Which Clinic? The Clinic. Any Sydneysider worth their weight in luminescent complexions knows about it. Founders Kaye Scott and Lisa Sullivan-Smith – both registered nurses – met at a medical conference in 1999 and were inspired to establish a laser hair removal clinic. Several decades and – thanks to Kaye’s unsurpassed skincare treatments and Lisa’s incredible ability to produce natural results via non-surgical treatments – they have become the undisputed leaders of the Australian beauty pack.
Having recently launched their own moisturiser – The Moisturiser –Kaye and Lisa take the time to talk to Rescu. about the importance of following their gut instincts, surrounding themselves with good people and how social media has played a part in their trajectory.
RESCU: How did you know when you met that combined, you could do something amazing?
Kaye Scott: “We were both working in the cosmetic medical industry and saw a demand for aesthetic treatments to be performed in a more specialized and luxurious environment. We knew when we opened the doors to our first clinic that we had a unique formula and it was the start of something amazing.”
RESCU: What was your initial career goal? Has it wavered?
Lisa Sullivan-Smith: “The initial goal was to provide first class medical treatments in a luxurious and safe environment. Our priorities remain the same, however our goals change as the industry is ever evolving. Ongoing education is extremely important to us to maintain dominance in the market place.”
RESCU: You are both registered nurses. How important is this to your careers today?
Kaye Scott: “Having a clinical background gives both myself, Lisa and all of the clinic staff an edge over the array of unqualified beauticians whose basic understanding of skin and medical equipment is at best mediocre and at worst entirely unsafe.”
RESCU: Was there a plan? Or has The Clinic grown organically?
Lisa Sullivan-Smith: “We started with one laser hair removal machine and made this our focus at the beginning. The business organically grew as we went from laser hair removal to the first IPL machine in Australia to our latest technologies Thermage and Fraxel. The secret to growing a successful business is to perfect one area before moving onto the next.”
RESCU: What is the best career advice you’ve received?
Lisa Sullivan Smith: “Work hard, work smart and always do the best you can possibly do.”
Kaye: “My advice has always been from my parents to do what I love. Also early in my career a business mentor gave me great advice and said “Always surround yourself with people that are leaders in their field and that are as ambitious as you are.”
RESCU: Can women have it all?
Kaye Scott: “I do think women can have it all. I recently read the book ‘Lean In’ by Sheryl Sandberg and watched her deliver an inspiring speech to Harvard Business School Graduates. I practice what she preaches, “anyone can have it all”. Always set yourself up for success and put yourself on the priority list and balance will be maintained.”
RESCU: What has been a defining moment in The Clinic’s history?
Lisa Sullivan-Smith: “Five years ago the defining moment was the start of the array of “lunch time procedures” such as Fraxel and Thermage. In more recent years the demand for medical grade skin care products has led to the development of our new product The Moisturiser.”
RESCU: Tell us about The Moisturiser and it’s impetus?
Kaye Scott: “Going into skincare naturally developed when clients wanted a simplified skincare routine and just ‘a good moisturiser’. We made sure this product would be suitable for all skin types and it had to be preservative and paraben free. We were conscious of people’s budgets and wanted to make a hero product that could replace the myriad of serums and creams some were using. It is important to continually develop your business as it opens up new audiences.”
RESCU: Social media wasn’t around in 1999. So how has that impacted The Clinic?
Kaye Scott: “Social media has become an integral part of our business in terms of exposure. It enables us to have two-way communication with our followers and audience rather than traditional media, which only offers one way. It gives us a closer relationship with the public and we can answer questions directly. The content we post is viewed by an audience that has chosen to follow us, meaning the reach is of a higher quality rather than quantity.”
RESCU: What career advice do you have for the Lisa and Kaye of 1999?
Kaye Scott: “I would say never doubt yourself, reach for the unreachable, and always stay true to yourself. On a more business level surround yourself with sound business partnerships with suppliers, educators, etc. Always be prepared for changes in technology and in business.”
Lisa Sullivan-Smith: “Trust your instinct and follow your gut. If you doubt a decision or scenario then it probably won’t be the right outcome – so be true to yourself”