We recently connected with Carla Pierson and have shared our conversation below.

Carla, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about your team building process? How did you recruit and train your team and knowing what you know now would you have done anything differently?

When Mary and I set out to start our business, it was just us – no employees, just a shared vision. As our mobile injection venture began to take shape and evolve, we chose a different path from the traditional business model. We didn’t hire employees. Instead, our goal was to empower independent medical professionals to step into the injector role, much like we did. We saw untapped potential in nurses and other medical experts – and wanted to inspire them to expand their horizons using their medical knowledge, not just as healthcare providers, but as entrepreneurs and business owners.

Our strategy was quite unique. We were committed to laying a solid groundwork for these professionals, guiding them to embark on their journey while also giving them all the clinical, business, and legal standards required to be successful. To achieve this, we sought out extensive training from some of the world’s top injectors. It was a passion of ours to share this wealth of knowledge and expertise with each Smiley Injector that joined us.

The process of assembling our initial team was both exhilarating and filled with purpose. We looked for fellow nurses who resonated with our entrepreneurial spirit and were keen on helping clients embrace their beauty, both inside and out. It was crucial that they were dedicated to not just treating but also educating clients, in line with our motto, “Where I Go, You Go, We Go.”

Reflecting on our journey thus far, there’s not a single thing I’d change. In fact, I sometimes wish we had begun this adventure even earlier! Each person and every step we’ve taken has played a unique role in molding our business into what it is today. It fills us with immense joy to know that we’ve had a positive impact on over 100 medical professionals across the country. We strongly believe in the power of teamwork and with countless individuals out there needing our services, there’s plenty of opportunity for all.

Carla, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Carla Pierson, and I’m excited to share with you the heart and soul behind Smiley Aesthetics, a journey that’s been incredibly fulfilling and adventurous for me. I am from Nashville, Tennessee. My path in the medical field spans over 12 years, marked by a deep-seated passion for healthcare and aesthetics. My academic journey is extensive: a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master’s in both Nursing Administration and Business Administration with a healthcare focus, culminating in a Doctorate of Nursing Practice. Professionally, I navigated through various roles in critical care, trauma, and nursing leadership.

The knowledge and experience I gained in hospital operations, healthcare business practices, and compliance with regulatory and state laws laid the groundwork for Smiley Aesthetics. I’ve even had the honor of being a published author in the American Nurse Journal, where I discussed business systems and processes, further establishing my expertise in the business of healthcare.

At the core of my philosophy is a commitment to holistic self-care and enhancing natural beauty. Aesthetics, to me, is more than just a business; it’s an extension of nursing. My dedication lies in helping nurses venture successfully into aesthetics, building on the belief that the field is ripe with opportunities for all. With the right training, I envision every nurse becoming a master aesthetic injector.

My approach is all about promoting overall health and wellness – caring for your skin, hair, nails, joints, and body, complemented by injectables that enhance your natural beauty. Empowering nurses to explore professional opportunities outside of traditional settings is a passion of mine. I’m also dedicated to training nurses to safely perform aesthetic procedures, ensuring compliance as well as beautiful results.

What fills me with pride is the positive impact we’ve made on many lives and the empowerment we’ve offered to nurses across the country. Smiley Aesthetics isn’t just a brand; it’s a movement, a community dedicated to client well-being, confidence in achieving aesthetic goals, and prioritizing health. Our team values natural beauty, believes in the potential of nurses, and strives for excellence in aesthetics. At Smiley, we’re here to support, educate, and guide people through their unique beauty journeys, enhancing natural radiance and celebrating the art of aesthetics.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

The growth and recognition of Smiley Aesthetics in the market is a story of dedication and strategic focus, and our success can be attributed to several pivotal factors:

Expertise and Ongoing Education: Our foundation is deeply rooted in knowledge and expertise. My nursing background, combined with our team’s zeal for continuous education, empowers us to offer top-tier training and services. We continue to advocate that ongoing education is crucial in the aesthetics field.

Empowering Nurses: A key differentiator for us is our genuine passion for empowering nurses. We encourage them to venture into aesthetics as entrepreneurs. Our belief in their potential and commitment to supporting their professional journeys has been a cornerstone of our mission.

Holistic Approach: Our approach goes beyond surface treatments. We focus on overall health and wellness, integrating this with our aesthetic services. This comprehensive care model appeals to clients seeking all-encompassing wellness and beauty solutions.

Uncompromised Safety and Compliance: Safety and regulatory compliance are our top priorities. Our stringent adherence to training and regulatory protocols has earned us the trust and respect of clients and partners alike.

Excellence in Service: At the heart of Smiley Aesthetics is a relentless pursuit of excellence. Our aim to consistently deliver outstanding results and client satisfaction sets us apart.

Community Engagement: We’ve actively worked towards building a community within the aesthetics industry. Our efforts in networking and knowledge-sharing have fostered a collaborative environment that raises industry standards nationwide.

Client Advocacy: The positive experiences and feedback from our clients have been instrumental in establishing our reputation. Satisfied clients often become vocal proponents of our brand.

Innovation and Flexibility: Keeping pace with the ever-evolving aesthetics industry is vital. We’re always on the lookout for innovative practices and emerging trends to enhance our service offerings.

Transparency and Ethical Practices: Our commitment to transparency and integrity in all aspects of our business has garnered respect and loyalty from clients and industry partners.

Overall, it’s our unwavering dedication to education, empowerment, safety, and client satisfaction that has helped us establish a strong reputation within our market. We are committed to maintaining and enhancing this reputation as we continue to grow and evolve.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Absolutely, “Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business” by Gino Wickman has significantly influenced how we operate at Smiley Aesthetics, and I highly recommend it to any business aiming to enhance growth and streamline operations.

The book introduces the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a holistic approach to managing a business effectively. Its impact on our management and entrepreneurial mindset at Smiley Aesthetics is noteworthy for several reasons:

1. Vision and Goal Setting: “Traction” emphasizes the need for a clear vision and well-defined goals. Implementing this has helped us in articulating a long-term vision and establishing specific, achievable targets for both the short and long term.

2. Accountability Structure: EOS advocates for accountability throughout the company structure. This approach has clarified roles and responsibilities for everyone in our organization, leading to increased efficiency and minimized confusion.

3. Process Optimization: The book offers practical solutions for refining business processes. This guidance has been crucial in identifying and eliminating inefficiencies within our operations.

4. Productive Meetings: The concept of Level 10 Meetings, as introduced in “Traction”, has revolutionized our meetings, making them more focused and results oriented.

5. Data-Driven Decisions: Wickman’s emphasis on data in decision-making aligns with our approach. We’ve become more rigorous in collecting and analyzing key metrics to guide our decisions.

6. Culture Development: The text also delves into nurturing a positive company culture. Its insights have been invaluable in enhancing team cohesion and morale at Smiley Aesthetics.

7. Scalability Tools: “Traction” is particularly beneficial for businesses ready to evolve. It provides strategies for creating scalable systems that can accommodate growth without compromising quality or efficiency.

In summary, “Traction” has been a pivotal resource in the growth and development of Smiley Aesthetics. Its practical, adaptable framework has applications in various business sizes and sectors. Any business looking to refine its operational strategies can glean valuable insights from this book.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://smileyaesthetics.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/csmileyinjector
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1508760414&locale=fy_NL
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-pierson-dnp-mba-rn-193793a9/
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/Smileyaesthetics