In the dynamic and competitive field of aesthetic medicine, success is often measured not only by skill but also by the ability to create a welcoming environment for both patients and staff. Julie Scott, an independent nurse practitioner and the proud owner of Facial Aesthetics Essex, stands out as the deserving winner of Clinic of the Year South 2023. Her achievements, including winning Nurse Practitioner of the Year 2022 at the Aesthetic Awards, are a testament to her dedication, hard work, and unique approach to building a successful company culture.
Treating Others as You Wish to Be Treated
Julie attributes the core of her success to a simple yet profound principle: treating others as she wishes to be treated. In a world where people often lose sight of their values, Julie emphasises the importance of remembering why they do what they do. This philosophy is reflected in her strong patient retention and the positive atmosphere she has cultivated at her clinic.
"I think the first thing is that because I treat like I want to be treated, I have a very strong retention, so my patients contribute to me being successful and winning this award," says Julie. Her patient database is a testament to the success of this approach, as it comprises individuals who are not merely paying for services but are genuinely invested in Julie and her clinic's ethos.
Creating a Calm and Beautiful Environment
A key element of Julie's success lies in the carefully curated environment she has created at the Facial Aesthetic Clinic. Located in a rural setting that exudes peace and tranquility, the clinic's ambiance reflects Julie's dedication to providing a calm and beautiful space for her patients. It took five years to find the perfect location, and the effort was worth it to avoid settling for a subpar location.
The appeal of the clinic's environment extends beyond its aesthetic charm; it is a factor that attracts both patients and staff. Julie understands the importance of not just having a beautiful space but also fostering a positive and inclusive culture within the workplace.
Building a Positive Company Culture
While a beautiful environment is enticing, Julie acknowledges that a toxic culture can overshadow even the most aesthetically pleasing setting. Therefore, she places a significant emphasis on creating a workplace culture where everyone is valued and treated equally.
"I am always going to be the boss, but I don't lord that. I listen, I make time, and communicate carefully with my team," Julie explains. The company's strategy revolves around rewarding hard work and proving one's worth. Generosity is a key aspect of the company's culture, but it is only extended when deserved.
Nurturing a Business Family
Julie views her business as a family or tribe where everyone, from staff to patients, must be nurtured and valued. A unique practice she follows involves personally preparing gift boxes for her top 20 to 30 patients. This act of giving, along with a genuine commitment to the well-being of both staff and patients, has contributed to the clinic's success.
"I think about my business as a family, as a tribe. It is a gorgeous environment where everyone has to be nurtured and valued," says Julie.
The Role of Strategic Partnerships
Recruiting and retaining a skilled group of professionals is no small feat, but Julie's approach revolves around patient demand and a holistic approach to healthcare. She identifies gaps in expertise based on patient needs and then seeks out professionals who can fill those gaps.
Julie's commitment to a holistic approach led to the introduction of services such as semi-permanent makeup, dermatology, and plastic surgery at her clinic. She emphasises the importance of meeting patients' needs in a comprehensive way and providing referrals to trusted experts when necessary.
The Support of a Strategic Partner
In her journey, Julie acknowledges the invaluable support of her husband, who plays a vital role in executing the detailed aspects of the business. While Julie brings a visionary perspective and innovative ideas, her husband's background in banking and strategic business acumen has been instrumental in turning those ideas into successful realities.
In conclusion, Julie Scott's journey as the owner of the Facial Aesthetic Clinic and Nurse Practitioner of the Year 2022 is a testament to the power of treating others with respect, creating a positive company culture, and strategically meeting the evolving needs of patients. Her success story is an inspiration for aspiring practitioners and entrepreneurs in the aesthetic medicine industry.
Closing Thoughts
This weeks episode is number three of a three part series from my insightful interview with Julie Scott. If you haven’t read the first or second episode about how Julie entered into the aesthetic industry read it here. I also recently sat down with Dr Sophie Shotter, the Founder of illuminate Skin Clinic so look forward to the future episodes where she reveals her insight into the aesthetic industry and how she runs successful clinics.
If you have any questions, comments or recommendations do not hesitate to comment on this post.
Warm regards,
Dr Bachun Cheema and Dr Kavin Kugan