To get our resident visas I bought a single aesthetic clinic that was run under management.
I had no intention of returning to work. However, just six weeks after we arrived, my husband had a serious stroke, the GFC started to bite, and I discovered that I hadn’t fully thought through what retirement looked like to someone who had been busy all her life.
So, instead of sitting on the beach, relaxing, I rolled my sleeves up and launched the Australian Skin Clinics Franchise growing it into an international franchise chain of 60 clinics.
Feel the Fear & Feel Alive!
The next 15 years were, in equal measure the best, the worst and the hardest years of my life. During that time I:
• Grew and sold five successful businesses including a franchise, a Beauty RTO, and a SHOPFITTING company. a skincare company and an equipment supply company
• Was an Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist for 2016
• Won the converted Gold Coast Woman in Business Award 2017
• Had two heart attacks
• Spent over three years in legal battles
• Sold the franchise,
• Rebranded and relaunched the original clinic
• Managed my aging father’s international affairs
• Moved house four times
• Presented at dozens of conferences
• Bought a men’s skincare range – Valor Organics
• Bought the Issada Cosmetics business (mid the COVID pandemic)
• Developed and Launched Issada Clinical Formula Skincare
My credentials speak for themselves, and now I’m going to share with you everything I know about starting, growing and sustaining a successful business. We will start with an in depth look at the mindset of a successful entrepreneur so fasten your seatbelt, hold tight, its going to be a blast!
The greatest entrepreneurial skill is to see the opportunity and grab it fiercely with both hands. -Deb
Deb knows what it is needed to bring an idea to life – from the initial spark, through to execution, and how to deal with the cynics along the way.
First, it involves knowing your business inside out: every margin, every contract, every revenue item and expenditure line. It’s about being commercially agile and commercially flexible. More than that, it is vital to build a close-knit team focused on ‘getting things done’, and maintain this spirit as new team members are assimilated and processes are refined, streamlined, then refined again.
Her guidance on every aspect of the business growth journey will ensure you are growing quickly and sustainably, rather than pursuing a strategy of growth at all costs.
As founder of the Australian Skin Clinics franchise, which grew from one to 58 clinics in just five years, few are better-placed to advise on the franchising journey.
The lessons learned in the course of growing a franchise from scratch in an industry she knew little about – and despite having no network, no contacts or family in Australia – are invaluable for all of those looking to replicate her success, regardless of industry.
Deb was a finalist in the Women in Franchising 2013 awards, and the FCA Emerging Franchise Award 2014.
When Deb launched her franchise, eight of her nine closest confidants told her that it wouldn’t work.
Leadership is about believing that you can achieve even when the odds are stacked against you; transmitting that belief to your team; and bringing them every step of the way along your journey. Yes, there will be obstacles and setbacks, but great business leaders will learn from these, and even find a way to turn them to their advantage.
Deb’s lessons in leadership are timeless and will help those at every stage of their career to hit new heights. In particular, she is a passionate advocate of helping women at all levels move up into leadership roles.