“20 minutes with Dr. Manda Lora Cabral”, Founder of MLC Aesthetics
Can you tell us how your business came about and the inspiration behind it?
From a young age, a strong inclination to provide care and support to others has been an inherent part of my character. Consequently, my aspiration to become a medical practitioner, particularly a general practitioner, has been a lifelong dream. After completing my medical education, I had the privilege of practicing as a GP in various diverse settings, including the Caribbean, Spain, and the UK. These experiences exposed me to a wide spectrum of patients hailing from diverse backgrounds and presenting an array of medical conditions. However,
“Beneath this diversity, there was a shared, fundamental desire among all patients: the aspiration to achieve physical and emotional well-being”,
leading to an overall enhancement of their quality of life.
This journey led me to the field of Aesthetic Medicine, where I found a profound resonance with the notion of employing my medical expertise and skills to not only accentuate the natural beauty of my patients but also significantly boost their self-confidence and self-esteem.
What sets you apart from others in the market?
My primary objective is to assist my patients in achieving a rejuvenated appearance that aligns with their true selves. The demands of parenthood, professional commitments, fitness regimens, maintaining a balanced diet, an active social life, and family engagements often lead to a fast-paced, stress-filled existence. Consequently, this lifestyle can adversely affect one’s sleep patterns and, in turn, result in a fatigued and worn-out appearance.
My passion lies in helping patients attain a well-rested look. Furthermore, a key facet of my medical practice involves providing each patient with highly personalized aesthetic treatments, including anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, skin rejuvenation, and facial contouring. In the realm of Aesthetic Medicine, there is no one-size-fits-all solution therefore recognizing and addressing each patient’s unique requirements and expectations is of paramount importance. Every patient can anticipate a customized treatment journey, characterised by the meticulous application of the appropriate products and skincare regimens, yielding the naturally appealing results that I always strive for. What sets my services apart is – the ability to bring the treatments directly to my patients.
“Given the frenetic pace of modern life, time is a precious commodity.”
Therefore, I empower patients to select their preferred location, and I ensure that all the essential elements for a safe and effective procedure are transported to them. The luxury of receiving treatments in the comfort of one’s home or chosen setting is particularly appealing, especially to individuals with limited time in their daily schedules.
What were the biggest challenges and turning points you encountered in the journey so far?
In my journey of establishing my own aesthetic medicine practice, I’ve encountered several significant challenges and turning points that have shaped my experience. The process has been both rewarding and demanding. Some of the biggest challenges have been:
1. Building a client base: Attracting and retaining clients is an ongoing challenge. Building a solid reputation through word-of-mouth and online reviews was a crucial turning point. Providing exceptional service and fostering positive relationships were instrumental in expanding my client base and establishing trust. This is still an ongoing journey, which is never truly completed.
2. Continuous Learning and Professional Development: The field of aesthetic medicine is dynamic and ever-evolving. Staying up-to-date with the latest techniques, technologies, and industry trends was a constant challenge, that requires time, focus, and ongoing dedication. Continuous education and professional development play a significant role in my journey, which I enjoy and pride myself on.
3. Marketing and Branding: Developing an effective marketing and branding strategy was pivotal, and a entirely new concept for me, in creating visibility and attracting new clients. This included leveraging social media platforms to engage with the target audience and showcase my expertise, as well as investing time and resources in a professional website that not only served as an informative resource but also as a means for potential clients to connect with my practice.
4. Patient-Centered Approach: Prioritizing a patient-centered approach and tailoring treatments to meet individual needs was transformative for my practice, it not only enhanced the patient experience but also led to increased loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals. The journey of establishing my own aesthetic medicine practice has been characterized by a patient-centered approach, the need for effective marketing and branding, continuous professional development and the importance of building a strong client base. Each challenge has contributed to the growth and success of my practice, and I continue to learn and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of aesthetic medicine. This ongoing process which has started slow but steadily, with patience, persistence and dedication is my journey.
What are your current focus areas for the business?
In my current efforts to advance and grow my aesthetic medicine practice, I’m concentrating on several key areas:
1. Patient-Centered Care: My primary focus remains on providing patient-centered care. This involves tailoring treatments to meet the specific needs and desires of each patient, ensuring they feel comfortable and confident throughout their aesthetic journey.
2. Enhanced Marketing and Branding: I am continuing to learn and invest in marketing and branding efforts. This includes maintaining a strong online presence through social media and the practice’s website, as well as exploring additional avenues to reach a wider audience.
3. Professional Development: Staying at the forefront of the field by continuously enhancing my skills and knowledge is essential. This includes staying updated on the latest technologies, treatment techniques, and industry trends. Additionally, I am committed to ongoing training and professional development to refine my expertise and stay current with the latest advancements in aesthetic medicine.
4. Quality and Safety: Ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety in all procedures is paramount. This involves rigorous adherence to best practices, hygiene standards, and regulatory requirements. By concentrating on these key areas, my aim is to provide the very best possible experience for my patients while achieving steady growth and success for the aesthetic medicine practice.
What advice would you give to other aspiring female entrepreneurs?
As a female entrepreneur who is also a mother, my advice is:
Believe in Yourself: Trust in your abilities and the unique perspective you bring to the table. Your experiences and your journey equip you with unique skills that are assets in entrepreneurship.
Continuous Learning: The business world is ever-changing, and it’s essential to keep learning. Prioritize your personal growth and development.
Resilience: Life has taught us how to be resilient. Learn from setbacks, adapt, and keep moving forward.
Seek Feedback: Embrace constructive feedback, whether it's from your patients, customers or fellow entrepreneurs. Use it as a tool for improving your business and yourself.
Balance and Self-Care: Juggling multiple responsibilities is demanding. Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. You’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges if you’re well-rested and mentally refreshed.
Mentorship and Support: Seek out mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs who have navigated similar challenges. Be part of communities that offer support for women your area of business. It truly takes a village to raise a family as well as to grow and maintain a business.
Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your successes, whether it’s closing a deal or achieving personal milestones. These small but meaningful celebrations have kept me motivated and focused.
Being an entrepreneur is hard but rewarding. Being a female entrepreneur is additionally a unique and challenging journey. Embrace the journey with commitment and joy to achieve all your goal.
