We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr Verlisha Goins. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr Verlisha below.

Dr Verlisha , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?

After completing my Masters degree and certification as a Nurse Practitioner, I recall telling a friend of mine “I’m going to give myself 10 years to have my own practice”. I wanted to gain the clinical experience and expertise to venture out on my own. The first step is having the confidence and bravery to just do it. My first business was short lived and a partnership with friends. I don’t think I thought I could do something like this by myself, but I also quickly learned how difficult it is to form a business with others. Everyone has their own ambitions, work ethic and even personal lives so it takes a lot of patience and understanding but also differentiating business from personal. I learned a lot from that experience so it has definitely given me the ability to move forward on my own successfully and without fear.

I think the one thing I would have done differently is just believed in my capabilities a little more. I don’t regret not listening to the people who told me not to go into business with my friends, because I think that’s exactly what it took for me to see just how much I wanted this. They wish me the best and I wish the same for them, always!

If I could give one piece of advice to a young professional it would definitely be to be prepared. Be prepared to do hard things, make hard decisions and have hard discussions. Also, don’t get so caught up with social media making things look easy because it’s NOT! You have no idea what goes on behind the other side of the screen so always go with your plans for yourself even if it may not look like what everyone else in your industry is doing.

Dr Verlisha , 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 am Verlisha Goins or Dr Vee NP to some. I am a board certified Nurse Practitioner and the owner and operator of Sophisticated Skin & Beauty. Long story short, I became a nurse because I wanted to help and advocate for others the way the nurses in the NICU helped and advocated for me as a 20 year old new mom. It was absolutely amazing what they did for me and I knew I wanted to leave that same mark on the patients I encountered.

As a RN I wanted to make my way into dermatology as a specialty. I had a few interviews but was never hired due to lack of experience and “not a good fit.” I’ve worked in family practice happily for the past 8 years but I’ve always enjoyed skin. It’s quite obvious how underrepresented skin of color, specifically black women, has been in the industry of dermatology and aesthetics for so long, but that narrative is changing. I have a very long way to go but I had to basically build my own table. Opening my own wellness spa and incorporating all the things I love while also paying to train in aesthetics so that I can be a representation of black women was what sealed the deal for me.

What makes my spa unique is that I don’t limit my patients to what they want and need. If I’m qualified and trained to provide it, I will. I help people feel better and empowered. I give people, specifically women, a place to care for themselves through health, beauty and wellness. I think what sets me apart is I’m heavily focused on collaborating with other businesses that complement my services to optimize my patients results.

What I am most proud of is that I did not give up at a time where I easily could have. I never once looked at my downfalls as a fail but always a learning experience or a business investment. When you gain something from it, how could it possibly be a loss? Although being a solo business owner does make you work more, I am happy to have control over my schedule and the ability to be present for my 2 girls. That for me is the ultimate goal, more time with my family.

For my potential clients and followers, please know that I am always looking for ways to better myself and expand my knowledge base. This is the beginning for me and I have so many plans for the future that I’m excited about as it pertains to my business and brand.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy to growing my business I believe has been simply being myself. I have come to the realization that people, most people, do not come to my practice because of what I offer, but because of who I am. Majority of my patients find me by word of mouth or google. They could go anywhere that does what I do but when you are nice and caring to the people you encounter and do a great job, they’ll tell their friends and loved ones and the cycle continues. But also remember, you can’t please everyone but it is certainly always the goal.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Being around like minded people as well as those that are more knowledgeable than me in business, has been pivotal. Having someone to brainstorm with and bounce ideas off of is most helpful. I have an amazing circle of friends in multiple states that do the same services give or take and some who don’t do the same services as me, who I can vent to often without judgment. My husband has also really made this journey easier for me. His support has been top tier. He’s sacrificed a lot to be sure I can attain my goals because he sees the end goal. He doesn’t judge my decisions when sometimes they may not make sense to him. I really appreciate all that him and my girls have accepted from me over the years as I learn to balance it all. Support is the one word answer to this question.

Contact Info:

• Website: Sophisticatedskinbeauty.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sophisticatedskinb?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SophisticatedSB?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verlisha-goins-dnp-aprn-fnp-c-a1b36647
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/drveenp?s=21&t=80-fzNAbcDH_y-plV6pAOA
• Other: Tiktok: sophisticatedskinb

Image Credits
Out the Ordinary Photography