Skincare clinic is a flawless business

lifestyle: Nurse Julia’s pride as skin clinic expands into larger Fife premises

Julia Hart Skincare Clinic has moved to new premises in Dunfermline. The Courier talks to qualified nurse Julia about her business.

Q What does your business do?

A I started out offering a range of injectable treatments to treat evidence of premature ageing.

However, I quickly realised injectables weren’t the Holy Grail and I could augment the results by finding effective ways to revitalise and repair skin.

Q Why did you start in business?

A My honours degree focused on skincare practices.

I became a clinical nurse specialist, and while still working part-time in the NHS, my interest in aesthetics grew. Frustrated by the limitations of injectables, I identified skincare regimes and non-invasive strategies that complement the final results.

Q How did you get where you are?

A I grew my client base through word-of-mouth but was based in a small clinic. There was no space for the range of skincare products I wanted to sell and no satisfactory reception area.

I decided to expand, and it took more than a year to find my new premises.

Q Who has helped you?

A Business Gateway Fife has been amazing. My adviser helped me secure time with a consultant through the Expert Help Programme, which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund. This helped ensure my clinic is ecologically friendly.

She also referred me to the DigitalBoost programme, which helped with my website and identifying an IT system suitable for the clinic’s needs.

Finally, she suggested I apply for a Town Centre Improvement Grant to help with the redevelopment of the new premises.

Being encouraged to join the British Association of Cosmetic Nurses by peers at the start of my career was also a great help. Members operate under a strict code of conduct to ensure patient safety.

Q Your biggest mistake?

A When I first started out, investing in products that I had to discard because I was apprehensive of their shelf life in a non-clinical environment.

Q Your greatest achievement?

A Launching the Chalmers Street Clinic in January. I also take great pleasure in providing solutions to complicated skin issues.

Q Your hopes for the future?

A I’m hoping to extend the number of treatment rooms, treatments and facilities available to clients to provide a more holistic approach to skin health and techniques to rejuvenate and restore the function of the skin.

Q Do you want to recruit?

A I have a dedicated and supportive group of individuals who work with me. As the business expands, so will my need for staff.

Q What is hardest about running your own business?

A Taking time off, and learning to share the load.

Julia Hart, centre, and her skincare clinic team.