We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashlyn Freitas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ashlyn, thanks for joining us today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.
The idea for our Medspa, TIEV, was born during a pivotal moment in my life. I was on bedrest, pregnant, and reflecting on my career as an executive. Despite climbing the corporate ladder, securing private equity deals, and helping to build companies from the ground up, I found myself dissatisfied. I had spent years working 80+ hour weeks, pouring my energy into a system where, at the end of the day, I felt I had nothing lasting to show for it.
Then, weeks after announcing my pregnancy, I was unexpectedly let go from my executive position. This left me with a profound realization: with a baby on the way, I had to make a choice—sink or swim. That was the turning point. I wanted something more, something I could truly build and nurture, not just for me, but for my family as well.
It was in that moment, while navigating this uncertainty, that the concept of TIEV was born—a vision to create a Medspa that would reflect our values, expertise, and our desire to empower others. It wasn’t just about starting a business; it was about creating a legacy and taking control of our future.
Starting our own practice involved a lot of behind-the-scenes work that most people don’t realize—what I often refer to as the “unsexy” part of business. From drafting contracts and setting up an MSO (Management Services Organization) to negotiating operating agreements, securing licenses, obtaining insurance, and opening business accounts—the list goes on. One of the most significant challenges was ensuring everything was structured properly from the start. That meant finding the right lease, negotiating tenant improvement (TI) allowances, and laying a solid legal and financial foundation for the business.
One key takeaway I learned is the importance of surrounding yourself with the right professionals. Attorneys, accountants, brokers—these experts are crucial in helping you navigate the complexities and protect against blind spots. Their guidance is invaluable in preparing you for the logistical challenges, so you can focus on the bigger picture—like developing your brand and defining your vision.
Simply put: you have to be honest with yourself about your weaknesses. Hire talent that complements your skills and is better than you in areas that are crucial to scaling and running your business efficiently. And don’t hesitate to seek help when needed. Clarity around your brand identity and the audience you serve is essential, so make sure you have the right team to support that journey.
Fortunately, my business partner and I had a very clear vision and direction from the start, which has helped us stay focused. However, despite our experience running multi-million dollar operations, starting a business from the ground up as entrepreneurs is a different challenge. You have to get creative and make significant growth strides with limited resources.
One of our biggest lessons was the critical importance of hiring the right people early on. Startups require a different kind of grit and talent than larger corporations, so we learned to be much more selective in our hiring process. The key takeaway: never compromise on your standards or hire too quickly just to fill a position. The right team is essential to building a strong foundation.
My top advice is this: Never enter into business with people who don’t share your core values. Don’t sacrifice your principles for something that “sounds” good or appears lucrative. Business can be ruthless, but with the right people in your corner, it can also be incredibly fulfilling and the network opportunities are incredible.
Be uncompromising when it comes to vetting your network, vendors, contractors, teams, and business partners. In my early years, I made the mistake of lowering my standards to chase what seemed easier or more glamorous—and every single time, it came back to bite me. Integrity is non-negotiable. Build your business on trust, and never settle for anything less.
Would you have done anything differently knowing what you know now?
Fortunately, my business partner and I had a very clear vision and direction from the start, which has helped us stay focused. However, despite our experience running multi-million dollar operations, starting a business from the ground up as entrepreneurs is a different challenge. You have to get creative and make significant growth strides with limited resources.
One of our biggest lessons was the critical importance of hiring the right people early on. Startups require a different kind of grit and talent than larger corporations, so we learned to be much more selective in our hiring process. The key takeaway: never compromise on your standards or hire too quickly just to fill a position. The right team is essential to building a strong foundation.
Any advice for a young professional who might be considering starting their own?
My top advice is this: Never enter into business with people who don’t share your core values. Don’t sacrifice your principles for something that “sounds” good or appears lucrative. Business can be ruthless, but with the right people in your corner, it can also be incredibly fulfilling and the network opportunities are incredible.
Be uncompromising when it comes to vetting your network, vendors, contractors, teams, and business partners. In my early years, I made the mistake of lowering my standards to chase what seemed easier or more glamorous—and every single time, it came back to bite me. Integrity is non-negotiable. Build your business on trust, and never settle for anything less.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’ve been immersed in the luxury aesthetics and wellness industry since I was 15, and it’s safe to say I’ve been passionate about it from day one. Over the past 16 years, I’ve honed my expertise and developed a deep understanding of what drives both the science and art of this field. TIEV was built on the principle of combining medical precision with a luxury experience. We’re committed to offering results-driven treatments backed by extensive research, all while keeping the experience simple, accessible, and tailored to every skin type.
What sets TIEV apart is the focus we place on the patient journey. We believe every treatment starts with an in-depth consultation that leads to a personalized, long-term plan designed to meet each client where they are in their aesthetic journey. It’s not just about delivering a service; it’s about creating an experience that leaves a lasting impression and measurable results. At TIEV, we put the patient in the driver’s seat, empowering them to take control of their aesthetic decisions with confidence.
We’re revolutionizing the industry by prioritizing the experience first, and the service second. Our unwavering commitment to clinical precision, responsible medicine, and a luxurious atmosphere sets us apart. I’m incredibly proud of the recognition we’ve received from leading publications like Modern Luxury and PopSugar, as well as the trust and loyalty we’ve earned from some of Southern California’s most respected celebrities and clients.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
To succeed in this field, you must be obsessively focused on the consumer and their experience. It’s not just about offering great services; it’s about crafting an experience that goes above and beyond expectations. While this may sound simple, it’s what will truly differentiate your practice from the industry standard.
This is, after all, a medical field that demands the highest levels of respect and clinical precision. But let’s not forget—these are elective procedures and products. People are choosing to invest in their well-being and beauty, and it’s your job to understand exactly who your clients are, what they’re seeking, and how you can deliver an experience that feels personalized and exceptional.
At the end of the day, customer experience is everything. When you get that right, you don’t just build loyalty—you build a reputation that sets you apart.
How’d you meet your business partner?
Success often arises when preparation meets opportunity. My business partner and I had both recently transitioned from private equity roles and were exploring different ventures. His interest in investment opportunities and my background in private equity and executive operations within the aesthetics and wellness sectors naturally brought us together. After months of candid, meaningful conversations, and with the unwavering support of our spouses, we made the decision to found TIEV together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tiev.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tievmedspa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tievmedspa/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlyn-freitas-973880128/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tiev-medical-spa-costa-mesa
Image Credits
TIEV Medspa