The beauty of dreaming big

Young entrepreneur that turned his passion into a profession. A new, ambitious graduate OLIVER SCICLUNA could rely on the EU to realise his dreams – and those of his clients.

What is the greatest satisfaction that your work gives you?

The new and better way our clients feel about themselves thanks to our services. It gives me great satisfaction that CHIC Med-Aesthetic Clinics improves peoples’ lives through honest and professional business.

We believe that when a person looks good, he or she will feel great; and I personally witness this every day. As a company, we are committed to improving the wellbeing of our patients and clients and our medical services provide for better overall health, while our med-aesthetic services offer state-of-the-art aesthetic enhancement.

Our team, led by my wife Dr Charlene Scicluna and myself, dedicates a lot of time and energy on proper consultation and education, and we consider it a true privilege to embark on a journey of self-improvement with so many people. Growing an idea into a successful business by improving the lives of people is a singular satisfaction.

Have you ever doubted your success when you embarked on this adventure?

I always firmly believed in the project, but I only became completely convinced that it was indeed possible after CHIC was actually launched and started achieving its first results.

When I started out in my twenties, one of the greatest challenges was always having to prove myself to decision-makers who often considered me too young. The key was to show that I had a clear strategy and I started by putting together a detailed business plan. This helped me to communicate my strategy and, when we eventually launched, it kept us focused on what was required to achieve our goals.

In the first days of operation the feeling was surreal: picking up the ringing phone and booking the first appointments for clients, hearing our brand name in the media, receiving the first positive reviews and social media engagement, and the overall good reaction of our clients.

As an entrepreneur it is important to acknowledge the present and look forward to the future, but you should never forget your past and where you started from. This has been fundamental to our accomplishments so far.

What tangible help did you receive from the EU to help you to pursue the idea?

CHIC received funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) qualifying as a project under the scheme of ‘Innovation’. The company was an innovator in the sector since we were introducing cutting-edge technology equipment and services in Malta that allowed us to offer hitherto unavailable services, such as catering for people whose skin types need specialised treatment. Following deep scrutiny of our strategy and goals by the ERDF, the funds we applied for were granted and CHIC Ltd was able to go forward in its plans with substantial investment in laser equipment.

Funds from the EU encouraged me to make investments more confidently. I wouldn’t say that the help from the EU was the point that ultimately convinced me to pursue my ideas – in fact, the application process itself recommends against relying on the funds in the development of a project. Nevertheless, the EU grant was an important plank in the strategic progression from concept to realisation. Perhaps more importantly than the grant itself, when an important institution like the European Union shows confidence in your project, it gives you an added boost and encourages you to go further.

This interview is part of the #EUANDME campaign. Learn more on europa.eu/euandme