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

Alright, Elizabeth thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with 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.

I started my Career off as an LPN. I knew I wanted something more or different. Being a nurse was very satisfying, but I was losing my passion for it. In 2006 I decided to make a career change and went back to school for Aesthetics. I was not sure where the industry was going to take me, but I knew I wanted to own my own business I always had an entrepreneur spirit.. After school I went on to learn more of the medical aspects of Aesthetics and became certified in Laser treatments, Micro needling, and Injections. In 2007 I opened my own Spa. I was not quite prepared for the cost to open and operate a spa, but I knew I had to take the risk of financial loans in order to reap the reward later on. Once everything was open and in place. I worked with a life coach to help me get customers in the door. Through hard times and perseverance within a year I had a great successful business. In 2008 we had a housing market crash and my business struggled. I put everything in storage and applied for work at a dermatology clinic. I learned way more then I ever thought I would so after a few years there, I decided to go work for a plastic surgeon where I gained even more incite into the industry. I still had the heart for owning my own business and with all the new experience and thriving economy, I opened up my new Medical Spa, Evolve Med Spa even with its up and downs it has become very successful and I could not be happier. I love my clients and I love their stories. My job as a owner is to listen to the needs and wants of my clients, it is also to teach my clients and share with them the knowledge I have to help them. With success comes heartache, financial stresses, economic ups and downs, employee struggles, continuing education in a constant evolving field, but if you have the drive, the heart and perseverance you will and can succeed.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was an LPN before deciding to change my career. I can not stress education enough. We are in an Industry where it is constantly evolving and to be successful you have to stay up to date. Please do your own research, there is so much out there from products to equipment to different treatments. Find your niche and go for it. Remember this is not a competition women need to support women do not be to proud to ask for advice or help from others we all need it from time to time. Being in the Industry for 15 years my most cherished accomplishment is the creation of my own skin care line. If you have a passion do not put it on the back burner, just go for it!

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think what helped me build my reputation was reviews. If I knew a client was happy or satisfied with a specific treatment I would ask them to please write a google review or a yelp review, I would explain their reviews would allow for my business to grow. I have not paid for advertising in 5 years my business has solely come from word of mouth or google. I am currently at the top of google for my area just because of reviews and my 5 star rating. No matter what kind of day you are having always put a smile on your face.

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

Belonging to a group in the same field as you, is so powerful. I have had to deal with some very complicated skin issues and having these groups and being able to ask for advice has been a saving grace for me. To this day after 15 years I am still learning and most of it is coming from other Spa owners. Follow fellow spa owners or Aesthetic businesses on social media. I will admit I was awful with all this social media stuff and once I hired a marketing team I am gaining even more incite and business is booming even more. I wish I had done this years ago.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.evolvemedispa.com
• Instagram: evolvemedicalskinspa
• Facebook: evolvemedicalskinspa
• Yelp: evolve medical spa
• Other: Tik Tok evolve medical spa

Image Credits
Joy Marriott My Social Media guru Mark Nielsen My husband and supporter