We were lucky to catch up with Leah Corrin recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Leah, thanks for joining us today. One of the most important things we can do as business owners is ensure that our customers feel appreciated. What’s something you’ve done or seen a business owner do to help a customer feel valued?
One of the most thoughtful things we do at our skincare clinic to show customers that we appreciate them is giving every client a fresh-cut Gerber daisy when they come in for a service. We wanted to create a gesture that would make each client feel special and cared for beyond just the service they receive. The Gerber daisy, which symbolizes happiness and cheerfulness, felt like the perfect touch. It’s a simple but meaningful way to brighten their day, offering a little piece of beauty to take with them.
Clients often tell us how much they love this gesture—it’s unexpected, personal, and brings a moment of joy. For many, it turns a routine appointment into a more memorable experience. They feel appreciated, seen, and valued, knowing we go the extra mile to make them feel special. This little act of kindness creates a positive, lasting impression and strengthens the relationship we build with them. Sometimes, they return to the clinic for multiple services within the month and curate an “EOL bouquet.”
I started the tradition of giving a fresh-cut Gerber daisy when I rented space in a hair salon. My room was in the back of the salon, and I wanted to catch the attention of the salon guests who might not have been aware of my services. After each appointment, my clients would walk from the back of the building to the front entrance holding the flower, and inevitably, the salon guests would notice and ask their stylists, “Where did they get that flower?” or “Why did they receive it?”
It sparked curiosity and conversation and effectively generated interest in what I was offering without any direct advertising. The tradition made my clients feel appreciated and created a buzz in the salon, helping to grow my business through word-of-mouth. That simple flower became a powerful tool for connection and visibility. Twelve years later, we are still going strong. I guess I should have bought shares in our local florist shop!
Leah, 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’m a medical aesthetician with 20 years of hands-on experience, and my journey into the skincare industry is deeply personal. My career began after a 15-year battle with acne, where I found myself frustrated by the many skincare products that promised to clear skin but instead caused future breakouts due to pore-clogging ingredients. After finally clearing my acne, I developed melasma and the professional-grade products I turned to triggered new acne. This cycle led me to create EOL Skincare—a brand that addresses acne and skin concerns like melasma and aging with acne-safe solutions.
EOL Skincare was born from a need for products that didn’t force a trade-off between clear skin and treating pigmentation or aging concerns. All our products are created in FDA-registered labs that meet the highest standards for efficacy, potency, and dermatology testing. I focus on providing clean, acne-safe skincare that delivers real results without the risk of clogging pores or causing further skin issues. Our clients appreciate knowing that our formulas are backed by years of expertise and attention to detail.
What sets EOL Skincare apart is the authenticity of our approach—our products aren’t just developed based on trends but stem from my own skin struggles and those of many others who share similar experiences. I’m proud to say that we are helping people find balance in their skincare routines, targeting both acne and long-term skin health.
Beyond our products, my commitment to clients is personal. I strive to create an environment where each client feels valued. A small but impactful tradition I started is giving every client a fresh-cut Gerber daisy when they come into the clinic for a service. This daisy became a symbol of care and attention to detail.
I’m most proud of our real difference in people’s lives—helping clients regain their confidence by thoughtfully and safely addressing skin concerns. For potential clients and followers, I want them to know that EOL Skincare is built on trust, real results, and a personal connection. When they use our products or visit our clinic, they’re not just a number but part of our journey toward better, healthier skin.
My journey with acne has been a long one—I felt like I tried every possible solution, from medications like Accutane and birth control pills to Spironolactone and antibiotics, but none of them provided a lasting fix. It was incredibly frustrating, and that experience shaped how I approach skincare today. I understand firsthand how difficult it can be to find treatments that work for the long term, which is why I’m so passionate about offering solutions that actually make a difference.
At Essence of L Medi Spa, we offer advanced treatments such as Sciton’s Forever Young BBL Hero, HALO, MOXIE, Sylfirm X, SkinPen, HydraFacial, and more. These treatments address many skin concerns, from aging and pigmentation to acne scars and overall skin rejuvenation. I always joke with my clients that they’ll know exactly where I am in my skincare journey based on the products I release or the treatments I bring into the clinic. My experiences drive me to continuously seek out the best and most effective solutions for my clients, so I stay at the forefront of what’s new and proven in the industry.
This personal connection to skincare is reflected in everything we do at the clinic—whether through the treatments we offer or the care we take with each client. It’s all about finding what works and sharing that success with others.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
My journey started before I graduated from my aesthetics course. For our final semester, we were required to create a business plan. While most students put together standard presentations, I went all out and made a leather-bound scrapbook that detailed every element of my future business. My mom came up with the name “Essence of L” in the middle of the night, with the “L” representing Leah. The scrapbook included everything from the wall paint colours and the type of music I wanted to play to the equipment, skincare lines, location, and even a detailed price list.
After graduating at the top of my class, my teacher asked where I planned to apply for a job. I confidently replied, “Why would I work for someone else making $7.25 an hour when I can make $250 an hour if I’m the business owner?!” I had my heart set on starting my own business.
I went to my dad, a serial entrepreneur, and asked for his advice on turning my business idea into reality. He challenged me to create a marketing and financial plan and come back with an execution strategy. I spent the next month gathering data and putting together a solid plan. My parents were incredibly supportive, and knowing that banks would likely have declined me at that stage, they loaned me the money to get Essence of L off the ground.
A few years later, when I wanted to purchase my first piece of laser equipment, my dad had me go through the same process of creating an execution plan. Instead of asking my parents for help this time, I took my plan to the bank. Based on the credit I had built, I was approved for the loan on my own, which made me incredibly proud. It was a huge step forward, showing me how far I had come in running and growing my business.
Fast-forward 20 years, and I now own multiple laser devices, micro-needling systems, HydraFacial machines, and radiofrequency equipment, with a team of four full-time employees and three contract agencies. It has been an amazing journey thus far, from starting as a solo entrepreneur to building a thriving business while continuing to offer advanced treatments and personalized care to our clients.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Absolutely! At the beginning of COVID, I was hit with the shocking news that my ex-husband of fourteen years had a secret family and a new baby. This revelation shattered my world, and amidst the heartbreak of asking for a divorce, I was also facing the reality of a global pandemic that forced my business to shut down for three months.
Initially, the situation felt overwhelming, as my personal and professional lives seemed to collapse simultaneously. However, that unexpected downtime allowed me to take a step back and really process the magnitude of what was happening. I realized I had an opportunity to pivot rather than stay stagnant and hide from the world.
I dove headfirst into building an online store for Essence of L, which became a lifeline. While I couldn’t treat clients face-to-face, I could reach customers globally, providing them with the skincare products they needed. This helped me generate income and allowed me to maintain a connection with my clients, offering them a sense of support during such uncertain times.
During this period, I was incredibly fortunate to meet the love of my life, Matt, who is now my husband. His unwavering support and encouragement helped me see new possibilities. Together, we rebranded the skincare line to better reflect a client-first philosophy, focusing on understanding and meeting the needs of our customers. This rebranding process was invigorating, breathing new life into the business and positioning us for future growth.
Looking back, what seemed like a devastating moment became a transformative chapter in my life. I learned the power of resilience, the importance of adaptability, and the incredible impact of community and family support. It was a challenging journey, but it ultimately led me to a stronger, more fulfilling path, both personally and professionally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://essenceofl.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EOLMedispa
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EOLMediSpa/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-corrin-698030249/
Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/lainemostert/?hl=en