Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with April Iannazzone, Founder of Aesthetic EMPIRE™, located in Boca Raton, FL, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am the CEO of Med Spa Growth & Profitability, a full-service marketing agency that specializes in aesthetic practices. I am also the founder of Aesthetic EMPIRE™, a business consulting firm for aesthetic practices.

My team and I help medical spas, plastic surgeons, and other aesthetic practice owners who are stuck in the day-to-day operations of their business and whose revenue is between $500K- $1.5M rapidly scale their businesses. I also coach high-achieving women entrepreneurs and CEO who are successful but have hit a plateau and are ready to scale to 7+ figures.

Tell us about yourself

I have been an entrepreneur since birth! My mom recently told me when she tucked me in at night, I would tell her about my ideas to make money. I never went to school for business. In fact, I'm a classically trained chef, and my first real business was a catering and event production company which I sold right before my divorce (first husband).

My superpower is looking at business and identifying where there are "leaks" or missed opportunities. Perhaps, additional revenue streams previously overlooked, or even incorporating systems and automation to streamline processes.

First and foremost, setting an example of independence motivates me every day. Even though my daughters are not interested in owning their own business at the moment, I know I am showing my girls that they never have to rely on anyone financially and that they can generate any amount of money when needed.

My other motivation is I strive to help other women become financially independent as well. Lastly, I know the work I do with the help of my team is truly changing lives. It is such an amazing feeling to know that we directly impact and change the lives of our clients.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

This year will be my tenth year in business. Throughout the past ten years, I have had many accomplishments. One of the first accomplishments that really stuck out and made me feel like, "Damn, this is real, and I am THAT good!" was my first $250,000 contract. At the time, it seemed crazy to even put a proposal together for that amount, imposter syndrome was starting to show its ugly head, but I pushed on and landed a new client. Although we have closed much bigger deals since, I will never forget the confidence boost that not only I got, but my team felt as well after that one.

But truly, my biggest business accomplishments are the ones that affected my family. I remember, when I first started, I had written business and personal goals that I wanted to achieve within three years. At the time I wrote them, they seemed huge and almost unattainable. For instance, when my husband retired from firefighting at 55, I did not want him to have to go back to work. Proudly, I achieved my goal and was not only able to retire my husband but also helped him check off a bucket list item. We took a luxury golf trip to Pebble Beach Resort. When I first started my business, I could never imagine spending over $10,000 on vacation.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

For me, it's being the face of my business. Most people don't know this about me, but I am a very private person. However, you'll see me all over social media. I host a podcast, do a ton of videos, and speak on stage with hundreds of people in the audience. Unfortunately, I do believe it is a necessary evil in today's digital world. And as a marketing agency owner, I know that being visible and putting yourself out there is much more effective and will directly impact your profitability (if done right ;) ). Even after almost ten years in business, it is still something I struggle with every day - but I simply push through!

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Build a team early in your business. That is the biggest thing I wish I had known when I started! As an entrepreneur (especially a solopreneur), it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day "busy work." I learned the hard way if you truly want to grow and scale a successful company, as CEO - you MUST only do the 5% that is in your zone of genius and that you enjoy. The other 95% can be delegated to someone that will most likely do it better than you!

    It wasn't until the end of my second year that I really understood the importance of not having to "touch everything" and building a team. But once I did, WOW... I no longer felt like an employee in my own business. I finally felt like the CEO and could clearly see the vision and lead my team.
  2. Become great at selling. When you own your own business, you are ALWAYS selling. And I'm not just talking about selling your goods or services. Whether you're selling your vision to your team or your business plan to a bank or investor, or simply "selling" your newest idea to a spouse... you must continuously sharpen your sales skills.
  3. Systems, processes, and automation is key to scaling (and your sanity).

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://medspagrowthandprofitability.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AprilIannazzone
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/april_iannazzone/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aprilinthezone
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/apriliannazzone/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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