Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sarah Packard-Normand. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sarah, appreciate you joining us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

I remember like it was yesterday. I had been with the previous owner of the aesthetic business for over two years. We worked great together and I truly loved that I got to come to work and help people feel better in their skin. I had set up a meeting with Georgia to go over my performance and ask for a raise. She allowed me to start the meeting and I was excited to talk with all that we had accomplished together and what the future looked like. After I finished, she gently answered, “Sarah, what do you think about 100%?” And she proceeded to hand me a business proposal outlining the sale of her Durango location. To say I was shocked, is an understatement. I was not expecting her to believe so much in me and know that I was ready to take on such a big task of owning a medical spa. And with her encouragement, support and guidance we moved forward with the sale and starting in January 2019 I have been on my own growing my vision and dream of owning my own Aesthetic Center.

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.

My aesthetic career began in 2006 when I began working for American Laser Centers in Austin, TX. I was the clinic manager, overseeing the esthetician and laser technicians. I absolutely loved the industry and knew I wanted to expand my skill set. I decided to go back to school for nursing so that I could eventually become an aesthetic injector. After settling in Durango and soon buying my own aesthetic clinic, I felt like I was living a dream. Lots of hard work comes with a business owner but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Aesthetic and Wellness offers a wide range of beauty services including lasers, botox, fillers, thread lifts, micro needling, laser hair reduction, skin tightening, hormone replacement therapy, and more. I like to think that my patients feel better when they walk out of our clinic, and we give solutions to problems that are concerning them.
I’m most proud of the growth the business has taken in the last year. I took a huge risk and bought a building off Main Ave. It was way to big for what I needed, but my vision of leasing out the space to other beauty business took flight. We now are known as The Aesthetic and Wellness Center of Durango with Highland Nails, Wild Rose Esthetics, and just finished remodeling a room that is up for availability.
We want patients to know that our goal is your happiness, and we love turning back the aging clock!

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

The most effective strategy I have found for growing the business clientele is word of mouth marketing. I strive to do my best with each patient that is sitting in front of me. And it all starts with truly listening to them and what they are seeking. From there, I deliver my skills and treatment. It is a great honor when a patient brings me their mom, husband, or best friend. Thats when I know I’m doing something right.

Any advice for managing a team?

I’ve heard from other business owners the most stressful part is managing employees. I would not disagree with this and have had my experience with some of the best employees I could ask for and challenging moments with others. We all are going to have our days that we just don’t want to do it. However, if you can choose a different attitude before you walk into your employment, you are choosing a better experience. I also strive to my team that if you are going to follow the money, then you have lost the connection. No one is working for free, but the intent needs to be connecting and striving to achieve the goals of the patient.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.AestheticsDurango.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aestheticsdurango/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AestheticsDurango

Image Credits
Ginger Moose Photography