Should you retrain to follow your passion?

Lauren Auchterlonie, owner of Lauren Auchterlonie Skin Studio, achieved her lifelong dream of following her childhood passion for aesthetics by retraining and opening her own clinic. 

“Growing up, I always had a passion for beauty and skincare,” she says. “My parents wanted me to attend a university. So, I pursued a degree in drama and became a teacher. After teaching for 14 years, I realised it was time to follow my lifelong dream. I began working as a self-employed therapist. Over time, my client base grew so much that I decided to quit my teaching job and follow my passion.” 

In December 2022, Auchterlonie decided it was time to take the next step and open her own skin clinic. “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done in my whole life because I wanted to do it before I was 40, and I’m 38 now.” 

Introduction to 3D Aesthetics? 

Auchterlonie stumbled upon a 3D Aesthetics advert promoting the 3D Dermaforce treatment in Professional Beauty Magazine. Having previously worked with other devices, she knew that this was one of the treatments she’d want in-clinic.

 “When I saw that 3D did radiofrequency microneedling, the great price point, and the fact that for the first six months I wasn’t going to have to pay anything, I was really excited,” she says. “I booked a demo and fell in love with 3D Dermaforce instantly! I absolutely love it.

“3D Dermaforce allows me to offer these treatments at a reasonable price while still producing some of the best results I’ve seen for my clients! “

Auchterlonie also looked at the 3D HydrO2 facial, which she said she wasn’t interested in originally, but when she was introduced to it, she could instantly see all the different ways this device can complement her skin treatments: “I thought, these two devices were great for me to start with. Now I feel like I need the whole 3D collection!” 

Did you consider any other machines at that time? Auchterlonie compared the new 3D Dermaforce machine to the one she used before at her old clinic. She wanted to make sure that 3D Dermaforce could give the same results as the previous machine. “I’ve been getting the same results with 3D Dermaforce as with an £80,000 device I previously worked with. I’ve had clients that have followed me over from the old clinic that I treated with Sylfirm® and they’ve seen the same results. So, for me, that was the best decision as a new business. 

“My clients already knew the technology; they had RF microneedling before and didn’t care what machine device it was. I could never justify the high cost of some devices out there on the market, and to make a return on my investment, I would have to charge my clients a fortune for each treatment. 3D Dermaforce allows me to offer these treatments at a reasonable price while still producing some of the best results I’ve seen for my clients.” 

How do 3D devices complement your business model?

Auchterlonie considers 3D Dermaforce and 3D HydrO2 facial as essential tools for the success of her clinic. These devices not only set her business apart, but also enhance the results she can provide to her clients. She emphasises that thanks to these machines, she can deliver better, longer-lasting results and create bespoke treatment plans for her clients who visit her throughout the year. 

In her business strategy, Auchterlonie positions the 3D HydrO2 facial at a premium price point compared to other clinics as it is a treatment high in demand. This pricing strategy offers her room to manoeuvre with discounts. By offering these discounts, she experiences greater demand, which, in turn, helps to fill her appointment calendar. Auchterlonie also leverages the appeal of package deals, allowing her to secure substantial initial revenue while providing a valuable incentive for her clients. 

Auchterlonie uses social media platforms to advertise her business. However, she admits that she lacks proficiency in this field. Upon receiving feedback from other clinic owners, she approached Kris Trinity for her free marketing session and to help with her Facebook Ads to increase her clinic’s visibility. 

Overall experience 

Auchterlonie says that, throughout the entire process, from approaching the sales team to the demo and delivery, everyone was incredibly friendly and approachable: “The process of obtaining and using the machine was smooth and easy. I found everyone’s expertise and knowledge reassuring, and I appreciate how easy it was to get in touch with them. 

Auchterlonie’s story teaches us that it’s never too late to pursue your passion and change your career path. What’s even more inspiring is how she utilised advanced technology, such as the 3D Dermaforce and 3D HydrO2 facial devices, to elevate her traditional skincare treatments and deliver exceptional results to her clients. Combining her passion with the right tools has led to a successful business and building up a loyal and repeat patient base! 

To find out more about 3D Aesthetics devices and how you can introduce treatments while paying nothing for six months, speak to a member of the 3D Aesthetics team on 01788 550440 or click here.