Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Deborah Alessi, founder, and CEO of Beverly Hills IV Therapy and Beverly Hills Wellness & Aesthetics, located in Palm Jumeirah, UAE.

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

I am the CEO and Founder of Beverly Hills IV Therapy and Beverly Hills Wellness and Aesthetics, with locations spanning from California to the Maldives, the UK, Dubai, and others around the globe. Most of my Clinics are located in Five Star Hotels, and the guests of the Hotels and other VIP visitors often visit my clinics.

Tell us about yourself

I am originally from Glasgow, and I have always been a born fighter. My father passed away when I was very young, and I was raised by a single struggling mum. I had to start working at a very young age and learned how to handle things independently early in life, and I always believed in having a very strong work ethic. I had to work hard to get what I wanted in life, and I left Scotland and moved to the Middle East and later to the US and worked in the private aviation industry for many years. Thereafter I started working for a high-end concierge medical company, and I applied the skills I gained to grow my business in the US.

I also founded Face Forward International, which helps survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and other acts of cruelty. My first real relationship was an abusive one, and as a survivor, I felt it was important to help empower other survivors. I can definitely say the drive to help people is probably a big reason why I started Beverly Hills IV Therapy in the United States, which has now expanded globally as Beverly Hills Wellness and Aesthetics.

I firmly believe that everyone deserves to feel beautiful, confident, and comfortable in their own skin, and this motivates me to keep my business going as it helps people to nurture their insides physically and emotionally to truly be the best version of themselves.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment has been establishing my brand in areas of the world that are culturally considered to be male-dominated. When you are considered attractive, it can be harder to prove yourself to men in the business world. However, once they have a discussion with you and realize you are not just a pretty face dressed in designer garments and heels, but you are instead a strong, powerful businesswoman who takes "No" for an answer, they tend to show interest and a different level of respect.

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

When you are managing a global brand, you need to keep up with the pace, and sometimes, frequent traveling and meetings in different time zones are a challenge. In certain countries, the culture and the government regulations make it harder to start a business. Hiring the right talent and right support staff is somewhat an obstacle in running a smooth operation.

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

  1. Always have an in-depth plan. Do the work, and do not be afraid to roll up your sleeves and just do what it takes to get the job done. My team is international, and we all work long hours and often odd times to get the work done on schedule. Although I work hard, I try to find a healthy work-life balance, and at the end of the day, I can be proud of everything I have built.
  2. Respect and Kindness are key factors, and I find people are always more responsive when you treat them with respect and kindness. Networking is important and always try to surround yourself with the right people. Treat people like you want to be treated and honor each other's journey.
  3. Stay ahead of the curve by surrounding yourself with the latest techniques. Do not tolerate any bullshit, as what you see is what you get in business and in life. I am often direct to the point, very detailed, looking at all the nitty-gritty and getting quickly down to the core and seeing how we can work together as a successful team.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I have always strived to make a difference by founding my globally recognized charity, Face Forward International, which has helped many survivors of violence around the globe. It has been a true labor of love having donated my personal time and talents to the charity for nearly 14 years. I have no regrets, and it is definitely one of my proudest accomplishments in my life.

If you want to make a difference in other's lives, do your best, show kindness towards others, and a small generous deed is all it takes, but the satisfaction of doing something good for others is so high that you will have no regrets and you will always want to do more.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://bhwaa.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beverlyhillswellnessaesthetics
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beverlyhillswellnessaesthetics/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-alessi-142674a9/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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