Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nazia Faiz-Qadir, Founder of Refine by Dr. Nazia, located in Dix Hills, NY, USA.

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

I have a facial aesthetic practice. We specialize in botox, dermal fillers, skin care, Hydrafacials, skin tightening, and lasers.

Tell us about yourself

I’m a double-boarded infectious disease and internal medicine physician. I stopped working in hospitals about seven years ago. I’m a mother of three, and my eldest has autism. It was extremely difficult not to be present for my children. I had to figure out a way to work and also be able to set a schedule that worked both for my family and me. I started doing facial aesthetics. I started slowly as it required extensive training and a lot of financial investment upfront. But I knew I loved this field.

Initially, as with any business, it was slow. But I kept at it. Owning a business is a struggle every day, but the rewards are great. I make my own schedule and love my patients. My motivation is my children. I’m there for them and able to provide for them. It also teaches them that it is possible to reinvent yourself, and with hard work, all is possible.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

When I first went into this field of medicine, a lot of my colleagues said that this was a saturated market and would never be a success. I didn’t let that stop me. I literally started with one vial of Botox. And almost five years later, I have a busy practice.

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

There are always the ‘slow weeks.’ I used to go in a state of panic. But have to remember that we all in business will have slow days.

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

  1. Start slow: I bought a few vials of Botox when I started. Don’t over-extend yourself initially.
  2. Get the best possible training. Even though I’m a physician, I went to the best training courses and still continue to train.
  3. Treat each patient/client with respect and love. Treat them as you would like to be treated.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

There are days when I hear that someone was not happy with my work but remember, that’s a teaching moment. Learn from it. Improve yourself.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://refinebydrnazia.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/refinebydrnazia/

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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