Meet Karlee Heffner of Skin Savvy Aesthetics in Scottsdale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karlee Heffner.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I graduated, with honors, from SCNM in Tempe, Arizona in 2008 with my naturopathic medical degree. I was the second youngest person in my class. By 2009, I was medical director for the largest medical spa in Phoenix. My husband, Sam, had worked full-time and also finished his undergraduate at ASU while I was in medical school. Being childhood sweethearts, we learned the art of working together to accomplish what we wanted. After graduation, he took a good job in corporate America and was promoted quickly. However, after his father died from cancer, he grew tired of the long hours, time away from his family and left that position in 2012. I, too, left my medical director position, when my daughter Savvy was only one, and we decided to open a medical practice together, Skin Savvy Aesthetics. This year we celebrated our fifth year of being in private practice and co-ownership. We have seen our practice grow tremendously, seeing upward growth of at least 30 percent each year.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Financially, leaving both of our well-paying jobs at the same time was a huge hit and a huge risk. We kept our services limited initially to keep overhead low and tried to do things the “smart way.” We didn’t get huge financial loans off the bat, knowing that building our patient base would be important in the beginning. I leaned on my skill as an injector and Sam’s skill in business management to make things work. We also went into a medical marketplace that is hugely saturated. Phoenix/Scottsdale seems to have a Botox injector on every corner, so you have learn how to make yourself stand out. In the meantime, we have since had our second child, Miles, so balancing a business and raising two kids was something new to figure out as well.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Skin Savvy Aesthetics – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Skin Savvy Aesthetics offers several services including Botox, dermal fillers, micro needling, laser therapies such as photo facials and laser resurfacing, B12 shots, weight loss and skincare. My specialty is injectables. Currently going on my 10th year of injecting, I pride myself in the knowledge of advanced Botox and dermal filler treatments. I also train many practitioners across the Phoenix area in the art of injectables at my Scottsdale office. I am most proud of our continued growth and that my husband and I make both owning and business and having a family work well together.

In a highly saturated market, I learned early on that my patients are really looking for a good listener. It sounds simple, but that is what we as injectors are here for. I create a safe space for patients to relay their fears, their worries, and things they look to improve or change. It’s not my job to tear apart their faces; rather, listen to what they are telling me and give them the best treatment plan possible. I have cried with my patients; I know their kids; I know their dogs; I know their lives. I’ve heard many patients come to me from other practitioners saying, “I was told I am too far gone for any treatment.” I am here to build them up in confidence, not to take away hope. I feel that is what sets apart a good injector from a great one. Then we work on realistic expectations, build a relationship and watch that confidence soar.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We recently hired a new physician, expanded our hours, moved to a new office and have expanded our medical trainings. It is my hope to continue expanding our training growth, and I have a love for teaching. I get excited to see my students learn a new skill and look forward to changes in their future.

Contact Info:

• Address: 8414 E Shea Blvd Suite 103
  Scottsdale Az 85260
• Website: www.skinsavvyaesthetics.com
• Phone: 480-409-2902
• Email: info@skinsavvyaesthetics.com
• Instagram: @skinsavvydoc
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/skinsavvyaesthetics
• Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/skin-savvy-aesthetics-scottsdale

Image Credit:
@kendy.du (lip patient selfie, pink shirt)

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