was a great challenging profession, I knew that I didn’t want that to be my retirement job because it required a lot of lifting and pulling. Next, I decided to return to school for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) (Ultrasound).

It seemed exciting to see babies before they were born. Back then it was 2D only. In my first few years as a sonographer, I specialized as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) in General and Ob-gyn ultrasound. To make myself more marketable, I continued my education by studying the didactics of Vascular Technology on my own, along with on-the-job training for the hands-on portion because at that time there was not a school for vascular. I studied hard and became a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT).

Because I have a love for learning and was really enjoying the field of ultrasound, that wasn’t enough for me. It was a step above average but I was looking for ways to really make employers find me valuable to their company so I could have more negotiating power. Consequently, to further my education I re-enrolled in school again to become a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS).

With three credentials under my belt, it made it easy to find work, however, I still felt under-compensated. That’s when it occurred to me that the only way for me to reach the level of compensation that I felt that I deserved was to start my own business. I started playing around with entrepreneurship after learning vascular, but I really didn’t know what I was doing. When I got all my credentials I decided to get serious and try it again. I re-entered the world of entrepreneurship as an independent contractor.

I was a temp agency and contracted myself rather than being an employee. Next, I purchased an ultrasound machine and started a mobile ultrasound company. I thought about when I was working with Ob patients, they seemed to want more than just a diagnostic ultrasound. They wanted more time with their unborn babies and wanted their family members to be involved. So, I looked at some models and decided that that’s what I was going to do and that was the reason for the birth of Amazing Grace Ultrasound.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. Sexism and racism are real, but you keep moving forward. The pain that comes from it is real though. That was part of the motivating factor for me to stand out amongst my colleagues. To compete, I must be the best that I can be.

There were people that wanted to see me fail and went as far as to play games to try to make that happen. People try to take advantage of you. There were times when I didn’t know if I was going to make it but faith and my attitude that failure is not an option are what pulled me through. In my opinion, one of the best pieces of advice that were given to me by my business consultant was to take care of my personal credit and I will be able to acquire business credit.

The business credit was able to carry me through some tough times. Also, I believe that if you put positive energy into the universe that it will come back to you. For all the heartache and pain that I endured, God put angels in my life that wanted to see me succeed. A lot of them looked like me and a lot of them did not look like me. All successful people get help somewhere along the way. You may not know where it’s coming from but if it’s in God’s plan it will happen for you, and no one can stop it.

We’ve been impressed with Amazing Grace Ultrasound, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Amazing Grace Ultrasound is an elective ultrasound studio. We believe that pregnancy is an amazing experience and can only happen by the grace of God. Our specialty is pregnancy confirmation starting as early as six weeks and an estimated date of conception along with an estimated due date. We will show you and at the appropriate time, we will listen to the baby’s heartbeat. Gender reveal blood test as early as seven weeks with fast results, typically the next day.

Gender ultrasound beginning at fifteen weeks with same-day results. 3D, 4D, and 5D-HD Live ultrasound. A recording of the baby’s heartbeat can be placed in a stuffed animal. Also, a tracing of the baby’s heartbeat can be made into jewelry. These services are provided in a comfortable upscale environment. We are centrally located in St Louis / Illinois metro area, Creve Coeur in St. Louis County. Our clientele comes from all socioeconomic backgrounds, and they are the best clients.

We strive to leave them with great memories because you are only going to give birth to that child once. Easily accessible parking is available for everyone where they can park directly in front of the building along with disability access. Because we’re owned by a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, we make sure we have medical ultrasound safety standards and hospital-grade sanitization for our clients. What sets us apart is that we are more than a picture. We create memories!

What I am most proud of is that we have a brand of trust and beautiful memories. We are also proud to have partnered with a local organization, A.L.I.V.E. Domestic Shelter.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
They may not know that in starting my businesses I was frightened to death but kept moving forward despite the fear. Because I was a divorced mom with three children totally dependent upon me, I had to downplay my fears because failure was not an option.

Pricing:

• 6 Weeks 2D ultrasound starts @ $69
• Gender Blood Test $149
• Gender Ultrasound $89
• 3d ultrasound starts @ $99
• See the website for more details.

Contact Info:

• Email: info@amazinggraceultrasound.com
• Website: amazinggraceultrasound.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amazinggraceultrasound/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Amazing-Grace-Ultrasound-1996383564011108