Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole LaCroix.
Hi Nicole, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi! My name is Nicole. I own and operate a local acne clinic. I’m stepping into my 6th year of business. There are a lot of exciting things going on and I’m thrilled to share some of my story with you.
I see and treat clients locally, as well as nationwide and several who reside outside of the country. It’s amazingly rewarding to guide people, even thousands of miles away, on their journey to clear skin.
I’ll start by saying that I’m genuinely appreciative for having problematic skin. I was forced to seek out skin treatments years ago.
Some years ago, I was visiting a local acne clinic after acne hit me the hardest during my 30th year of life. My acne was pretty severe and it took a toll on me emotionally as well. I was so thankful to have found someone who specialized in treating acne. She guided me on my journey to clear skin. I was consistent with my treatments and my skin transformed over the course of weeks and months. It was life-changing!
I’ve never actually openly shared this part about where I started. I’ll withhold using her name, but she (who I was seeing for acne treatments) and I got to know each other during the course of my treatments. I was working as a Nurse at the time, in a very high-stress position and I wasn’t happy. She was looking to expand her clinic and felt like I could be a good fit. I was not only thrilled, but flattered! She extended an invitation to consider a partnership with her. She encouraged me to obtain my skincare license to prepare for our chapter of partnership together. It was a very exciting time for me.
I continued to work as a Nurse while I obtained my skincare license. I made it happen! I was ready to go in December 2015!
And then we planned to start this new endeavor together…BUT we couldn’t agree on the fine print within the partnership agreement.
Looking back, I’m certain it was devastating for us both. I have so much respect for her and she really is the reason I am where I am today. I studied and trained and studied more to learn everything I could about skin disorders, problematic skin…acne. Being a Nurse, I learned that I had the education and knowledge to open my own clinic. And so I did…in February 2016.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Well, it did start a bit bumpy for me. I had no plan to start a business from the ground up at that point in my life. Luckily, I’ve always been blessed with a huge support system surrounding me. People who have believed in me and this endeavor since its inception.
Many moons ago, I worked for a financial firm and kept their books. We had a triple-check system in place. I was able to reflect on all that I learned way back then, about how to keep business records in check. I knew I was going to dive all in with my business and I needed it to be orderly.
The best thing I ever did was start with a super solid tracking system for my business. I tracked every penny and every client visit. I still do that today, as monotonous as it can be.
What I wasn’t great at was keeping up with tracking my inventory.
My clients are going to laugh at this one! Inventory has been a struggle for me since day one. My most spoken words: I’m sold out of that one, but more is on the way!” I just kept outgrowing the inventory I had on the shelves. That sounds like a good problem to have, but it made it difficult to meet my client’s needs. That’s disappointing and it doesn’t make me feel good. I value customer service and I was lacking in that area. I’m still lacking in that area. It’s a constant work in progress. It gets better over time. Keeping inventory available for clients is actually my current focus. It’s so important to me that I keep my clients happy and that I am able to meet their needs.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I’m a Nurse, Esthetician and Acne Expert. I focus on treating problematic skin conditions by investigating not only product use, but also dietary and lifestyle habits that may be contributing to exacerbating skin conditions. I have huge respect for Dermatologists and other skin care specialists in my space. I worked for a Nationally recognized derm for some time during my nursing career. What makes me different is that I spend time getting to know you and we create a treatment plan based on your individual needs. I do a lot of handholding and I’m available almost 24/7 for my clients. I love my clients and I appreciate them for trusting me. I want nothing more than for my clients to trust me with any and all skin concerns and needs. For the record, hand-holding is not a bad thing! For me, it means you’re committed and you’re seeking answers and solutions. I thrive on your commitment. That makes me happy and it makes me proud of the work that we do together.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
My clients are committed to their home-care regimens in order to keep their skin happy and healthy. I was so lucky to have so many committed clients, even during the Covid Crisis. Everyone wants their products so that they can stay on track. This is where my subpar success in keeping product inventory really hit me.
Product sales went through the roof during Covid. Part of it may have been the natural reaction to all that was going on. Production and shipping suffered hugely. Scarcity mindset…my clients were nervous to be without product and there were so many delays across the map. Their fear of being without what they needed to keep their skin healthy was valid. When dealing with problematic skin and acne, home-care is AS important as the in-clinic treatments I provide. What you do at home HUGELY matters!
I have learned the importance of ensuring that my clients do not go without. I was available via phone or text for any questions or concerns, but being unable to provide in-clinic treatments was scary for many of my acne-sufferers. Ensuring they had the tools they needed (at home) to care for their skin was key!
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@nicolelacroixskin.com
- Website: www.nicolelacroixskin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolelacroixskin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolelacroixskin/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvMY1JjInBVE5iJkleRDbFg
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/nicole-lacroix-skin-care-austin
- Other: https://linktr.ee/nicolelacroixskin
