Behind the Needle

Dan Friedman is the co-founder of Moxie, a platform that helps nurses and med spa entrepreneurs launch and run their businesses more effectively and profitably. Moxie's ultimate goal is to empower independent med spa owners to stay in business sustainably. During our conversation, Dan and I discuss how Moxie helps simplify the complex process of starting and running a medical practice, particularly for first-time business owners. Dan explains how Moxie provides support for every aspect of the business to make entrepreneurs stronger and happier. He also emphasizes the challenges faced by med spa owners, such as the overwhelming complexity of the business, and how Moxie can help streamline these challenges to make running a business more worthwhile.

Hope you enjoy!

0:00 - Introduction to Dan & Moxie

2:16 - Who is a good candidate for Moxie?

6:04 - Starting a medical practice with Moxie

8:02 - Why Moxie?

15:02 - Challenges faced by medspa owners and how Moxie can help simplify

19:00 - Owning your business

Erin Hewitt is the owner of Hjem Aesthetics and has over 12 years of experience in the aesthetics space. Originally from Minnesota, Erin's career has taken her across various states, collaborating with top plastic surgeons and honing her skills through extensive training. She prioritizes patient care and strives to connect personally with each individual. As the co-founder of the MN Injectors Collective and a Galderma National Trainer, Erin brings a wealth of expertise to her practice at Hjem Aesthetics. Her vision is to create a welcoming, inclusive space that celebrates individuality and nurtures inner beauty.

During our conversation, Erin shares her inspiring journey from feeling embarrassed about working in aesthetics to becoming a top injector in Minnesota and starting her own medical practice in 2023. Erin discusses the unexpected career opportunities and hiring decisions that shaped her path and highlights her personal growth and self-acceptance along the way. Erin offers insights into increasing revenue in the beauty industry, prioritizing patient comfort, and empowering patients to make informed decisions. This episode is perfect for anyone in the aesthetics industry looking to build a successful practice rooted in authenticity and patient care.

Hope you enjoy!

0:00 - Erin Introduction

2:29 - Embarrassment and career changes

7:09 - Starting and growing a successful practice

11:49 - Trust, support, and business ownership

16:29 - Setting boundaries and expectations for employees

20:06 - Unexpected career opportunities and hiring decisions

25:10 - Personal branding

30:40 - Personal growth and self-acceptance

36:42 - Building a successful culture in a competitive industry

41:44 - The importance of education and training

46:27 - Balancing medical ethics and business success

51:23 - Building a successful aesthetic practice by embracing individuality and providing personalized care

58:14 - Empowering employees, prioritizing culture over profits, and trusting creative professionals

1:01:31 - Increasing revenue in the beauty industry

1:07:36 - Approach to aesthetic treatments, prioritizing patient comfort

1:12:18 - Medical professionals' ethical obligations and how to balance serving patients with allowing them to make their own decisions

1:18:33 - Personal growth, prioritizing family, and doing right by people

Marisa Escobar, known as “Marisa the Aesthetic Injector,” is a highly motivated and skilled practitioner at Chrome Aesthetics in Albuquerque, NM. In 2022, she and her business partner founded Chrome Aesthetics, a thriving practice dedicated to providing exceptional aesthetic treatments that help patients look and feel their best at any age. As a Galderma trainer, Marisa emphasizes the importance of continued learning and evidence-based practices to ensure optimal patient outcomes. She's also well known for her hilarious and creative Instagram content. Be sure to check her out @marisa.the.aesthetic.injector

During our conversation, Marisa and I explore topics essential for both new and seasoned injectors in the aesthetics industry. She explains how she manages to consistently create content despite her busy schedule and why this effort is vital for her business. Listeners will gain valuable insights on using Instagram to engage with customers, building rapport through authentic social media interactions, and the importance of daily effort for long-term growth. Marisa also discusses her passion for helping the injectors at her practice succeed and her determination to elevate the industry's reputation.

Hope you enjoy!

0:00 - Marisa introduction 

0:41 - New certifications and safety laws in New Mexico

6:01 - Feeling empowered to ask your provider questions about their qualifications

10:45 - Making time for content ideation and creation

12:54 - Learning how to utilize Instagram to get in customers’ faces

14:31 - Staying consistent with social media - you’re never finished

16:53 - Nurturing and building rapport with social media

19:27 - Being your authentic self online and in person

23:24 - Give it your best shot day by day by day

25:03 - Training with Marisa

26:55 - What’s next?

28:40 - Marisa’s advice for new injectors

32:06 - Leveling up the industry

Amanda Klatt is the co-owner of Vyla Aesthetics located in Park City, UT. Amanda started Vyla in the beginning of 2020, brought on her partner 2 years later, and has a balance between work and life that would make anyone rethink their "hustle culture" attitude.

She's ran races 100 miles long (yes that's right, 100!), is a mom and wife, and is so passionate about taking care of her patients and making sure they feel loved and beautiful.

We had a wonderful conversation and it left me thinking about my priorities and making sure I'm happy with how much time I spend doing whatever I choose to do.

Enjoy!

https://www.instagram.com/injectableme/ 

0:00 - Introduction
05:15 - Instagram marketing for medical aesthetics providers
10:43 - Focusing on human connection and personalized care
16:18 - Prioritizing family over wealth
20:21 - Work-life balance while growing a business
25:29 - Importance of education and training
32:38 - Choosing the right provider
36:52 - Safety concerns with injectables
40:18 - Improving aesthetic education and accessibility
44:40 - Beauty treatments and their impact on self-esteem

Jennifer Prince (FNP-C, CANS) is the founder of the Institute of Aesthetics located in Scottsdale, AZ. With over 15 years of experience in plastic surgery, skincare, and aesthetic nursing, she has established herself as a leading expert and educator in the field. Her passion for education led her to create the Institute of Aesthetics, an elite medical wellness and aesthetic training center. Jennifer is also an Allergan Medical Institute Ambassador Trainer, a Juvederm Lip Series Trainer, and a key opinion leader. She serves on various advisory boards and is a GenNOW Global Aesthetic Trainer for Galderma, a GAIN Business Trainer, and recognized as a Galderma Center for Excellence. Beyond training, she runs a successful medical spa and a Patreon training platform, constantly striving to inspire growth and education in the aesthetics industry.

This episode takes a deep dive into her journey, challenges, and triumphs in the aesthetics industry. Her story is one of resilience, continuous learning, and a commitment to empowering others. Jennifer provides valuable insights for anyone interested in aesthetics, business, or personal growth.

02:30 - How she got started

09:30 - Only 2 other injectors when she started

11:45 - Establishing credibility

13:30 - Obsessive about learning

14:30 - Training more and going in debt

15:00 - Filling a need and creating a training

16:15 - Redefining wealth

18:30 - Why she started her own practice

19:45 - Mike says why she is the best and why he would want to learn from her

20:30 - What’s your legacy? (Why she mentors)

21:40 - Deciding to become an NP

22:00 - Program breakdown

24:15 - Through hardship comes growth

25:45 - Alone for first time in her life

27:50 - Losing entire staff

29:00 - Achievement as a trauma response

30:00 - Why she stays here in Scottsdale

31:00 - Mike’s input into what’s important

32:15 - Learning to love herself

33:00 - Living to work instead of working to live

34:30 - The team changed and blocks were removed

35:30 - Learning to not be hurt by turnover and to have gratitude for hard things

36:20 - What’s one thing she would change? 

37:00 - Advice to any injector (social media lies)

38:00 - Her goal for social media

39:15 - Someone in-house running social - can you really hand it off? (Mike moment)

40:30 - How to maximize an in-house social media person

42:45 - Fighting burnout

43:30 - Realigning business & social with the life you want

43:45 - Enneagram 3, wing 2

45:00 - Empowering women as her soul purpose and the biggest lesson she wants to leave her daughters

46:50 - Leaning too much on kids, asking them to grow up too soon, and biggest fears

48:00 - The things that have scared her the most are the things that she’s the most proud of

50:15 - What she does for fun

52:30 - 2 treatments she would do for life

53:15 - What’s next?

54:30 - Universe saying slow down

55:30 - More practices doesn’t mean more profits

https://www.instagram.com/jennifer_prince_aesthetics

Rashae Doyle is the owner and founder of BevelUp, a med spa in Tampa, Florida. In this episode, Rashae discusses her journey into the aesthetics industry, starting from when Botox was first FDA approved in the early 2000s. She talks about her hesitation to open her own business and how she eventually overcame that to open Bevel Up in 2021. Rashae also shares her ambitious plans for scaling BevelUp across the state of Florida and eventually the country. This episode covers crucial topics for any growing medspa including building a strong team and culture, providing excellent customer service, using social media and content creation for growth, and believing in yourself and in your dreams.

0:00:00 Introduction: Rashae and BevelUp

0:02:04 Journey into the aesthetics industry

0:05:34 Opening first location

0:09:25 Goals for more locations

0:16:59 The most rewarding parts of Rashae's work

0:19:24 Advice for growing a client base and revenue

0:24:10 The importance of social media and content creation

0:27:34 The potential impact of sharing your story and vision with others

0:33:10 Team development and dynamics 

0:36:55 Frustrations with the industry

0:39:34 Differentiation without gatekeeping

0:42:05 Get to know and connect with Rashae

Jackie North, CEO of The Peak CFO, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of financial health for medical aesthetics providers. She emphasizes the need for business owners to embrace their financials and understand key concepts such as cash flow and profit and loss statements. Jackie also provides insights on topics like shiny object syndrome, paying staff, paying oneself as a business owner, and strategies for increasing profitability. She encourages business owners to build a strong team and seek professional help to navigate the complexities of financial management.

00:00 Introduction: Jackie North and The Peak CFO

01:01 The Benefits of a Fractional CFO

05:20 Controlling Overhead Costs in a Med Spa

06:15 Transitioning from Public Accounting to The Peak CFO

08:11 The Role of a Fractional CFO in Med Spa Growth

10:05 Avoiding Shiny Object Syndrome

13:21 Choosing Between 1099 and W-2 for Staff

19:59 Understanding Cash Flow vs Profit and Loss Statements

22:49 Strategies for Increasing Profitability in Med Spas

25:08 Common Mistakes and Recommendations for Med Spa Owners

28:03 The Power of Memberships in Med Spas

28:30 Avoiding Unnecessary Expenses and Making Smart Investments

29:20 Taking the First Step: Seeking Professional Help

Kendra Harris, owner of Wildflower Beauty Bar, shares her journey in the aesthetics industry and the importance of customer service and adding value to services. She emphasizes the need for personal connection and physical touch in a world driven by social media. Kendra discusses the challenges of selling skincare and the importance of educating clients on the benefits. She also highlights the need for estheticians to charge what they are worth and not undercut themselves. The conversation concludes with the impact of COVID-19 on the industry and the shift towards prioritizing client results. Kendra discusses the importance of not assuming what clients can or can't afford and shares a personal anecdote about a client who bought a new car but still had the money for expensive treatments. She emphasizes the need to communicate openly about prices and offer options to accommodate different budgets. Kendra also talks about her struggles with depression and anxiety while starting her school and how she overcame them. She highlights the importance of going through difficult times and learning from them. Kendra shares her passion for creating a nurturing and inclusive environment in her business and the joy she finds in making people feel good.   

00:00 Introduction and Season 2 of Behind the Needle

04:18 Kendra's Start in Aesthetics and Early Career

06:38 Building a Clientele and the Importance of Word-of-Mouth

08:30 The Shift to Social Media and the Need for Human Connection

25:20 Increasing Skincare Sales and Adding Value to Services

30:27 The Importance of Skincare and Helping Clients Achieve Results

34:42 The Importance of Not Assuming Client Affordability

44:53 Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience

55:23 Creating a Nurturing and Inclusive Business Environment

01:05:43 The Power of Passion and Drive

01:06:12 Making People Feel Good: The Key to Success in Aesthetics

Elle Edwards is an Arizona Native, mother of 2, wife of her one and only, and believer that everyone can achieve greatness. She has always had a passion for the aesthetics industry. Starting by getting her medical aesthetician license, to then becoming a nurse, then going further to become an NP… Elle has been within the industry of aesthetics in plastic surgery, injecting and dermatology for 15 years. She is the medical director for 20+ amazing aesthetic clinics across Arizona and has seen first hand all the do’s and don’ts both behind the scenes on the business side and out in front of it with patient care. 
Her main focus within Synergy is to help those within the industry that have struggled to grow and succeed, to find deliberate and accessible ways and niches to flourish and take themselves to the next level within the industry regardless of title or level.

Jordan White, owner of Urban Aesthetics, is a highly sought after aesthetic injector, national trainer and key opinion leader in the Medical Aesthetics space. Known to many as The Murse Injector, Jordan has trained along side of some of the most renowned providers and trainers in the world including Julie Horne, Dr. Subbio and Dr. Sam Assasa. When not injecting, Jordan is traveling the country training others on advanced injectables and laser applications. He is known for his injectable expertise; specifically lips, liquid rhinoplasties, full facial balancing and jawline contouring, as well as his extensive knowledge and experience with a wide variety of aesthetic lasers. Jordan has been featured in several publications including most recently being named the top aesthetic injector in Arizona by Phoenix Entrepreneur Magazine in 2022 and Top 20 Men of the Year by Deluxe Version Magazine. Jordan is passionate about providing results that are tailored to each patients desired goals.