We were lucky to catch up with June Marie Russo recently and have shared our conversation below.

June Marie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear a story from back when you were an intern or apprentice. What’s a memorable story you can share with us?

I had every intention to become a grocery store manager for one of the the top 100 best places to work and in my head that was going to be my career path. My husband (at the time) was also working for the same company but he didn’t like his job. I had a feeling of guilt that I was climbing the ladder to success and he was so unhappy, struggling to pull a good gross for his department. He would come home so unhappy.
When I took some time off from work to care for my first child, I decided it might be best if I broke away from the grocery store success path so as not to compete with my husband. I went to an open house interview for a part time position as a receptionist at a plastic surgery office. I knew very little about the health care industry but I took home as much literature that I could be learn more with hopes that I would qualify for a second interview. In the meantime, I also registered for a medical terminology course through the local community education program.
I was contacted for a second interview where I met the plastic surgeon who asked me why he would want to hire me knowing that I did not have a medical background. He asked me if I even knew what a Rhytidectomy was and I advised that I didn’t know when I walked into his office for the first interview but that I had been studying and I told him that this procedure was also known as a facelift. I mentioned that I signed up for the medical terminology course which brought a smile to his face. I believe he noticed how I was very willing to learn as much as I could and would be most respectful and helpful to his patients and other employees. He took a chance and hired me. After about three weeks when my son was about three months old I was asked to work full time. I love my new career and was starving to learn as much as I could and it was apparent. Working the in plastic surgical practice then provided me with the opportunity to manage another provider’s office. During those eighteen years, I learned about many skin care treatment protocols and became certified in the use of aesthetic devices.

A time came where I had a desire to work on my own and opened up a skin care center in Upstate New York and seven years ago moved to Arizona where I have a flourishing practice.

When I think about how this all came together, I believe it was my personality that helped me get into the surgeon’s office. I stressed how much I am a people person and that I didn’t mind hard work. I was grateful for the opportunity.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I think it’s very important to continue your education. I spend a good amount of time studying the latest industry trends and take refresher courses on a regular basis.

I also feel that it’s important to serve your community and to stay connected when not at work. It’s a great way to network and gain new clients.

Having an alternative source of income or career interest is also important to me. I have almost always had at least two different types of careers at the same time throughout my adult life. Last year I invested in a vacation rental which I’m very excited about.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Keeping existing clients is very important. They are usually the clients who refer others to my skin care practice.
I struggle when businesses like mine offer promotions only to new clients. It’s our established clients that keep us going.

Let’s talk M&A – we’d love to hear your about your experience with buying businesses.

I used to keep an eye on the real estate market to see if I could afford to purchase my own building where I could offer not just skin care but a wide array of beauty and wellness services. One day I saw that a property that had been for sale for a very long time became drastically reduced. I took a chance and was able to purchase the building. I ran into having to get a variance on the property approved which was successful but of course stressful as well.

In order to furnish the location, I would look to see what might be available on Craig’s List, for example. There was one person who was responsible for selling her friend’s spa contents. Everything was in such good shape and all good quality brands. I wasn’t sure if I could afford it, but when I was told how much I would have to come up with for everything, I started ty cry as I was so excited that I did have enough money to purchase all. The seller also had tears in her eyes. She mentioned that I reminded her of when she first opened her business. We have remained friends for many years now.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://spaonthespot.skincaretherapy.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spaonthespot/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spaonthespotgoldcanyon