We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jennifer Fleming. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jennifer below.
Hi Jennifer, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Risk is inherently connected to almost all entrepreneur stories; as risk drives actions, decisions, and hopefully successes. My journey toward becoming an entrepreneur began three years ago when I made the first and biggest risk of my life. Listening to the little voice inside me telling me “to go for it,” and ultimately saying “yes” to the unknown.
For several years I had juggled two nurse practitioner jobs, one in critical care and the other in a medical aesthetic practice. While I never planned on entering into the field of medical aesthetics, it was a field that more or less chose me. Embarking on a new passion takes time and this meant sacrificing free time for working additional weekends, evenings, and days off all in an effort to grow professionally. It was an even greater sacrifice to continue two careers during the COVID pandemic where the physical and mental constraints were beyond comprehension, but somehow I mustered through.
Eventually, I had come to a breaking point where I had to choose which path I was going to pursue. I’d like to say I was more strategic in my risk stratification, but I wasn’t. While seeking out a space to rent for a practice, I found an old Victorian house that was for sale. The moment I walked up the steps and opened the 124 year old door, I was overcome with a sense of knowing. I knew the next chapter of my life would be in that space, and I put an offer on the property a week later. In a few months I rebranded the business, put my families life savings on the line, put together a team of the best providers I knew, and created a space I am so proud to call my own. My path also serendipitously crossed with those I needed in certain moments, from lawyers, leadership groups, entrepreneurs, and other other local providers; all of which made the difficult journey more manageable and perhaps even enjoyable.
Risk and failure are often viewed as synonymous with one another, but I challenge this belief. I believe entrepreneurs must be committed to risk as most successes, opportunities, pleasures, and joys do not exist without risk. We must also accept not just the idea of failure, but the reality that we will likely fail along the way, but through these failure and mistakes we will thrive. The Alchemy Clinic opened it doors two years ago and there isn’t a day that goes by where I am not grateful to be on this journey, risk and all.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My entry into medical aesthetics happened more by chance than by intent. I graduated from Simmons College with a Bachelor’s in Business & Communications. After spending a year at a public relations firm I quickly realized I made a mistake. Fast forward I found the field of nursing and I never looked back. I have spent the last 11 years working as a nurse practitioner in many facets of medicine: hospitalist medicine, emergency medicine, critical care, and medical aesthetics.
If you asked me a decade ago if I would ever end up in the field of medical aesthetics I probably would have silently chuckled. Me? The outgoing, glasses-wearing nerd with a passion for medicine entering into a field known for beauty; probably not. But I was wrong. My assumptions of the field were turned upside down when I actually started getting my feet wet. Yes, medical aesthetics is about facial augmentation, but there is also a focus on skin health, anti-aging, and regenerative medicine where we are now understanding more about how our diet, environment, and hormones all contribute to aging and overall health and how we can use our own bodies to heal. Needless to say, medical aesthetics continues to fulfill me in more ways that I can describe.
My sole purpose and intent of opening The Alchemy Clinic was to provide my patients with a comprehensive approach to skin health, facial rejuvenation, anti-aging, and regenerative medicine. Having worked in other practices I witnessed the piece-meal approach to care that I knew didn’t coincide with my own beliefs of how I needed to care for my own patients. I believe that educated patients are empowered patients and when patients understand their underlying pathology, treatment options, and realistic expectations they make educated decisions, are more engaged in their treatment plan, and are ultimately happier with their results.
Exceptional patient care would not exist without a commitment to patient safety, and two years ago I chose to incorporate the use of ultrasound therapy in my practice. Ultrasonography gives us an image of what exists below the skin surface which can help guide therapy, reduce adverse events, and put patients at ease. Ultrasonography has also given me the power to help patients who are struggling with complications from injectables, both acute and chronic. Medical aesthetics is growing rapidly, and with this growth may come more unexpected and adverse outcomes and hence my desire to be a facility to help patients who are in need.
While I may have established the business and created the brand, The Alchemy Clinic would be what it is today without our incredible team. There isn’t a day where I am not reminded how fortunate I am that I am surrounded with women who are brilliant, creative, and who share the same values as it pertains to patient care, clinical outcomes, and our commitment to ongoing education. A unified team is the foundation of any business, and I am committed to the growth of each and everyone of my team members.
Lastly, I am committed to the growth of medical aesthetics through advocacy efforts and ensuring that medicine remains at the forefront go medical aesthetics. As the Vice President of Aesthetic Medical Providers of New Hampshire (AMPNH) I am proud of our multidisciplinary team that is committed to redefining medical aesthetics here in New Hampshire and for representing this field on both a state and national level.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
Lets face it, growing clientele or in my case a patient panel organically takes time. Albeit slow, organic growth has deeper roots than getting patients in the door with sales and give-away campaigns. I believe the most effective strategy comes down to providing my patients with a wholistic experience that always has their best interest in mind. For me and the providers in the office, our role is not just selling a syringe of filler or a laser procedure, it is about getting to know our patients, their history, their areas of concern, and their expectations for treatment. We can then develop an appropriate plan that will respect their budget and provide realistic and anticipated outcomes. This may also include telling our patients “no” if we believe procedures or treatments are not necessary or indicated or if the risks outweighs the anticipated benefits.
It’s important to understand that medical aesthetic procedures are elective, meaning they are not often covered by insurance. Therefore patients can be placed in vulnerable positions where expectations are not met, aesthetic outcomes are poor, and finances may be wasted if provider intentions are not in alignment.
Practicing with integrity and honesty deepens the patient-provider relationship and creates trust which is important as most people embark on an aesthetic journey rather than completing just one treatment. This also allows for an outcome-based approach and when patients are satisfied and feel well taken care of they will undoubtedly sing your praises and your patient base will grow!
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Training and knowledge is key to any field, but even more so when it comes to medical aesthetics, as this is often not covered in standard medical or nursing training. However in addition to knowledge, I believe perseverance and willingness to help others grow are key components to enhancing success. Having a consistent drive to succeed is crucial, especially when you are not only the provider but the business owner. No one is going to push me harder than myself, and so I set achievable goals, I am constantly envisioning my future and I faithfully fuel my soul with education, trainings and teaching.
As a critical care nurse practitioner I had become accustomed to the practice of knowledge sharing as it was vital to patient care, however, when starting in aesthetics this was definitely not the norm. Gatekeeping helps no one, especially patients, so whenever I have the opportunity to train or mentor I do so willingly. Teaching solidifies your own knowledge and when others grow you too will grow. Lastly, we must stay true to ourselves and our own journey. If we spend time comparing or fearing other peoples successes we are robbing ourselves of our growth and success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alchemyclinic.com
- Instagram: @thealchemyclinic
- Facebook: Facebook.com/thealchemyclinic
- Linkedin: thealchemyclinic
- Youtube: The Alchemy Clinic (trying to get this up and running)
Image Credits
Kassandra Lee Fuhs – Granite Stag Photography