Aesthetic Business Masters

From Practitioner to CEO: Nurse SarahLouise on Building a Profitable Aesthetic Business

What does it really take to go from being a talented aesthetic practitioner to becoming the CEO of a profitable, sustainable business?

In this episode of The Aesthetic Business Masters Podcast, we sit down with Sarah Donaldson — better known as Nurse SarahLouise — aesthetic entrepreneur, business mentor, industry educator and founder of SLA Medical and The Business Injection.

SarahLouise’s career spans more than 14 years across healthcare, medical aesthetics and business leadership. Originally trained as a Cosmetic Registered Nurse in Australia, she went on to develop extensive clinical expertise alongside advanced business and leadership education, including a Master’s in Medical Prescribing and a Master’s degree in Leadership and Management. Her career has also included mentorship from internationally recognised leaders in aesthetics. Nurse SarahLouise Biography-2

But Sarah’s story isn’t simply one of clinical success.

She has experienced firsthand what it takes to move from practitioner to entrepreneur and CEO, building and scaling SLA Medical from a single-practitioner clinic into a highly successful aesthetic business. She then turned the systems, lessons and commercial strategies she developed along the way into The Business Injection, her business education and mentorship platform for aesthetic clinic owners. Nurse SarahLouise Biography-2

Today, Sarah’s focus is helping practitioners close one of the biggest gaps in the aesthetics industry: the gap between being exceptionally well trained clinically and actually knowing how to build a profitable business.

And that’s exactly what we unpack in this conversation.

We talk about why a clinic can be incredibly busy without necessarily being profitable, the numbers every clinic owner needs to understand, and the business skills practitioners often discover they need only after opening their doors.

Sarah also shares her approach to patient retention and sustainable growth — including why continually chasing new patients isn’t necessarily the answer and how clinics can build long-term patient relationships without compromising trust or making patients feel like they’re constantly being sold to. Aesthetic Business Masters Podc…

We then get into one of the biggest transitions a clinic owner can make: moving from practitioner to CEO.

When do you hire? When should you delegate? How do you build a team that can deliver without you being involved in every decision? And what happens when you realise the clinic you created has become completely dependent on you?

Sarah’s own business philosophy is increasingly centred around solving exactly this problem: putting the systems, structure and leadership in place that allow an aesthetic business to operate successfully without everything depending on its owner. The Business Injection

We also explore the person behind the businesses. Sarah speaks about leadership, entrepreneurship and navigating ambition alongside motherhood and family life — and why creating a successful business should ultimately give its owner more freedom, not less. Her supplied biography describes this balance between commercial success, family life and personal fulfilment as an important part of her approach to leadership and mentorship. Nurse SarahLouise Biography-2

Whether you’re a solo practitioner building your first clinic, running a busy business that isn’t delivering the profit you expected, or you’ve reached the point where you need the business to stop relying on you for everything, this is a conversation full of practical insights from someone who has lived that journey herself.

The Business Injection – Business Mentorship & Training:

SLA Medical:

Instagram – @nurse.sarahlouise:

LinkedIn – Nurse Sarah Louise:

YouTube – Nurse SarahLouise:

The Business Injection Training Community:

Sarah has also appeared on industry podcasts discussing the business behind aesthetics. One recent conversation is “How to Build a Sellable Aesthetic Clinic with Sarah Louise” on Beyond the Needle: The Aesthetics Business Podcast, where she discusses building a clinic that can function without being completely reliant on its founder.

Listen to SarahLouise on Beyond the Needle

Website: https://aestheticbusinessmasters.com.au/podcast/

What does it take to turn clinical experience into a trusted skincare and technology brand?

In this episode of The Aesthetic Business Masters Podcast, host Nicole Montgomery speaks with April Dunn RN, founder of Platinum by April and Nurses’ Choice, about her journey from working hospital night shifts to building an aesthetic clinic and launching an Australian LED light-therapy brand.

April shares how her experience as a registered nurse and aesthetic practitioner shaped the development of Nurses’ Choice. She explains why clinical credibility, patient education and practical treatment protocols are essential when introducing LED therapy into a clinic or home-care routine.

The conversation explores the science of photobiomodulation, including the roles of red, yellow, blue and near-infrared light. April breaks down how different wavelengths may be incorporated into treatment plans to support skin health, recovery and ongoing patient results.

Nicole and April also discuss the business opportunity LED therapy can offer aesthetic clinics. From improving the patient journey to creating an additional retail revenue stream, April explains how clinics can introduce at-home devices without relying on aggressive sales tactics.

For April, the key is education. When practitioners understand the technology, communicate its role clearly and recommend it as part of a considered treatment plan, patients are better equipped to remain consistent with their skin journey.

Nicole and April discuss:

LED devices are not all designed in the same way. Practitioners should understand the wavelengths, intended applications, protocols and safety considerations of a device before incorporating it into patient care.

Patients are more likely to remain consistent when they understand why a product has been recommended, how it supports their treatment plan and what results they can realistically expect.

An appropriate at-home LED routine can help patients remain engaged with their skin goals between appointments. It should complement professional care rather than replace a personalised clinical treatment plan.

April encourages practitioners to recommend products according to the patient’s needs. When a device has a clear role in the treatment plan, the conversation becomes focused on outcomes rather than selling.

Clinic owners should ensure their team understands how the technology works, who it may be suitable for and how to communicate its benefits responsibly. Consistent education helps create a better patient experience.

April’s journey demonstrates how practitioners can use their clinical knowledge to identify unmet needs, develop products, educate others and build complementary revenue streams.

April Dunn is a registered nurse, aesthetic practitioner and entrepreneur. She is the founder of Platinum by April, an aesthetic skin clinic in Canberra, and Nurses’ Choice, an Australian skincare and LED light-therapy brand.

Through her clinical work and business ventures, April focuses on patient safety, ethical practice, natural-looking results and accessible skin technology. Her experience spans patient care, aesthetic treatments, team leadership, product development and practitioner education.

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Podbean — From Night Shifts to LED Success: April Dunn’s Nurses’ Choice Journey:

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Share the episode with a clinic owner, aesthetic practitioner or nurse who is interested in LED therapy, patient education and building opportunities beyond the treatment room.

This podcast is intended for general education and information only. It does not replace individual medical advice, clinical assessment, manufacturer instructions or professional training.

What happens to your clinic when a potential patient sends an enquiry at 8pm, messages you on Instagram, or calls while your reception team is already busy?

In this episode of The Aesthetic Business Masters Podcast, we sit down with Ramey Shehata, Head of Partnerships at Podium, to explore how AI and smarter communication technology are changing the way aesthetic and healthcare businesses attract, communicate with and convert patients.

Ramey has been part of Podium’s Australian journey for more than six years, working closely with local businesses to modernise the way they communicate with customers. During that time, Podium has evolved from a platform known for online reviews, lead capture and messaging into a comprehensive AI-powered communication platform.

For aesthetic clinics, the opportunity is particularly exciting.

Today’s patients expect convenience, speed and personalised communication — whether they’re discovering a clinic online, asking a question after hours, responding to a social media post or deciding whether to book a consultation.

And when a clinic is slow to respond, that potential patient may simply move on.

Ramey joins us to unpack what this shift means for aesthetic business owners and how AI can support the patient journey without losing the personal experience that is so important in healthcare and aesthetics.

We explore:

Why speed-to-lead has become such an important part of patient conversion.

Where aesthetic clinics may be unintentionally losing valuable enquiries.

How AI can help clinics respond to potential patients outside normal business hours.

The role automation can play in reducing repetitive front-desk administration.

How businesses can bring conversations from channels such as SMS, website chat and social messaging into a more streamlined workflow.

Why collecting and managing online reviews remains an important part of building trust and reputation.

How AI-powered communication can help support appointment scheduling and patient follow-up.

The potential for technology to help reduce missed opportunities and no-shows.

Why implementing AI isn't necessarily about replacing your reception team — but giving your team better tools to manage growing patient expectations.

How the patient experience is evolving and what aesthetic businesses should be thinking about now.

Podium originally became known for helping local businesses generate and manage online reviews and communicate with customers through messaging.

The platform has since expanded significantly.

Today, Podium brings together tools including reviews, SMS messaging, website chat, social messaging, phone calls, payments, automations and customer conversations within one platform, alongside AI-powered tools designed to help businesses respond to and convert leads.

For busy aesthetic practices, that creates an interesting opportunity: allowing technology to handle more of the repetitive communication while the clinic team focuses its time and attention on the interactions where the human relationship matters most.

Ramey Shehata is Head of Partnerships at Podium and was one of the early team members involved in bringing the platform to Australia.

Over the past 6.5 years, he has worked closely with Australian businesses, including healthcare providers, helping them improve customer communication, lead conversion and digital engagement.

Having seen Podium evolve from its early focus on reviews, lead capture and messaging into an AI-powered communication platform, Ramey brings a practical perspective on how technology is changing the way businesses communicate with their customers.

His focus today includes helping businesses understand how AI and automation can support better customer experiences, greater operational efficiency and stronger commercial outcomes.

Podium is an AI-powered lead conversion and customer communication platform designed to help businesses attract leads, respond faster and turn more conversations into customers.

Its platform brings customer interactions together across channels including SMS, phone calls, website chat, social messaging and online reviews, alongside tools for payments, automation, integrations and AI-powered communication.

For healthcare and aesthetic businesses, these tools can help create a more responsive patient journey — from the first enquiry through to booking, communication and ongoing engagement.

Want to learn more about how Podium is helping businesses improve customer communication, lead conversion and the overall customer experience through AI and automation?

Website: https://www.podium.com.au/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Podium/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podium/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podiumhq/

X: https://x.com/podiumhq

Explore Podium to learn more about its AI-powered communication tools, reviews, messaging, lead management and customer engagement solutions.

AI in an aesthetic clinic doesn't have to mean making the patient experience less personal.

Used strategically, it can mean responding faster, removing repetitive administration, keeping conversations moving and giving your team more time to focus on the moments that genuinely require human connection.

For clinic owners asking how AI could realistically fit into their business, this episode offers a practical place to start.

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In this episode of The Aesthetic Business Masters Podcast, Nurse Jodie Fisher shares how she transformed nearly four decades of nursing experience into a thriving aesthetic business on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

Jodie takes us through her transition from traditional nursing into cosmetic medicine and the journey of founding Nurse Jodie Clinic. She discusses building a successful multi-location practice, developing a strong and supportive team, and creating a brand grounded in clinical excellence, integrity and personalised patient care.

The conversation also explores Jodie’s multimodality approach to treatment planning and how combining cosmetic, skin and beauty treatments can support more holistic client outcomes. She explains why sharing the full client journey—not simply the final result—has become an important part of building trust, educating patients and growing her business.

Listeners will also hear Jodie’s insights on mentorship, team culture, selecting the right devices and treatments, adapting to industry changes, and creating an elevated clinic experience that keeps patients engaged throughout their skin journey.

This episode is filled with practical guidance for nurses, clinicians and clinic owners who want to enter the aesthetic industry, strengthen their business or grow without compromising their clinical values.

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What does it take to build an award-winning skin clinic that continues to thrive after more than 25 years?

In this episode of The Aesthetic Business Masters Podcast, we sit down with Carly Knowles, Founder and Principal Clinician of Bella Pelle Body Clinic, to explore the journey behind one of Australia's most respected skin clinics.

From humble beginnings in regional Victoria to becoming an industry leader in evidence-based skin treatments, Carly shares the lessons she's learned about leadership, clinical excellence, team culture, and making business decisions that stand the test of time.

Rather than chasing trends, Carly has built Bella Pelle on trust, education, and delivering exceptional patient outcomes—proving that sustainable success comes from putting people before hype.

How Carly built Bella Pelle into an award-winning clinic over more than two decades

Why education is the foundation of exceptional patient care

How to evaluate new aesthetic technologies without getting caught up in industry trends

The importance of evidence-based treatments and realistic patient expectations

Carly's consultation philosophy and why saying "no" can build greater trust

The leadership principles behind creating a high-performing clinic culture

Business lessons from over 25 years in the aesthetics industry

Advice for new clinic owners looking to build a sustainable business

Whether you're a clinic owner, dermal clinician, cosmetic nurse, or passionate about skin health, this conversation is packed with practical insights on building a business that lasts.

Carly Knowles is the Founder and Principal Clinician of Bella Pelle Body Clinic in Yarrawonga, Victoria. With more than 25 years of experience in the beauty, dermal and wellness industry, Carly has established Bella Pelle as one of Australia's leading skin clinics, recognised for its commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, education, and outstanding patient care.

Her philosophy is simple: combine advanced technology with clinical expertise to deliver personalised treatment plans that achieve healthy, long-term skin outcomes.

🌐 Website: https://www.bellapelle.com.au

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/bellapelle

https://www.instagram.com/carlyknowles

https://www.instagram.com/carly_skinguru

https://www.instagram.com/dewy.lewy.skincare

Discover more conversations with Australia's leading aesthetic business owners on The Aesthetic Business Masters Podcast:

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If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another clinic owner or aesthetic professional. Your support helps us continue bringing you conversations with the people shaping the future of aesthetics.

Tekah Loutsis began her career as a beauty therapist before transitioning into nursing, giving her a rare, dual understanding of skin health and aesthetic medicine. Today she leads TK Aesthetics & Skin across multiple locations, trains more than 100 cosmetic nurses annually through TK Aesthetics Education, and has helped launch over 20 aesthetic clinics nationally. In 2026 she introduced ELEVATE, Australia's first in-person Aesthetic Business Masterclass, alongside the industry's first Aesthetic Business Blueprint eBook.

Whether you're an aspiring cosmetic nurse, an established clinic owner, or looking to scale your aesthetics business, this episode offers practical, real-world insight from someone who has built — and continues to build — genuine success in this industry.

🎧 Listen now on your favourite podcast platform, or at https://aestheticbusinessmasters.com.au/ 

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Welcome back to the Aesthetic Business Masters Podcast, where host Nicole Montgomery speaks with the innovators, educators and entrepreneurs shaping the future of the aesthetics industry.

In this episode, Nicole is joined by Renée Altakrity, founder and master educator of SQT Australia, to talk about her journey from cosmetic tattooing into advanced skin treatments and education, the science and philosophy behind bio micro needling, and what it takes to build a business that genuinely supports practitioners rather than simply selling them product.

Renée Altakrity is the founder and master educator of SQT Australia, a company providing clinics with bio micro needling technology, education and ongoing practitioner support. Renée's career began in cosmetic tattooing before expanding into advanced skin treatments and education. Drawing on a background spanning leadership, business management, project management, finance and human resources, she identified a gap in the industry for stronger education and genuine partnership with clinics — a gap that led to the creation of SQT Australia, now used by more than 650 clinics across the country.

This episode is a useful listen for clinic owners, practitioners and industry suppliers interested in how education-led business models are built, what genuinely differentiates a new treatment category from a passing trend, and how founders balance rapid business growth with the realities of family life.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share this conversation with your colleagues and industry friends.

Learn more about SQT: https://www.sqtaustralia.com.au/ 

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In this episode of The Aesthetic Business Masters Podcast, we sit down with Summer, owner and founder of Skin by Summer, located in the beautiful seaside town of Mornington, Melbourne.

Summer's journey into the beauty industry began at just 14 years old when she attended the renowned Elly Lukas Beauty Therapy College. Since then, she has built more than 20 years of industry experience, studying at Ella Baché, the Australian Laser Institute, and Victoria University to become a highly qualified Dermal Therapist.

Throughout her career, Summer has worked as both a skin therapist and skincare educator for some of Melbourne's most respected clinics before taking the leap to establish her own business, Skin by Summer, where she has been helping clients achieve healthy, confident skin for the past five years.

Guided by her personal philosophy, "Skin first, makeup second, smile always," Summer shares why focusing on skin health creates lasting confidence and better aesthetic outcomes.

In this conversation, we discuss:

Whether you're an experienced clinic owner, an aspiring dermal therapist, or simply passionate about skin health, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration.

Learn more about Procell Therapies: https://www.procelltherapies.com.au/ 

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https://www.instagram.com/advanced_skin_by_summer/

📘 Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/p/Advanced-Skin-By-Summer-100064513673636/

https://www.advancedskinco.com.au/pages/bookings 

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What does it take to stay relevant, ethical, and successful in the ever-evolving aesthetics industry?

In this episode of the Aesthetic Business Masters Podcast, we sit down with Kristy Jones, founder of Skin Joy and an industry educator with more than 35 years of experience in beauty, skincare, and professional training. Drawing on decades of hands-on experience, Kristy shares why ongoing education is one of the most valuable investments clinicians, therapists, and clinic owners can make.

Kristy explores the importance of personalised learning, effective consultation techniques, and understanding different learning styles to help practitioners build confidence and deliver better client outcomes. She also discusses how targeted training can strengthen team performance, improve client trust, and contribute directly to long-term business growth.

From the evolution of professional standards to the growing need for practical, hands-on education, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for aesthetic professionals who want to stay ahead of industry changes while maintaining excellence in patient care.

Whether you're a clinic owner, dermal clinician, beauty therapist, or emerging practitioner, this episode offers valuable strategies to help you continue learning, leading, and thriving.

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Nicole Montgomery interviews Phil from Monesthetica about the science of true exosomes, how they differ from synthetic alternatives, and the role of PDRN and targeted cocktails in regenerative aesthetics.

The episode also explores a barrier‑first home care approach with My Skin Chemistry, practical ways clinics can integrate exosomes into treatment protocols to speed recovery, improve consistency, and strengthen long‑term outcomes, plus how Monesthetica partners with clinics for personalized business support.