For The Record

Branding genius, global speaker, and Managing Partner of Aesthetic Altitude, Adam Haroun joins us this week on FTR to talk all things luxury branding and attracting affluent clientele. He’s the go-to for practices ready to elevate from every day to elite, and today, he’s sharing his playbook with us!

Adam started as an aesthetic patient—then used his luxury marketing background to revolutionize how the aesthetic market is positioned. His goal? Raise the industry standard. “We’re selling medicine. Let’s stop sounding like Spirit Airlines.”

As Adam explains, the language, the exact words, you use set the tone for how your medical aesthetic practice is perceived. Avoid words like Free, discount, Med Spa, and instead use word like Complimentary, preferred pricing, medical aesthetics clinic. Brand elevation starts with better vocabulary. Even small word changes shift perception.

Adam’s 3 C’s of Brand Power

1. Consistency – In visuals and experience

2. Clarity – Know who you are & communicate it

3. Constancy – Show up as a unified brand across all channels (not just Instagram)

Adam Specializes in What Luxury Clients Want

They buy with emotion, justify with logic. They want a story, not a price tag. Make them feel seen, valued, and certain they’re in expert hands. According to Adam, “There’s no neutral touchpoint. Every detail either builds or breaks your brand.”

Adam provided us with so many brilliant points throughout the episode, but here are some of our favorites:

- Attracting Affluent Clients

- How to Train Your Team

- Referrals That Work

-Rethinking Memberships

- Use AI Strategically

- Funnel Strategy for High-End Clients

As Adam shares, if your pricing, experience, and brand don’t match—you're losing the right clients. Upscale patients want confidence, expertise, and a seamless experience. Build a brand that speaks to them.

Connect with Adam

Adam speaks across the country at conferences and for various brands and manufacturers. Don’t miss the chance to see him if he comes near you!

Find him online:

📲 https://www.instagram.com/adamlovesbranding/?hl=en

🌐 https://aestheticaltitude.com

The Text That Changed Everything

Sometimes the most transformative moments begin with a simple text message. For Adrian Nowitzke, CRNA, MSN, APRN, founder of Behold Aesthetics and Wellness Center, that moment came in August 2021 when a friend sent her a message about fellow CRNA, Kelly Hermans, starting Beautiphi Academy. What started as a casual "let's learn how to do Botox" conversation would ultimately lead Adrian to leave her full-time anesthesia career and build a thriving two-location med spa empire in rural Illinois.

The Leap of Faith

Adrian's journey from CRNA to CEO wasn't just a career change—it was a complete life transformation. In October 2021, she made the terrifying decision to step away from anesthesia to pursue her passion for empowering women through aesthetics. What made this leap even more daunting was her location: Effingham, Illinois, a town of just 12,500 people where she felt completely alone in this new venture.

But Adrian had a vision beyond just learning a new skill. As a mother of young children, she wanted to be more present during those crucial junior high and high school years. Her demanding anesthesia schedule simply didn't align with this goal, making the transition to aesthetics not just a career move, but a lifestyle choice.

Building Community Organically

One of the most remarkable aspects of Adrian's story is how she leveraged her existing relationships to grow her practice organically. In a small town where everyone knows everyone, she understood that trust was everything.

Rather than relying on traditional advertising, Adrian chose authentic connections. She joined local business groups, participated in community events, and built relationships with other business owners. Her approach was simple but powerful: be a genuine member of the community who gives back.

Strategic Growth and Delegation

From the beginning, Adrian understood she couldn't do everything herself. Just six months after starting, she partnered with Aesthetic Record, recognizing that she needed systems and expertise to build a sustainable business. This decision to "identify strengths and weaknesses" and find experts in each field became a cornerstone of her success.

Starting with just two days a week while maintaining part-time anesthesia work, she quickly built a client base of 500 people in less than 18 months. When patients were waiting six to eight weeks for appointments, she made another leap of faith: hiring staff and expanding to a three-treatment-room facility.

The Power of Events and Education

Adrian's approach to marketing through events is both innovative and deeply personal. Rather than traditional advertising, she creates educational experiences that serve her community while building her business. Her monthly micro-events combine education with relationship building, achieving close rates of 80-90% because attendees are genuinely interested in solutions to their specific concerns.

Her annual Beyond Beauty Celebration has grown from a small grand opening to a major community event hosting over 400 people, complete with tents, food trucks, and a VIP after-party for practice members. The key to success lies in planning 6-8 months in advance and creating systems that can be replicated year after year.

Looking Forward

As Adrian prepares to break ground on a custom-built facility in fall 2026, her story continues to evolve. What started as a simple text message has become a testament to the power of taking calculated risks, building genuine relationships, and never stopping the pursuit of growth and learning.

Her journey from injecting friends and family to planning a new facility with 15-16 employees represents more than business success—it's a masterclass in entrepreneurship, community building, and the courage to transform not just your own life, but the lives of everyone around you.

Learn more about Adrian & Behold:

https://beholdu.com/

https://www.instagram.com/beholdaesthetics_wellness/

This week on For the Record,we're joined by Brandon James Thompson—a seasoned aesthetic industry powerhouse who’s reshaping what it means to succeed in medical aesthetics. From humble beginnings selling copiers to building two thriving companies, Brandon’s journey is a masterclass in reinvention, resilience, and forward-thinking strategy.

In this eye-opening episode, we explore the newest frontiers in aesthetics, where independent reps become trusted consultants, innovation fuels practice growth, and AI transforms patient care from the very first interaction.

Inside the Episode:

Why Independent Reps Are Winning

Once seen as risky outsiders, 1099 reps are now trusted advisors to modern aesthetic practices—bringing curated product portfolios, personalized strategy, and unmatched hustle. Brandon shares how top-tier W2 talent is shifting to independence and why that’s a massive win for practices seeking flexibility and innovation.

Peptides, Portability, and the Power of Innovation

We dive deep into the hottest trends in regenerative medicine, handheld devices that scale with your growth, and non-injectable GLP-1 alternatives like Thinnr. Brandon reveals the criteria he's used to identify quality labs (think: access, price, purity) and how these treatments go far beyond weight loss.

How AI Is Quietly Rewriting the Consultation

Enter Ponce.ai, a web-based tool built by a former Lyft tech lead that transforms patient consults with facial scanning, education, and real-time treatment planning. It’s not about replacing providers. It’s about empowering them (and patients) with data and direction before they ever walk through the door. As a board member, Brandon's had a front row seat to how technology like Ponce.ai has transformed the consult for practices, and we've barely scratched the surface!

Rethinking Patient Financing

Financing isn’t just a transaction, it's a marketing tool and a key opportunity for practice growth. Brandon shares his experience with Shalem and Sunbit, two BNPL solutions helping patients say yes, even in uncertain times. He discusses why every practice should rethink their approach to affordability and access with financing (and we agree!).

Hiring, Growth, and the Human Factor

As the CEO of a recruiting firm, Brandon still personally vets every candidate they place—not just for skills, but for story. Hear how he screens for grit, integrity, and that ever-elusive “X factor” that drives results in aesthetics.

Whether you're a solo injector, a growing med spa, or a seasoned industry vendor, this episode delivers insight on what’s next, and how to be ready for it. Brandon’s philosophy is simple but powerful: the future belongs to those who connect deeply, act boldly, and never stop evolving.

Brandon's Contact & Recommended Companies

Follow Brandon for more insights on how you can future-proof your practice, your career, and your mindset—because the aesthetic industry isn’t just changing. It’s leveling up.

Brandon's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonjamesthompson/

Ponce.Ai: https://www.ponce.ai/

Thinnr: https://www.getthinnr.com/

Centre Research Lab: https://centreresearch.org/

XOD: https://xod.life/

Welcome back to For The Record, Season 6! In this deeply insightful episode, host Dr. Tiphany Hall sits down with Katie Martin, PA-C, Vice President of Clinical Operations at Holden Timeless Beauty (HTB), for a conversation that unpacks career reinvention, operational brilliance, and what it truly takes to scale a practice—with integrity and intention.

Katie’s journey from night shifts in the ER to leading clinical operations for one of California’s most respected multi-location aesthetic practices isn’t just about pivoting her career focus—it’s a testament to building something bold and beautiful during uncertain times. Together with Dr. Amanda Holden, Katie helped grow HTB during the height of COVID, proving that clarity of vision can outshine even the darkest circumstances.

Katie didn’t start out with her sights set on Aesthetics. But after years in emergency medicine—and a realization that she was no longer helping people in the way she’d hoped—she transitioned to aesthetics in search of “happy, healthy medicine.” That transition eventually evolved into a partnership with Dr. Holden, and after an eight-hour meeting in 2020, Katie signed on to help Dr. Holden build HTB full time.

Today, the practice spans four locations and is backed by Alpha Aesthetics Partners, a private equity platform that values brand autonomy and education just as much as profitability.

Mastering the Business of People

Katie offers an unfiltered look at the real challenges of growth: not finances or space—but people. From approving payroll without knowing how, to managing injector schedules and overseeing compliance, her story is one of relentless learning. Her team-building strategy hinges on a rigorous hiring process anchored in HTB’s core values, including a unique “core values interview” that requires candidates to present how they live those values daily.

Her motto? “Hire for culture, train for skill.”

Transparent Goals & Metrics

While some in the industry believe that sales metrics don’t belong in medicine, Katie offers a powerful counterpoint: call them goals, not quotas—and make them transparent. From weekly metrics to daily text messages, her team thrives in a culture of shared accountability, friendly competition, and peer mentorship. “When you make it about progress, not punishment, the ick factor disappears,” she explains.

Katie shares the importance of KPIs, revenue per hour, and patient conversion as tools to coach injectors and guide clinical training. She describes her elegant consultation strategy that begins with asking patients what they love about their face, a technique that builds trust and ensures holistic treatment plans. Her focus on consistency across providers ensures measurable outcomes and a superior patient experience—one consultation, one injector at a time.

The Alpha Effect

As one of the first partners in Alpha Aesthetics Partners, Katie offers a candid look into the world of PE-backed growth. The result? Better pricing power, more educational access, and stability for staff—all while preserving the identity of the HTB brand. With over 150 injectors connected through Alpha’s community and monthly master classes, Katie describes the partnership as “scaling with support, not losing who we are.”

Becoming a National Speaker

Katie’s journey to becoming a sought-after KOL wasn’t accidental. She set her sights on Galderma’s GAIN trainer program early on, made her intentions known, and backed it up with dedication—logging over 40 trainings in her first year alone. Her advice for aspiring trainers: “Be kind. Be consistent. And show up prepared.”

She’s now also a voice for Alastin and speaks regularly at conferences like Aesthetic Next, where she’ll return in 2025 to moderate panels and speak on compliance, MA-injector synergy, and regenerative medicine.

Connect with Katie:

Instagram: @katie.the.injector

Holden Timeless Beauty on IG: @holdentimelessbeauty

See her live at Aesthetic Next 7.0. Use her discount code Martin75.

We're kicking off Season 6 with Christin Trujillo, the financial guru who's helped countless med spa owners transform their struggling practices into profitable powerhouses. As Senior Financial Consultant and Co-Founding Partner of Maven Financial Partners, Christin has a unique superpower: she can tell you exactly what's happening in your practice just by looking at your numbers—without ever stepping foot inside your doors.

In this raw, no-nonsense conversation, Christin reveals the brutal truth about why so many practices are struggling right now. Spoiler alert: it's not just the economy. With double the number of med spas competing for the same patients compared to just a few years ago, the game has completely changed. The days of patients just showing up because you exist are over.

But here's the good news—Christin doesn't just diagnose the problems, she provides the best path to a solution. She shares the real story behind why one multi-location practice was down over 1,000 appointments but still managed to increase revenue by 15%. The secret? They stopped chasing appointment volume and started maximizing every single patient who walked through their doors.

This episode is packed with the kind of insights that make you want to immediately call your team and implement changes. Christin breaks down why your front desk person (yes, the one doing TikTok dances in the back) shouldn't be your only hope for converting those expensive Google ad leads into paying patients. She explains why rebooking should be as automatic as breathing, and how top-performing practices maintain 80-90% utilization rates while others struggle to fill their schedules.

You'll discover the difference between being busy and being profitable, why revenue per hour is the metric that matters most, and how to know when it's time to hire versus when you need to get out of your own way. Christin also tackles the tough conversations about pricing, team compensation, and the leadership skills that separate thriving practices from those barely surviving.

Whether you're a new practice owner drowning in the chaos of wearing every hat, or an established practice looking to scale without losing your mind, this episode delivers the roadmap you've been searching for. It's equal parts wake-up call and action plan, delivered with a little tough love that only comes from someone who's "been there, done that" countless times!

READ IT! Med Spa Profitability: What the Most Profitable Med Spas are Doing (and How You Can Do it Too)

Christin and her co-founder, Jessica Nunn, authored the essential business guide Med Spa Profitability, which you absolutely must read if you are in our industry!

Purchase on Amazon

Ready to start with Maven? Get your Complimentary Profitability Assessment & find out what your practice needs to go to the next level!

Maven's Website: Mavenfp.com

Christin's Instagram: @christinlangtrujillo

Christin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinmlang/

In this milestone 100th episode, we welcome the incomparable Dr. George Baxter-Holder, VP of Talent Development at SkinSpirit and one of aesthetics' most influential voices. Known for his signature bowties and infectious energy, Dr. George is more than just a celebrated industry leader - he's a recipient of multiple industry awards, an ISPAN fellow, Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist, accomplished author, and mentor to countless professionals in the field. Throughout this special episode, he shares his wisdom and signature magic on topics ranging from personal growth to industry evolution.

Our Favorite Episode Highlights:

• George's inspiring path from his early career challenges to becoming a sought-after trainer and thought leader

• The evolution of SkinSpirit from a single location to 50 clinics nationwide and how culture and talent development have played a critical role

• Crucial insights on maintaining quality and safety standards across a rapidly growing aesthetics organization

• Candid discussion about industry challenges, including the "master injector" trend and the need for standardized credentials

• The importance of authentic leadership and staying true to yourself while scaling your influence

• Vision for the future of medical aesthetics and the role of proper training and education

Dr. George’s story serves as both inspiration and blueprint for success in the field, demonstrating how passion, persistence, and authenticity can shape a remarkable career. As he reflects on SkinSpirit's growth from a single location to more than 50 clinics nationwide, Dr. George offers invaluable insights into how maintaining strong culture and talent standards has been crucial to their success.

One of the most compelling aspects of our discussion centers on the evolving landscape of aesthetic medicine. Dr. George addresses head-on some of the industry's most pressing challenges, including the controversial "master injector" trend and the critical need for standardized credentials.

The episode delves deep into what it means to be an "intrapreneur" in aesthetics - a path that Dr. George advocates as a powerful alternative to private practice ownership. He makes a compelling case for how professionals can build influential, successful careers within larger organizations while maintaining their artistic autonomy and personal brand.

A significant portion of our conversation focuses on the critical role of quality and safety standards in scaling aesthetic practices. Dr. George shares practical insights into recruitment, emphasizing the importance of finding providers who are both humble and hungry. He outlines how robust onboarding processes, clear policies, and regular monitoring systems work together to maintain consistent quality across multiple locations.

Looking to the future, Dr. George shares his vision for the evolution of medical aesthetics. As the aesthetics industry continues to mature, Dr. George emphasizes the need for standardized training, proper credentialing, and maintaining the highest safety standards. His vision for the future includes creating more structured pathways for new practitioners while preserving the artistry and innovation that makes this field unique. This episode serves not only as a celebration of 100 episodes but as a masterclass in leadership, growth, and maintaining excellence in aesthetic medicine.

Learn more about Dr. George:

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-baxter-holder-697939a4/

SkinSpirit: https://www.skinspirit.com/

In this episode of For The Record, we dive deep into the world of aesthetic practice management with industry veteran, author, speaker and podcast host, Danielle Cobo. Drawing from her extensive experience at major aesthetic companies and her current role as a consultant, Danielle shares game-changing insights on turning vendor relationships into powerful business partnerships and building teams that drive practice success.

The Secret Weapon in Your Practice: Your Sales Rep

Remember that sales representative who stops by your practice? They're not just there to sell products – they're potentially your most valuable business consultant. Danielle reveals how these professionals have their fingers on the pulse of what's working across hundreds of practices nationwide. From million-dollar patient events to innovative marketing strategies, your sales rep has seen it all and can bring these insights directly to your practice.

But here's the real game-changer: about 90% of a sales rep's job should be helping you sell through inventory, not just selling to you. That means they're invested in your success and can be a powerful ally in growing your practice. As they come back from their National Sales Meetings in Q1, be ready to ask them to share the best practices they’ve heard from their colleagues and how to bring those ideas to your practice.

Building Trust and Managing Challenges

One of the most valuable frameworks Danielle shared is the LAER approach to patient communications:

- Listen to concerns

- Acknowledge feelings

- Explore solutions

- Respond with a plan

This approach isn't just for patient interactions – it's a powerful tool for all challenging conversations in your practice. Danielle emphasizes that some of her most loyal customers started as her most frustrated ones, highlighting how proper problem-solving can transform relationships.

The Art of Smart Inventory

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of products available in aesthetics, you're not alone. Danielle tackles the common misconception that practices need to carry everything. Instead, she advocates for strategic partnerships with key vendors, explaining how this approach not only simplifies inventory management but can lead to better economics and stronger vendor support.

Building Your Dream Team

Perhaps most importantly, Danielle shares her expertise on building high-performing teams. Her key insight? Hire for character, train for skill. She emphasizes the importance of cultural fit and suggests using tools like DISC assessments to build well-rounded teams. The right team member might not be the most experienced, but they should align with your practice's core values and culture.

Next Steps

Want to implement these strategies in your practice? Start by scheduling a strategic planning session with your key vendor partners and use the frameworks discussed in this episode to maximize these relationships

Ready to Transform Your Practice?

Connect with Danielle:

Website: daniellecobo.com

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellecobo/⁠⁠

Danielle’s Book: ⁠⁠Unstoppable Grit: Break Through 7 Roadblocks Standing Between You and Achieving Your Goals⁠⁠

In this week's episode of For The Record, we're continuing our deep dive into the world of medical aesthetics mergers and acquisitions with Josh Swearingen from Tusk Practice Sales. If you've ever wondered about the nuts and bolts of buying or selling a med spa, this episode is your golden ticket to understanding the process. If you haven’t listened to Part I with Josh’s colleague, Elizabeth Macready, head on over to Episode 97!

Meet Our Expert

Josh brings a unique perspective to the table - he's not just another M&A guy- he’s been on the sell side, too! With 20 years of healthcare experience under his belt, including owning his own med spa and managing multiple DSOs, he's been in the trenches and knows firsthand what it takes to make a successful exit. Currently serving as the Director of M&A at Tusk Practice Sales, Josh shares insights that only come from having experienced an M&A transaction from every angle.

The State of the Market: It's Getting Hot in Here

Josh takes us through the numbers, and it’s no surprise to any of us, the med spa industry is on fire right now. Think opening multiple locations is your ticket to a bigger exit? Think again. Josh dropped some truth bombs about the reality of scaling:

• Multiple locations don't automatically mean higher EBITDA

• Every headache in your first location gets multiplied in your second

• You need a whole new layer of management

• Your original location's profits might need to float the new one for a while

Josh’s tip: If you're planning to exit in 3-5 years, opening new locations might actually hurt your valuation. Focus on maximizing what you've got inside your current four walls instead.

What Buyers Really Want (Hint: It's Not Just About Revenue)

The magic number? $500,000 EBITDA. That's your ticket to attracting serious buyers. But here's what's fascinating - it's not just about the numbers. Buyers are looking at:

• How dependent the practice is on you (key-person risk is a real deal-breaker)

• Your operational systems and SOPs (or lack thereof)

• Revenue diversification (not just living off Botox and filler)

• Compliance and risk management (those wild west days are numbered)

The Timeline Nobody Tells You About

As Elizabeth mentioned and Josh echoed, selling your practice isn’t an event, and it’s typical not very fast. According to Josh, the typical timeline looks more like:

• 3 months for valuation and market materials

• 3 months in the market

• 3 months for closing

That's 9-12 months total, and that’s after you've spent years preparing your practice for sale. If you're thinking about exiting in five years, you should have started planning yesterday, or at least start today!

The Future of Med Spas: What's Coming Down the Pike

Josh shared some fascinating predictions about where the industry is headed:

• Expect accelerated consolidation over the next 10-15 years

• Regulatory changes are coming (especially as private equity groups cross state lines)

• The gap between large groups and private practices will widen

• Being a solo practitioner is going to get harder

The Franchise Factor

One of the most interesting discussions centered around the rise of med spa franchises. While they offer an easier entry point for new owners, there are some serious considerations:

• Brand dilution risks

• Exit limitations

• Potential for corporate takeovers

• The impact on the broader industry

Key Takeaways for Practice Owners

1. Start planning your exit strategy NOW, even if it's years away

2. Document everything - those SOPs are worth their weight in gold

3. Focus on building a business that can run without you

4. Get professional help - this isn't the time to DIY

5. Think twice before expanding just for the sake of growth

Want to Learn More?

Learn more about Tusk at www.TuskPracticeSales.com

Follow Josh on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuaswearingen/

In this episode of For The Record, we sit down with Elizabeth Macready, Director of Special Markets at Tusk Practice Sales, to discuss the evolving landscape of private equity investment and practice sales in the medical aesthetics industry. With over 15 years of experience in healthcare M&A, particularly in the dental sector, Elizabeth brings valuable insights and years of personal experience on how medical aesthetics practices can prepare for and navigate potential acquisitions.

We kick it off with Elizabeth outlining the current state of Medical Aesthetics M&A which is not surprising but a reminder that this industry is growing rapidly with very little signs of slowing. We also talk through how to objectively look at your practice and understand its potential market value in an M&A transaction. She shares the key metrics to consider and an overview of the entire deal process:

• EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) is the crucial metric for valuation

• Practice revenue of $3 million+ typically positions a practice well for competitive bidding

• Multipliers and deal structures vary, but the underlying EBITDA calculation is critical

• Buyers may manipulate EBITDA calculations to offset higher multiple offers

While it may seem scary to some, there are a host of major benefits that come along with an exit! We discuss what it can mean for you as an owner, for your team, and for your patients’ experience long-term when you move forward with an acquisition:

• Increased buying power for products and supplies

• Access to better vendor relationships and negotiations

• Enhanced ability to attract and retain talent through career growth opportunities

• Operational support and resources for scaling

• Potential for "second bite of the apple" through future liquidity events

As you listen to Elizabeth talk about the ins and outs of an M&A deal, it’s abundantly clear that you have to have a middleman, a broker, to help navigate the process for you and get you the highest price for your practice. At Tusk, Elizabeth is a trusted guide helping Med Spa owners connect to the right sellers that align to the mission, vision and values of the practice, structure a deal that is favorable to both parties as this is not an event but a long term partnership where everyone needs to win, and in many cases, act as a confidante and counselor throughout the many emotional up and downs that come with this process.

Elizabeth recommends a few key things as you begin down the M&A path and start thinking about your next steps. We cover her hit list which includes starting early which may be well before you intent to sell; build a strong team that provides exceptional patient outcomes and experiences as this is where you create your value; find the right team of advisors to help you with financial decisions along the way, and always keep a close eye on your numbers!

We wrap it up with a look into the future of M&A and Elizabeth's predictions for the next 5 years:

• Continued consolidation across medical aesthetics

• Integration with other healthcare verticals (dermatology, plastic surgery)

• Increasing importance of scale for competitive advantage

• Evolution toward multi-specialty practices and comprehensive care models

Elizabeth’s team at Tusk Practice Sales offer various resources for practice owners considering their exit options, including educational content, podcasts, and one-on-one consultations. They emphasize the importance of proper timing, preparation, and partnership alignment in achieving optimal outcomes for practice sales.

If you are eager to get started and connect with Elizabeth:

Reach out via Tusk’s website: https://tuskpracticesales.com/ & checkout all their free resources!

Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-macready-b38b9a248/

Reach Out via email at [email protected]

This week we welcome power couple and dynamic duo, Jessica Harper, RN and Ken Harper, the innovative forces behind DrippyNurseJess Med Boutique in Gilroy, California. Their remarkable journey from pandemic-induced burnout to med spa success is a testament to how authenticity, a strategic vision, and unwavering partnership can transform a desire for change into a thriving aesthetic practice.

At the height of the pandemic, Jessica found herself at a crossroads. As the Plastic Surgery Services Lead at Kaiser in Silicon Valley—ground zero for early COVID-19 cases—burnout led her to explore alternative paths in healthcare. What began as a venture into mobile IV therapy quickly evolved into something much bigger, thanks to the entrepreneurial vision she shared with her husband Ken, a seasoned digital marketing expert. Together, they have gone all in on their shared goal to create a thriving business and lasting legacy in Gilroy.

Ken flexed his marketing muscle early on with the brand DrippyNurseJess, a bold departure and memorable moniker for her new IV practice! Ken's brand-building expertise shaped this distinctive identity with intention: "We're not going to sell IV therapy," he explained. "We're going to sell your story and build a brand." And as she's branched into injectables, Jessica's DNJ brand is thriving!

Jessica's own experiences with dramatic weight loss and self-proclaimed imposter syndrome fuel her mission to create an environment that is accessible to all and a place that every client can feel like they belong.

Several fundamental principles drive their growing practice:

• Authentic Patient Connections: Drawing from Jessica's surgical background to create meaningful relationships

• Strategic Industry Presence: Regular conference attendance and relationship building with key opinion leaders

• Team Synergy: Clear role division between clinical expertise and business strategy

• Inclusive Environment: Creating a welcoming space for all clients, regardless of experience with aesthetics

• Forward-Thinking Approach: Staying ahead of industry regulations and changes including Jessica's pursuit of her BSN to NP!

The Harper's also shared several practical insights for aspiring med spa owners who are trying to build their clinical expertise while also building their business:

• Invest time in building genuine industry relationships. You will need them as you continue on your journey.

• Maintain authenticity in both branding and patient care.

• Balance clinical excellence with sound business practices - find a partner who can help if you don't have both skills.

• Create an environment where clients feel welcome & deliver great results. If you do, word of mouth will grow your practice by leaps and bounds!

The Harpers exemplify how combining clinical expertise with marketing savvy creates a formula for success. Their story reminds us that with the right partner, you can take on the world and win!

Connect with Jessica, Ken & DrippyNurseJess

Jessica: @drippynursejess

Ken: @kenharpersocialmedia

Website: drippynursejess.com