RSVP’s Businesswoman of the Week: Dr Mehvish Khan

Dr Mehvish Khan spotted gap in the market for aesthetic treatments in Wexford – and now runs her own successful clinic, MK Aesthetics.

 

 

Tell us all about MK Aesthetics and why you decided to launch your own business.

MK Aesthetics is a doctor led aesthetic clinic which specialises in skin health and anti-ageing. I decided to set it up five years ago when I left clinical medicine. I was looking after my two kids at home and this was the initial reason I left medicine completely, to take care of them. After a few years I realised that I wanted to do something with my degree in medicine but at the same time I wanted to have time to spend with my family. Clinical medicine was very demanding, so for me I decided to do a masters in aesthetic medicine. I felt this was something that needed to be brought to Wexford because there were no established aesthetic clinics here. I started doing aesthetics in Wexford as a mobile practitioner, going to various clinics in the county, offering Botox initially and then fillers. After a year I set up my own office where I was working for myself and building up a portfolio of anti-ageing treatments and products. People would have to travel to Dublin for these treatments and I thought why not bring them to Wexford?

How has your business grown over the years?

When I first started MK Aesthetics I had people coming to me who didn’t know much about Botox and fillers, it was all new to them and there was a stigma attached to it. The type of patients I got five years ago compared to now is different. Before, people weren’t willing to discuss their treatments with friends and family, it was very hush hush. Whereas now, my business has grown mostly through word of mouth. People have shared their experiences and that is how it has grown. I’ve probably treated a thousand different patients over the years. Every year I’m bringing new injectable treatments and products to MK Aesthetics. Since last year I’ve grown from one person to a team of five.

What is your biggest achievement to date?

Definitely expanding the business and moving into our own premises. I feel a part of the community in Wexford town, people know me and recognise me. I’m not from Ireland, I’m Pakistani by origin, I’m a Muslim who wears a hijab and I look different but people have accepted me in the community for being their aesthetic doctor and I love that. Now we have this amazing clinic which we opened in March, it’s beautifully decorated, we have three rooms now and a conference room. Plus I have a brilliant team working with me to bring patients a 360 approach to anti-ageing. My biggest achievements have definitely come from this year.

What have you learned about yourself and your work ethic from launching your own business?

I never thought I’d be a boss or that I would own my own business. I have excelled more than I expected because I have a family of three. In this year, not only did I make a successful business, I had a baby who is now 11 months old. I didn’t think that would be possible, however I have put in the hard work, morning and night. I’m very proud because this was my dream all along. I’ve learned that if I really put my head down and work I can make my visions come true.

What advice would you give to someone who is looking to launch their own business?

Don’t be afraid to start and take that first small step. Get stuck into things straight away. Learn the basics – excel and become a pro in the basics and this will give you the confidence to grow. When I started, I learned to master basic Botox before moving on to more advanced work. When it comes to aesthetics, it’s not something you can do on the side; if you want to be really good you have to do it full-time and give it your all.

What are your future goals for MK Aesthetics?

I would eventually love to make MK Aesthetics a training academy. I would also like to branch out to lasers in the next couple of years because that would complete our portfolio and it would mean that when a patient comes into my clinic I don’t have to say ‘I don’t do this treatment, I’m sorry’. For me, I see MK Aesthetics growing in that sense. There is so much out there when it comes to the aesthetic industry, there is so much there that can be explored which I would love to bring to Wexford.

For more information about MK Aesthetics, visit their website here.

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