For The Record

In Episode 70: The View from 30,000 Feet, we sit down with Laura Crowley, Licensed Aesthetician, Founder & CEO of Laura Jeannette and Co.  Laura takes us through her successful transition from entrepreneurial Aesthetician to Practice Consultant propelled by her passion for skincare and her desire to help others capitalize on industry growth. Laura talks with us about how she made the leap from front desk girl in her teens to a 20 year career in Aesthetics where she's known for providing one of the best facials in all of Massachusetts!  After several years in practice as an Aesthetician, she moved into a concurrent Director of Education role, and her passion for helping others grow, develop and scale their skill sets and their businesses came into focus. She started Laura Jeannette and Co. to guide other aesthetic professionals as they grow their business through training, education and consulting for dermatology, plastic surgery offices and Medspas. As her own Practice embarks on an expansion and rebrand, she’s also coaching Practice Owners across the country as they do the same. In this episode, Laura shares her insight on how she helps businesses and business owners transform from “surviving to thriving” by offering a 30,000 foot view of the entire enterprise from sales and marketing to operations, patient experience and human resources.  Just as an Aesthetician provides a consultation before recommending treatment, she works intensely with her clients upfront to understand what they want to get out of this next growth step before rolling up her sleeves and getting to work. Is it money, building a legacy, boredom, or something else? Equipped with that info, she helps them build their practice by design- creating the management processes and operations that enable them to achieve their goals and live the lifestyle they desire.In this episode, Laura talks about: How to leverage social media to target the RIGHT audience with the RIGHT message When to delegate and outsource so you can free up your time to focus on the big rocks The benefits of hiring virtual assistants to help you along the way and take on tasks that aren't strategic or urgent How to educate your staff on new treatments and products and make it “stick” long term with excellent training How to think about your retail strategy, limiting your SKUs, and being smart about your inventory costsWe also take a few minutes to discuss what it means to be a working mom in this industry and the reality of really trying, often failing and constantly living with “Mom guilt” when attempting to balance it all. If you are an aesthetics business owner that wants to stop guessing and start growing and you are looking for a business coach to take you to the next level, this episode is for you! Learn more about how Laura can help you level up: www.laurajeannetteandco.com. Follow Laura on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurajeannetteandco/

In Episode 69: Hustle & Flow, we sit down with Fiona Tennant, MSN, FNP-BC, CANS, Founder & CEO of Nurse Fiona Med Spa in Framingham, MA. Fiona began her medical career as an LPN, then became an RN and spent more than a decade working in Pediatrics. It’s in Peds that she learned the critical thinking skills that would later help her build a successful practice and become a respected, in-demand injector and trainer years later. Before opening NF Med Spa, she worked at a Plastic Surgery center as a Staff Nurse, and she credits that job with giving her a foundation to build from as she entered the world of non-surgical aesthetics. One weekend class later, the burning desire to go out on her own wouldn’t fade, and she made a big decision to leave her steady paycheck and benefits and give entrepreneurship a go! She had to learn to inject largely on her own back then, but twelve years and one very successful med spa later, it was no doubt the right decision. We talk a lot about her decision to go back to school and become a Nurse Practitioner. With kids, a husband, and a booming business, it seems like an impossible time to do it, but she’s overcome adversity and fought her way through life before. As a young mom, she was on food stamps and lived in Section 8 housing, but she knew where she wanted to go, and she’s always had the hustle factor to get there. But why now? Why go back to school when all the puzzle pieces are finally in place? Her decision was driven by a few key factors that are weighing heavy on the minds of RNs across the industry: She never wanted to feel that her Practice or her staff were at risk because of her licensure or because she had to involve other parties to legally own NF Med spa. She’s a stickler for the rules and as the grey area gets smaller and smaller, she wanted to mitigate any risks and take that burden off her shoulders.   As an NP, she can diagnose and prescribe eliminating the burden of hiring NPs just to complete Good Faith Exams so she can see her own Patients. More and more states are moving toward legislation to further limit the scope of practice of RNs and prevent them from injecting or running devices, and she wanted to protect what she’d build over all these years. We also talk about the challenges of business ownership from wearing may hats to working late hours and finding the right staff who want to do great work and stay with you. Like so many, she’s taken injectors under her wing only to train them and have them leave, but she works diligently to create an environment that enriches her staff and fuels their growth. With her NP boards wrapped up and a little more freedom on her hands for the first time in years, it’s no shock she’s antsy to keep growing! She has her sites set on south Florida where she’s opening another NF location and expanding her brand.  She’s no stranger to the game and has been burned before, so she’s playing this one close to the vest….time will tell where the next Nurse Fiona Med Spa will open, but there’s no doubt it will be a success- she’s doesn't shy away from hard work, and she’s eager to grow into the next phase of her business journey!Learn more about Nurse Fiona:Nurse Fiona Med Spa: https://www.nursefiona.com/Nurse Fiona on IG: https://www.instagram.com/nursefiona/   

This week we sit down with entrepreneur, injector & device expert Dana Zeitler, PA-C for a closer look at how she’s built a successful Aesthetic practice with integrity, expertise and intention on Episode 68: Honesty at Work. Dana began her journey into Aesthetics in 2009 with a chance opportunity to get involved part-time providing laser hair removal services, and she never looked back! From LHR, she moved onto tattoo removal, and eventually, injecting, and now she's at the helm as a success practice owner!Over time, she honed her skills with both injectables and devices and made the next logical move. She and her husband opened D-Lux MedSpa in Naples, FL 8 years after that first chance encounter. Fast forward, and now Dana trains for Galderma & Sciton, and she frequently shares her expertise on podiums (most recently Aesthetic Next!), podcasts, webinars, and industry trainings. In addition to those engagements, she also conducts private trainings out of her Naples office, coaches other entrepreneurs, and she’s developed several resource guides to help injectors and entrepreneurs with everything from photography to consultations and more! In this episode, we talk about Dana’s process for bringing on a new injector. She takes us through her 6 month onboarding program where new injectors act as her MA, learning and absorbing her techniques, her consultative process, her standards, and of course, her concierge-style approach to patient experience. Each provider is trained on D-Lux’s services and modalities over time, and they are required to complete a certain number of cases and pass Dana’s quality assessment before they can ever see a paying patient. This means an injector is not cash-flow positive for the business for up to a year! But, as Dana’s seen over time, this methodical, in-depth training process pays big dividends in the long run. We also talk about her passion for hiring true Medical Assistants for the practice. When she finally made the decision to invest in an MA, D-Lux added $600k in revenue the first year, and she attributes it to her MA. She talks alot about the importance of delegating and moving tasks that bog you down or that you simply shouldn’t do on to someone else - then inspect what you expect- but get it off your plate!She started in laser many years ago, and her love of devices has only grown as she’s seen the transformative outcomes her patients can achieve with her protocols. She’s a big believer in “stacking” her treatments, or combining multiple devices or modalities, to create signature services that can only be found at D-Lux. We also discuss what it takes to get a new device off the ground- how to train, market, select patients, and integrate it into your overall service offerings. One of the things that stands out most about Dana is her commitment to D-Lux’s core values, specifically honesty. We discuss how a strong commitment to honesty has enriched her practice by improving communication with and between employees, reinforcing the practice’s integrity with patients, and made her a more transparent leader when she’s busy managing a staff while also managing resources, legal and compliance, dollars and cents, marketing and more. This honest approach provides clarity and accountability, and it bleeds into her non-negotiables when it comes to following state guidelines, operating ethically and compliantly, and making sure she is doing everything in her power to safeguard the practice, her patients and the livelihood of her employees.  She’s put honesty to work in her practice, and there is no doubt it’s creating value and enhancing the experience for everyone involved! Learn more about Dana, her training opportunities and resources:Visit D-Lux on the web at www.dluxmedspa.comFollow Dana on IG at https://www.instagram.com/naplesbeautyinjector/Follow D-Lux at https://www.instagram.com/dluxmedspa/

We're taking you to the Exhibit Hall floor at Aesthetic Next 5.0 for Episode 67: Fast. Fierce. Female. We are joined by two powerhouse women each doing unique things to expand their brand and the brands of others but in very different ways. These two mini-episodes pack a punch, so while it’s not our traditional format, there’s plenty of valuable knowledge nuggets up for grabs! We sit down first with Limor Weinberg, FNP-BC, CEO & Founder of The Clinic USA and brand new aesthetic-focused fashion line, Fillers Anonymous. Limor has been a part of the industry for many years, and in that time, she’s emerged as a successful entrepreneur, a KOL, private and industry trainer, and influencer. At her Miami clinic, she’s both treating patients and training others, and she’s built a great reputation in a very busy market.  But, as she looked at the industry horizon, she made the bold move to start allocating her time to a project that has become an overnight sensation, and it’s only getting started! Since unveiling FA, they’ve launched a handful of their 30+ sayings on merchandise like cropped sweaters, hats, tees, mouse pads, bags and more!  With the competition growing more fierce, Limor says she’s sure of two things- Fillers Anonymous is an income stream she hopes to build into a business that rivals her clinic .And, she’s also a big proponent of AI and the concept of working smarter, and using way smarter tools. She touches on how AI has changed her own way of work, and she shares her goal to launch a full AI class for aesthetics. Fingers crossed! Next we sit down with Lauren Taylor DeJohn, CEO & Founder of The Limited Agency now in Dallas, TX. Lauren Taylor or “LT” has quickly built a name for herself as the creative mastermind behind several of our favorite Injector influencers. She approaches brand management, social media presence, content curation and making a digital impact in much the same way as an injector augmenting a face- with a careful blend of science and art.  We talk about how she manages high-profile clients and becomes a unified part of their brand voice. What’s the goal- is it brand awareness, booking patients, expanding influence or just growing a following?  In any case, it's authenticity and consistency! She talks about what it’s like to work on location with her clients and mastermind what’s happening behind the scenes to deliver the right content via the right channel at the right time. She shares a few key insights that can really impact your success with social from consistently posting to finding the right kind of content to achieve your goal. She also takes us through how to look at an event, even one as big as AN 5.0, and decide what matters, what will play well on social, and where to spend your time capturing content.  Learn more about Limor and LT: Fillers Anonymous: www.fillersanyonymous.com The Clinic USA: https://www.theclinic.us/ The Limited Agency: www.thelimitedagency.co

We've just returned from the exhilarating Aesthetic Next 5.0 conference, and we've got a special treat for you! In Episode 66, The Leadership Alchemist, we're honored to sit down with the dynamic Shakira Cabrera, MPAS, PA-C. She's not just an aesthetic expert; she's a transformational leader who's turning her Practice culture into a business triumph.Shakira embarked on her PA career back in 2006, gaining invaluable experience in diverse fields like Cardiology, Neurology, and Hospitalist roles. However, it was her time in Trauma & Plastic Surgery at Brooke Army Medical Center that ignited her passion. There, she witnessed the life-altering impact of reconstructive surgery, inspiring her to continue her journey in Plastic Surgery and eventually to Aesthetics.  In 2018, Shakira took the entrepreneurial leap, launching Jules Aesthetic & Wellness from a humble single-room (purple!)  setup. Fast forward to today, and it's evolved into a highly respected practice boasting seven treatment rooms, a team of skilled injectors, and  its own training facility. While her injection skills are unquestionable, what truly distinguishes Shakira is her exceptional leadership skills. Whether it's her keen business acumen, meticulous performance tracking, or her innate ability to foster a culture of growth and collaboration, Shakira has become a sought-after authority on running a thriving practice.But don't be fooled by her business acumen—Shakira is also a master with a syringe. Her years in the operating room have given her an advanced understanding of facial anatomy. She honed her injection skills under industry leaders—a rare opportunity in the days when weekend crash courses were the norm. Now, years removed from her early beginnings, she's paying it forward, aiming to shorten the learning curve for new injectors through quality training & help them run better businesses..Shakira shares her knowledge & expertise through various channels: private training sessions at Jules' facility, national tours alongside Erika Barry, NP-C, her co-founder at Injector’s Club, and on her Patreon channel. Together with Erika, she curated an extensive collection of invaluable tools, webinars, and business resources for Injector’s Club to help aspiring injectors hit the ground running (and new things coming soon!) Her Patreon is filled with real-time business insights and pearls for building better practices, and she’s also a respected, in-demand hands-on trainer with a knack for keeping things calm and easy to understand, no matter the complexity. What makes Shakira's commitment to culture truly extraordinary is how she's transformed the often stressful task of employee retention into a competitive edge. She holds monthly one-on-one coaching sessions with her team, focusing on performance reviews and strategic growth plans. She's not just aligned with her employees' development goals; she's invested in their success and holds herself accountable. This  transparent, supportive work environment she’s created has cultivated a culture that people are excited to be a part of every single day. Combine that with her analytical prowess, her ninja injection skills, and it's clear why Shakira is a bona fide business powerhouse.So, enjoy this enlightening episode where we delve deep into the mind and methods of a true Leadership Alchemist!Learn more about Shakira:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lipsdontlieshakira/?hl=enJules Medical Spa:https://julesmedspa.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LipsdontlieshakiraThe Injector’s Club: https://www.theinjectorsclub.com/

This week we welcome a new(er) face to the Aesthetic Industry but certainly not to the business brokerage landscape. Fernando Gonzalez spent nearly the last 20 years in high-end real-estate brokerage bringing buyers and sellers together on high-density luxury developments. He’s always approached the role of a broker as more of a trusted guide or partner, helping clients to achieve financial, emotional, and transactional success with each encounter. He's built a successful brokerage firm, The Gonzalez Group, in the Dallas-Fort Worth area where he's still involved. But, with a veteran team who actively manages those residential and commercial relationship, Fernando is now shifting his focus to Aesthetics! He’s a big relationship guy, it’s evident from the moment the episode starts. Make no mistake, he’s still absolutely focused on helping sellers maximize the value of their Practices, but the way he gets to that end goal is anything but transactional.  To listen to Fernando describe his methodology is equal parts art and science. He started ORO Medaesthetic Brokerage to fill a gap in the industry- one where brokers operate alongside their clients, fighting for high multipliers and big payouts, but never forgetting the human element of the process. He’s very focused on forging relationships that allow him to be the best representative of the owner’s vision, their operating reality, staff involvement and overall business desires. When he’s able to act as that trusted partner, the artistry of brokerage comes into focus. And it’s not only for the seller, but he’s also playing matchmaker between two parties, so he’s equally as focused on understanding the buyer, their investment thesis, long-term goals and the overall portfolio of practices in the mix, not just the offer. Finding the perfect match is the truly the artistic side of the broker's role. In this episode, we talk about the ORO methodology and what a Practice owner can expect in a typical transaction. The process is equal parts art & science from making the right match to putting pen to paper and getting to the right number. But throughout it all, it’s very apparent that Fernando and the ORO Team spend as much time cultivating and focusing on the human element of the sale- the Practice owner’s desires, the desires of the staff and what happens to them in the transition, helping to manage the change as it comes, and never forgetting that the M&A process is not just the numbers. Behind it is a small business owner who’s embarking on a new, potentially scary and stressful process that involves handing over their life’s work. They’ve entrusted the care of their Practice to ORO, and Fernando's track record proves he's up for the challenge!As ORO enters the Aesthetic space, there’s no doubt Fernando’s relationship-based approach will permeate every part of the “deal.” That's a big win for Practice owners who have been reluctant to take those next steps. Fernando’s passion for this industry and the opportunity to show a different side of the PE coin. One thing is certainly clear, he’s just getting started! To learn more about ORO Medaesthetic Brokerage, visit their website at www.OROMB.comand follow Fernando and team on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/oromedaesthetic/  

Joined by Atta Behfar, MD, PhD and Saranya Wyles, MD, PhD, this podcast explores the power of exosomes in regenerative medicine. They discuss the role of exosomes in wound healing, the unique perspective of a professor of dermatology involved in research, advancements in extracellular vesicles and exosomes, considerations for purchasing exosomes, and potential applications of exosomes in diabetic wounds and ischemic heart failure.

This week we’re diving headfirst into all things digital marketing for E63: Black Belt Digital & Beyond with Rick O’Neill, FRSA. Rick has spent 22 years focused on digital marketing, the last 11 of which he’s been at the helm of award-winning, UK-based agency, LTF Digital exclusively serving the Aesthetic industry.  Rick and his team are entrusted to lead the marketing efforts not only for the big brands that serve the Aesthetic Industry, like Merz, Allergan, AlumierMD, Crown Aesthetics, Lumenis, and Alma (just to name a few), but, they also intensely focus on marketing for practices. That’s a unique combination not found in many agencies- they understand the hyper-competitive aesthetic market from all sides, and they are able to maximize results across various budgets and differing needs. Rick’s list of international speaking engagements is quite long, his client list is longer. He’s of the mindset that there’s no benefit in keeping his expertise close to the vest. As an entrepreneur, just because you can doesn’t mean you should, so one of his tenants is to ensure as an entrepreneur you understand what you should be looking for in an agency, how to measure impact and results, and how things SHOULD be done so that when you delegate those tasks to someone else, you can hold them accountable and keep tabs on their success. But with a black belt in taekwondo, it was inevitable that he would apply some of the key tenants and discipline of martial arts to how he approaches digital marketing.  In his new book, Black Belt Digital, he draws many similarities between the two disciplines. In marketing and martial arts, you must have a focused plan, consistently show up, be flexible and adaptable in your approach, and be efficient with your energy and your time. At the end of the day, it’s a competition, whether on the mat or in the market, so tapping into that competitive spirit certainly doesn’t hurt! He just released Black Belt Digital, and in only a few short days, it’s shot to the #1 spot in The Medical & Healthcare Practitioners, Beauty Therapy and E-Business categories. This culmination of his 2 decades in marketing is a 60,000-word, 20-chapter field guide to all aspects of growing a digital presence with practical advice and insights into where to focus your time and attention.  Some of our favorites of Rick’s digital building blocks include:·     Mastering local Google SEO·     Leveraging automations and a solid CRM·     Using data and analytics to drive decisions·     Diversifying your marketing strategy: a content, education, influencer, video & email marketing mix·     And, knowing exactly who you are so you can stay laser focused on your target audience and craft your online presence accordinglyRick is coming to Aesthetic Next 5.0 this year in Dallas, TX for his first US-based workshop! He’ll be bringing his Digital Dojo stateside to share his knowledge and provide tested strategies that are actionable and achievable. He’s also speaking in the Business Track, so make sure if you are attending, and if you have any part of marketing your brand or your practice, that you DO NOT MISS this workshop! Find more information regarding Ricks’ workshop at Aesthetic Next by visiting www.AestheticNext.com/workshopsAs a For the Record listener, Rick is offering several FREE tools to take an objective assessment of where your practice is right now so you can start to map out what’s next. Click HERE to access your:·     Free Guide on Google Optimization·     Free Guide on Website Enhancement·     Free Online Scorecard to assess your MedSpa's Digital HealthHere are some helpful links to learn more about Rick, his book and his agency: Checkout Rick’s new book on Amazon and visit www.BlackBeltDigital.com for more information. Find out more about Rick at https://www.rickoneill.co.ukFind out more about LTF Digital at https://ltf.digital/ 

Episode 62 is right on time to prepare for and #TakeFive at Aesthetic Next 5.0 coming up in only a few short weeks in Dallas, TX on September 7th-10th. In this episode, the AN Conference Director & FTR Host, Tiphany Hall, PhD, sits down with the Director of Vendor Relations, Vivienne Echendu, and Business Development Manager, Marcus Curtis. Together, Vivienne and Marcus are responsible for the entire vendor aspect of the conference- that means they manage the Exhibit Hall, ensure sponsors for evening events, curate the vendor Think Tanks and Learning Labs, secure sponsorships for key experiences and activations to enrich the attendee experience and more. Vivienne joined the organization during the 2nd year of Aesthetic Next- AN Virtual- and after surviving that shutdown road bump, she's been on the move creating a destination for sponsors and exhibitors at AN. Now in year 5, Marcus has joined forces to help as our attendee count grows and so does the expectation of our meeting! In this episode, we take you behind-the-scenes, into the inner workings of Aesthetic Next 5.0! From what to wear to how to plan your day to making the most of your experience, we give you our expert tips complied over the last 5 years. It's the little things- what are the must see sessions, will I have time to see all the things I want to see, is the Exhibit Hall really a valuable way to spend time, and on and on! If you've never been to AN 5.0, the giant schedule can be overwhelming and Episode #62 is here to help you make sense of it! The AN 5.0 crew talks through all the deets on: ▪️The exciting events happening Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday in every track ▪️How to participate in the scavenger hunt and win fab prizes! ▪️What you can find in the mobile app and how to plan your weekend agenda ▪️What’s included in the General Conference Pass and the can’t miss sessions in our four core tracks ▪️All the complimentary services available for attendees ▪️ What’s in store at the Thursday Opening Reception, The NEXTIES and the 5 To The Future Party ▪️All. The. CMEs!!! Whether you’re thinking about going to AN 5.0 or you’ve already purchased your tickets, this is the FAQ, insider info sesh you need to start planning!!!! If you are looking for more information on Aesthetic Next, head to www.AestheticNext.com Be sure to cast your vote for our 2023 NEXTIES winners by voting at www.AestheticNext.com/Nexties Checkout our robust lineup of Workshops, Masterclasses and Bootcamps at www.AestheticNext.com/Workshops

We're kicking things off with a little SPARKLE! Join our first guest of the season, Dani Sher, PA-C, Founder & Owner of Sparkle Aesthetics for an in depth look at ultrasound practicality, entrepreneurship & attracting the right patients to your Practice!In the season opener, From Stand-Up to Standout, Dani takes us on a journey from early days in stand-up comedy to eventually finding her way back to medicine in the ER, to Aesthetics and now as one of the key leaders of the ultrasound movement. She's been an integral part of ultrasound education across the US training providers in her office in Chicago and at conferences around the country. Her secret to success is her ability to make ultrasound approachable and understandable at all levels. From her Top Gun and Black Fish metaphors to using chicken breasts for target practice, attendees walk away with the power to begin using ultrasound in their day-to-day procedures. She trademarked her approach, Safe Mapping ™ which cuts through the noise and complexities of full face vascular mapping to present what's important for an injector - the areas of the face where they are actually injecting!Beyond her expert ultrasound skills, Dani is also a entrepreneur who took her practice from the occasional Botox party to a dedicated storefront in Chicago. In the midst of an expansion to accommodate her growing training programs, she's also busy hiring, onboarding, marketing, seeing her own patients and overseeing the operations at Sparkle Aesthetics. And, she's fitting it all in somehow while also being a wife and a mom. Perhaps a creative outlet or a source of stress relief (either way we are here for it!) her comedy chops are one of the things she's well known for in the industry. Her parody videos of the Aesthetic underbelly bring a reality punch seasoned with well-timed humor. They say all the things we can't and remind us that at the end of the day, the pop culture obsession with influencers and social media fame aren't what makes a great injector!We also explore her one-of-a-kind and always recognizable branding. Sparkle's identity is a throwback to the nostalgia of her childhood, shows like Be Witched and The Jetsons. It permeates everything she does and is a perfect example of bringing a concept to life. It also attracts her tribe- between her comedy chops, the office branding and DNA, and her larger than life persona, patients who end up at Sparkle are drawn there by design. In this episode, we discuss: Creating a brand that attracts the right Patients for your Practice. The challenges and rewards of building your own business. Her own learning journey with ultrasound & how it's impacted the way she teaches and trains. The reason she created Safe Mapping™& how it can work in your practice. Her upcoming trainings, specifically Aesthetic Next!We're thrilled to have spent this time with Dani learning the ins and outs of what makes a standout educator, injector and business owner tick! Episode #61 is a great way to add a little sparkle to your day! Want more of Dani in your life? We've got two upcoming workshops at Aesthetic Next that you just can't miss! Learn more at www.AestheticNext.com/WorkshopsPreshow Education- Wednesday, Sept. 6th Facial Ultrasound Immersion with Dr. Stella Desyatnikova Workshop: Saturday, Sept. 9thIntroduction to Ultrasound & Practice Uses Dani also trains at Sparkle Aesthetics on a regular basis. Find out more about her courses here: https://www.sparkleaesthetics.com/training-for-providersFind Dani on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dani_sparkle_pa/Learn more about Sparkle Aesthetics: https://www.sparkleaesthetics.com/