We recently connected with Marya Khalil-Otto and have shared our conversation below.

Marya, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Crazy stuff happening is almost as certain as death and taxes – it’s technically “unexpected” but something unexpected happening is to be expected and so can you share a crazy story with our readers

When it comes to extraordinary tales, I have one that you might find almost unbelievable. Back in 2010, I was working at my father’s clinic, in Miami. Handling the phones meant I was the gatekeeper for all of Dr. Khalil’s calls.

One particular day, an unexpected call came through. The voice on the other end urgently requested to speak with Dr. Khalil regarding his business operations in California. I promptly transferred the call to my father. After he finished the conversation, he approached me, his face a mixture of shock and disbelief, to relay the startling details.

The male caller had shared alarming news: checks issued by my father’s California business were bouncing, both to vendors and employees. Bills were piling up unpaid. Most troubling of all, it was alleged that the current CEO was embezzling significant funds and presenting my father with falsified financial statements.

My father was deeply concerned over the anonymous tip. Hoping to offer some clarity, I mentioned that the caller ID had displayed the name “XXXX.” Recognizing it as the last name of his bookkeeper, my father exclaimed, “That must have been her husband!” And indeed, it was. Every accusation turned out to be true. The CEO, who shockingly was my father’s high school best friend, had been pilfering hundreds of thousands of dollars and deceiving him with fabricated financials.

It was at this juncture that my unexpected journey began. I was dispatched to Los Angeles to assist with a skincare venture I hadn’t even been aware of (I had just graduated college). My father wrestled with his emotions, he even considered forgiving his old friend for the betrayal. He ultimately concluded that trust had been irreparably shattered and he could no longer have him in the business. Opting for leniency, he chose not to press charges. Yet, in a twist of continued deceit, this very same person soon launched a rival skincare brand, mirroring my father’s product line in every detail, from ingredients to branding.

Betrayals like this are a bitter pill to swallow. But this experience made me realize how important it is to use your energy and momentum to drive your own business forward. Getting entangled in the antics of competitors can detract from what truly matters. Every business will face competition, whether fair or unscrupulous.

Today, as I reflect on this journey, there’s a happy ending: I now lead that very skincare company and we just landed on the INC 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing companies!! Perhaps, in the grand scheme of things, this was my preordained path. I was destined for this role.

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.

The Vitality Institute is The leading professional treatment and clinical skincare brand, and creator of the revolutionary VI Peel. Backed by decades of research, and dedicated to diversity, all products and treatments are proven to perform on pigmentation, dark spots, and sun damage

Founded by Dr. Abdala Khalil, Vitality Institute — and their revolutionary VI Peel — was inspired by his eldest daughter, Marya, and created as a solution to her hormonal, cystic skin. After his unexpected passing, Marya — at the young age of 25 — stepped in with two intentions: to take care of her family and to keep her father’s memory alive. This sparked empowerment within her, and today, Marya Khalil is the President and CEO of VI Peel.

Under Marya’s leadership, VI has grown to offer six medical grade VI Peel formulations customized for various skin conditions, and VI Derm, a full portfolio of clinical daily care products specifically formulated to reduce pigment and increase cell turnover. Her mission is, and has always been, to help people of all skin types restore their confidence, so they can reach their true life potential.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

One of the cornerstone elements that helped us cement our reputation in the market is the unwavering trust we garnered from medical and aesthetic professionals globally. Our foundation is deeply rooted in expertise. We were founded by a physician who wasn’t just skilled in his field but was also an entrepreneur at heart. This unique combination provided our company with a deep understanding of both the medical intricacies and the business dynamics.

When it came to product design and development, our approach was always ‘professional-first.’ We made painstaking efforts to comprehend the needs, challenges, and aspirations of professionals in the industry. This wasn’t about merely churning out products; it was about crafting solutions tailored for the very experts who’d be using them.

By consistently delivering on our promises and ensuring that our products stood up to the rigorous demands of the industry, we fortified the trust placed in us. Every product became synonymous with reliability, every service interaction echoed our commitment, and every innovation underscored our dedication to elevating industry standards.

In essence, our reputation wasn’t built overnight. It was a culmination of deep-seated expertise, a clear understanding of our audience, an unwavering commitment to excellence, and most importantly, an undying dedication to earning and maintaining the trust of the professionals we serve.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

As a millennial, I have an inherent advantage: I grew up during the meteoric rise of social media, which has revolutionized how businesses communicate and relate to their clientele. For me, platforms like Instagram, are not just tools, but integral extensions of my professional persona.

I’m an introvert by nature. Traditional networking events or face-to-face interactions can sometimes feel overwhelming. But social media has become my game-changer. It bridges the gap between my reserved nature and the imperative to reach out, allowing me to engage with clients and potential customers in a comfortable, yet effective manner. It’s a space where even introverts can shine, express, and most importantly, connect.

What’s particularly beautiful about these digital platforms is the organic relationships that bloom. It’s exhilarating to initiate a connection on Instagram with a client and then see that virtual relationship materialize into a real-life collaboration or meeting. This seamless blend of the online and offline worlds amplifies our brand’s reach and fosters genuine, lasting relationships.

But it’s not just about presence; it’s about active engagement. I make it a point to be consistently active and connected on our social media channels. Whether it’s responding to comments, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, or curating content that resonates with our audience, I am hands-on. This approach not only keeps our brand top-of-mind for our clients but also reinforces their loyalty by demonstrating that we genuinely value and appreciate their engagement.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.vipeel.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/maryakhalil
• Facebook: facebook.com/vipeel
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryakhalil/
• Youtube: youtube.com/vipeel