We recently connected with Jessica Boyd and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jessica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
The inception of Laser Skin Lounge began in 2021, born out of both necessity and inspiration. As a devoted consumer of the medspa industry, I often found myself driving across town to receive services—a routine that became increasingly challenging after having children. With my time stretched thin, the idea of bringing these services closer to home started as a lighthearted comment to my husband: “I’m tired of these long drives; I should open a medspa nearby.” To my surprise, his response was serious and straightforward: “You can.” That moment lit a fire in me, sparking what would become Laser Skin Lounge.
Entrepreneurship has always been a part of my life. I grew up helping my parents at their dry cleaners and later supported my husband as he turned a hobby in his parents’ garage into a thriving business with over 30 employees servicing world-class brands. These experiences laid the foundation for my own entrepreneurial journey. With my husband’s encouragement, I began diving into the medspa world with curiosity and determination. I started mystery shopping at spas, researching the machines they used, evaluating booking systems, watching countless YouTube videos, and consulting friends in the industry. I reached out to equipment companies, sharing my ambitious vision, and they helped guide me in the right direction.
However, life has its seasons. As my children grew into school-age kids and we relocated our business to a new location, my dream had to be put on hold. But the dream never faded. By January 2024, I revisited the idea with my husband, who simply said, “This is your year.” Those words reignited my resolve.
This time, I approached my vision with even more focus and clarity. I reconnected with industry contacts, leaned on friends with expertise, and partnered with a commercial realtor who understood my vision. I learned that the key to turning an idea into a reality is to continuously refine your plan, conduct thorough market research, and stay grounded despite the avalanche of information available today. My prior business experience taught me the importance of foundational systems—a strong CRM and booking platform were non-negotiables. I analyzed competitors’ tools and reflected on what I valued most as a consumer. Marketing, too, became a cornerstone of my strategy, and finding a reputable team to help me communicate my brand was essential.
None of this would have been possible without the power of our network. My husband and I have long been part of a car group and a nonprofit organization filled with entrepreneurs at various stages of their journeys. Their wisdom, support, and camaraderie have been invaluable. These connections have shown me the strength that comes from sharing experiences and learning from others.
Laser Skin Lounge is not just a business; it’s the culmination of years of dreaming, learning, and planning. It’s proof that when inspiration strikes, and you pair it with determination and the right support system, the possibilities are endless. This is my year, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next.
Jessica, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
At Laser Skin Lounge, we offer a range of services including laser hair removal, facials, laser facials, chemical peels, and more. What I love most about owning Laser Skin Lounge is helping people fall in love with their skin. Growing up with traditional Korean parents who discouraged me from wearing makeup, even into adulthood, I had a very different experience from my peers. While it was challenging at times, I’m forever grateful for it because it helped me embrace my natural skin.
Our clients come from all walks of life and are on different skin journeys. Some struggle with picking their skin, some have battled severe acne, while others have faced external factors that have impacted their complexion. No matter where they are on their journey, we meet them with understanding and compassion, helping them love their skin. Even clients who come in for laser hair removal are amazed at their results and no longer need to shave. We’ve seen clients who have dealt with melasma and pigmentation for years moved to tears when they see their skin clear up.
But it’s not just about skin. We celebrate the milestones in our clients’ lives—engagements, pregnancies, children’s soccer wins—and offer support through tough times, whether they’re dealing with loss or navigating life’s challenges. This deeper connection is the unexpected joy of owning a medspa. It’s the reason why every team member at Laser Skin Lounge wakes up each day excited to meet our clients where they are, helping them feel their best, inside and out.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the most significant shifts I had to make was breaking free from a scarcity mindset. My parents immigrated to America as adults, having grown up during the Korean War. They navigated the challenges of an unfamiliar country, learned a new language, and worked tirelessly to build a better life. They instilled in me a strong work ethic, teaching me the importance of being the best at whatever I do and striving to be a top achiever in both school and work. However, growing up in a rural environment, they also understood the value of money, which shaped their approach to budgeting, consistency, and risk aversion.
While these lessons were valuable, I came to realize that entrepreneurship is rooted in risk-taking. I saw my parents sell their dry cleaners just before the 2008 economic downturn, which made me cautious and more attuned to market trends. It also planted a seed of fear whenever I heard negative news. Yet, I learned that, contrary to my parents’ decision to pivot and sell, the downturn itself often creates opportunities. It’s about finding a way to adapt without letting fear take hold.
Though consistency is crucial in business, leading a company driven by fear isn’t sustainable. Even in tough economic times, businesses can not only survive but thrive. The biggest lesson I’ve learned through this journey is the importance of trusting in God and tuning out the external noise. If I had allowed the fear and uncertainty to dictate my decisions, I would have never started my business. I would have let the “over saturated market” mindset stop me, I would have let the “election outcome” stop me. It’s almost as if this darker power is trying to stop most people from ever stepping out. But I ran towards the glimmer of light finding hope and beauty in every situation.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Books are an invaluable treasure trove of wisdom for any manager or entrepreneur. Works by John C. Maxwell and Jim Rohn, in particular, have the power to transform your life—both professionally and personally. Anything written by Maxwell or Rohn is a must-read for anyone serious about growing their business and enhancing their character. Jim Rohn is someone I turn to regularly, especially in the mornings, to set the right mindset for the day. His teachings ground me and help me stay focused as an entrepreneur. On the other hand, John C. Maxwell is like a guiding father in leadership development. His insights have shaped the way I approach leadership, growth, and decision-making.
Maxwell’s material has taught me to view every problem or situation from multiple perspectives, helping me avoid blind spots and think more holistically. His influence has made me a more thoughtful, compassionate leader. Rohn’s guidance, meanwhile, keeps me grounded and focused on what really matters, ensuring I stay aligned with my entrepreneurial goals. Any material from these two men is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to improve their personal and professional life.
In addition to their teachings, one book that profoundly impacted my journey as an entrepreneur is *The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It* by Michael E. Gerber. This book can be a tough pill to swallow, as it forces you to self-reflect and honestly assess your role as a business owner. It asks difficult questions: Are you simply a glorified employee in your own business? Are you truly leading your team, or are you unknowingly contributing to burnout? This book helped me gain clarity about who I am as a business owner, who I aspire to be, and how to build a business structure that aligns with those goals. It was a critical turning point in how I approach both leadership and entrepreneurship.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://laserskinlounge.com
- Instagram: @laserskinlounge
- Facebook: /laserskinlounge
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/laser-skin-lounge-no-title
