Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brandon Mullen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Brandon , appreciate you joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

I have worn many hats since starting to work at the age of fifteen. From being a dishwasher at a restaurant to a cashier at a grocery store, and bedside nursing in a hospital to client relationship executive at a software company, it’s taken over two decades to find my passion in the business side of aesthetics. In February of 2024 I had a realization that at the ripe age of 39, I (statically) am about halfway through my life. The vast exposure and experiences that I have had thus far illicit an almost panic moment flavored with imposter syndrome and I immediately thought “wow, that was quick”. Since then, the remainder of 2024 has been a thought provoking internal journey of self-discovery that has led to the propulsion of several new endeavors to shape the trajectory of my life.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

As a bachelor’s prepared registered nurse with over 20 years of healthcare experience, my journey to aesthetic practice management followed an unconventional but purposeful path. I began my career in critical care nursing specializing in ICU and abdominal transplant care, before transitioning into case management for a major insurance company. My career then evolved into healthcare technology, where I served as a Senior Client Success Executive, managing relationships with key stakeholders and driving operational excellence.

In 2021, I took a leap of faith into the aesthetics industry, becoming the fractional Aesthetic Practice Manager at Aiyana Atelier Studios in Virginia. This role allows me to leverage my diverse healthcare background to optimize daily operations, enhance client experiences, and implement strategic improvements in marketing, IT, and process management.

What sets my approach apart is the unique combination of clinical expertise, technology experience, and operational knowledge. I understand both the medical and business aspects of running a successful aesthetic practice, which allows me to:
– Streamline operations while maintaining clinical excellence
– Implement efficient systems that enhance both patient care and profitability
– Bridge the gap between clinical staff and business objectives
– Create scalable solutions for practice growth

Beyond individual practice management, I’m proud to serve as faculty for the American Med Spa Association, speaking at multiple Business Bootcamps and the Med Spa Show. I’m also a faculty member for Aesthetic Record, sharing insights at their Aesthetic Next and Xcellerator events.

One of my proudest achievements is founding the Aesthetic Practice Management Group (APMG), a virtual mastermind community for aesthetic practice managers nationwide. APMG addresses a crucial gap in our industry by providing a platform for practice managers to connect, share resources, and grow together professionally. Through this initiative, we’re elevating the standard of practice management across the aesthetics industry through monthly membership calls and now a virtual conference, #APMG Assembly.

I’m also the co-founder of the Aesthetics Injector Gang Podcast, where we discuss the daily nuances and challenges of the medical aesthetics space. This platform has become a valuable resource for industry professionals while building a vibrant community. AND why not have a second podcast; the Injector Business Blueprint just launched, where my colleague Erin MacNeil and I discuss med spa business ownership and experience from her ownership coaching lens married with my practice manager purview.

As if I didn’t have enough on my plate, being a true Aries, I’m embarking on an investment in a start up med spa located in Greensburg PA. The stars and moons have aligned for the perfect people, places, and relationships in my life to make this happen, and I am excited to launch MPWR Aesthetics and Wellness in Q1 2025!

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

The most helpful aspect in succeeding in my field (which I’ll broadly umbrella under aesthetics) is to lead with genuine intention. No matter if I am consulting with an individual or building a practice, when authenticity and humility are leading the way (and not money) things tend to go in a positive direction. A common misconception in this space is that aesthetics is a cash cow. If you do it correctly and re-invest in your providers and patients, it is not. Building a truly loyal following takes more than offering discounts and 20 minute, quick in and out appointments.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your firm or practice?

One concept that my father taught me is to always use someone else’s money. In order to gain enough start up capital, I’ve leveraged zero percent deferred cash advances on personal cards for 9-12 months. Paired with zero percent deferred financing rom credit cards to help with things like initial product orders that are higher cost initially, this can help me to avoid higher interest loans. Of course, this is not without inherent risk. But I feel so strongly about this business model and plan that I feel comfortable throwing all my chips in to avoid outside financing and investments.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_aestheticconsultant
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmullens27
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@theinjectorbusinessblueprint?si=A1wJL7razJK5V704
• Other: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/the_aestheticconsultant

Image Credits

Tina Leu