Renew MedSpa, Julie Davis
Renew MedSpa, founded an owned by Julie Davis, faced a challenging start when they opened their doors on March 1, 2020, only to close them shortly after due to the pandemic. Despite these obstacles, Julie managed to reopen in June and the spa has been thriving ever since. Julie's background in corporate communications and her passion for aesthetics drove her to start the business. The spa offers a range of services, from laser hair removal to skin resurfacing and weight loss programs. While facing challenges such as parting ways with a business partner, Julie's focus on personalized care and dedication to helping clients has led to repeat business and positive reviews. She recommends careful planning, utilizing resources like SCORE, and not being deterred by naysayers for aspiring entrepreneurs. The Medspa's success story reflects the importance of believing in oneself, seeking mentorship, and adapting to challenges.
I am the founder of Renew MedSpa, a full-service medical spa offering services like laser hair removal, CoolSculpting, Botox, fillers, advanced skin tightening and resurfacing, facials, microneedling, and a weight loss injection program. Our focus is on providing high-quality customer service and taking the time to understand each client's individual goals. When meeting with clients, I ask myself how I can be a blessing to them and what solution I can provide to correct and help with the issue they present. The best compliment I can receive is that I made a difference in someone's life for the better.
I had a unique journey that led me to start Renew MedSpa. After working in corporate communications at Wells Fargo for 21 years, I got laid off at the age of 50. This prompted me to consider a different path. I took laser courses, which sparked my interest in the medspa industry. With my background and skills, I saw an opportunity to create something special. Despite challenges, I followed my passion, did research, and with the support of resources like SCORE, I turned my vision into reality.
What sets Renew MedSpa apart is our focus on being a boutique medspa that prioritizes high-quality customer service. We don't aim to become a large conglomerate, but rather to provide personalized care to each client. Our goal is to truly understand people's needs and guide them toward the right services. We take the time to get to know our clients and offer a level of care that goes beyond just quick transactions. We're dedicated to making a positive impact and helping people look and feel their absolute best.
Being a business owner has had its share of highs and lows. One of the lows was dealing with a difficult and toxic business partner, which led to a lengthy legal process to separate our partnership. This was a difficult and stressful time. However, since then, I've been able to grow the business according to my original vision. On the positive side, there have been many wins, such as building a strong client base with repeat customers who trust us. Additionally, I've had the opportunity to become an expert in skin procedures and skincare and I love to learn and master treatments that provide visible and long-lasting results. Despite the challenges, the satisfaction of helping people and watching the business flourish has made it all worth it.
When I was considering starting my business, I knew I needed guidance and support. I had heard about SCORE and its business mentoring services, which intrigued me. I found SCORE through a Google search and attended several webinars and workshops, which provided me with foundational knowledge. The idea of having a business mentor appealed to me, especially because I was entering a new industry. I recognized that SCORE could offer insights and perspectives that I might not have on my own. Seeking help from SCORE was a way for me to tap into experienced professionals who could guide me through the intricacies of starting and running a business.
SCORE has been an invaluable resource on my journey as a business owner. I attended several webinars and workshops, which provided me with essential knowledge and insights. The guidance I received on creating a comprehensive business plan through live plan software was crucial for obtaining an SBA loan. Although I had mentors who were not entirely familiar with the medspa industry, their advice was helpful, especially in the early stages. SCORE's webinars, like the ones on marketing, have also contributed to my understanding of various aspects of running a business. As a free service, SCORE has provided me with tools, support, and connections that have played a significant role in the success of Renew MedSpa.
Their experience and insights, even though they weren't entirely familiar with the medspa industry, have been incredibly helpful. I appreciate their willingness to listen, offer suggestions and resources, and help me think critically about my business.
My advice for anyone considering starting a small business is to believe in yourself and take your time in the planning phase. Don't rush into things; research and preparation are key. Utilize the resources available to you, like SCORE's workshops and mentorship. Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision and can offer guidance. Be prepared for challenges and know that mistakes are part of the learning process. Stay true to your passion and goals, and don't be deterred by naysayers. Starting a business is a journey that requires dedication and perseverance, and flexibility, but the rewards can be incredibly fulfilling.
I would highly recommend SCORE to fellow business owners. Their workshops and mentorship have been invaluable to me. The guidance and insights I received from SCORE have helped me navigate challenges and make informed decisions. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow your business, SCORE provides a wealth of resources and experienced mentors who genuinely want to see you succeed. Don't hesitate to reach out to SCORE for support and advice – it can make a significant difference in your entrepreneurial journey.
One of the key lessons I've learned as a business owner is that it's okay not to know everything and learning is part of the journey. I've come to understand that I can delegate tasks and seek help from others who have the expertise I lack. Recognizing my weaknesses and strengths has been empowering. Another lesson is the importance of taking risks. Stepping out of my comfort zone is when I learn and grow the most. Also I've realized that mistakes are valuable learning experiences, whether it's choosing the wrong software or making the wrong decision. Mistakes are okay l and help me grow and be better. Lastly, I've come to appreciate the significance of finding the right people to surround myself with—those who believe in and support me. Overall, being a business owner has taught me resilience, adaptability, and not being afraid to take risks.
