There’s nothing we love to see more than women succeeding in business, but especially when they are sitting squarely in the founder/owner seat. Navigating the starting of and then the running of your own business can be tough, but the best way to build confidence and skills is to learn from those who’ve been-there-done-that before.
Our Founding Beauty series hope to do just that by shining a spotlight on the women who’ve bootstrapped it, who’ve reskilled, who’ve faced challenges and still managed to build a thriving business in the cut-throat world of beauty. Here are the female founders who’ve forged a path worth following…
Today we’re speaking to Linda Wong, founder of the Fresh Aesthetics beauty clinic.
What inspired you to become a cosmetic nurse injector?
I’ve been a cosmetic nurse injector for seven years. Before that, I spent nine years as a nurse in neurology/neurosurgery, and IVF. In 2014, as the aesthetic industry started gaining traction I felt drawn to it—combining my love for beauty with the science of non-surgical facial transformations. It was the perfect mix of art and medicine, and I haven’t looked back since!
What is the ‘elevator pitch’ for your business?
Fresh Aesthetics is a medical aesthetic clinic that offers treatment solutions to empower aging and subtle enhancements. Our focus is on subtle, natural-looking results through gentle, progressive treatments—helping our clients age gracefully and enhance their unique features without looking “done.”
We offer a full range of non-surgical treatments, that broadly fits within three categories: from facial contouring/ asymmetry correction, treatments to address concerns of fine lines and wrinkles and our ever growing offerings of skin rejuvenation and hair regeneration treatments, all with safety as our top priority.
One of advanced skin treatment which deserves a mention, is the sought-after Salmon DNA collagen-stimulating treatment. It has become increasingly popular as more people lean into an “undetectable” aesthetic.
A big part of our journey has been bridal skin preparation using a combination of the mentioned treatments- it’s been so special to help our long-time clients who have grown with the clinic over the last few years, achieve that fresh, radiant glow for their big day!
What inspired your to open your own business?
When I started Fresh Aesthetics in 2018, the aesthetic industry was dominated by overfilled, exaggerated features, and I knew I wanted to challenge that trend. I believed that beauty should enhanced, not altered, and I was determined to offer an alternative that focused on preserving one’s natural identity. I was also super focused on building the right kind of space (nothing sterile!) and hiring the right team who also share the Fresh Aesthetics philosophy of subtle treatments.
Starting my own clinic in an already saturated market (with a lot of nerves!) was no small feat. But I’ve stayed true to this philosophy in every decision I make, and that’s what I believe sets Fresh Aesthetics apart—even from the larger chain clinics.
How do you stay inspired?
Knowing that soon, I’ll be a mother—and I want to be someone my daughter can look up to.
What’s the number one beauty tip you give to clients?
Treatments should be about enhancing your natural beauty, not changing how you look entirely. The goal is always to look like the best version of yourself and that’s only achieved through mindful and progressive treatments.
What are the best and worst things about being a business owner?
I absolutely love creating an environment where my team genuinely enjoys coming to work, and where clients feel comfortable and cared for the moment they walk through our doors. Seeing the community we’ve built has been incredibly fulfilling.
What don’t I love? The admin work—it just never ends!
What’s been the most challenging moment for you?
The toughest period was undoubtedly navigating COVID while the business was still in its early years. As a ‘non-essential’ service (though some of my clients would argue otherwise!), the uncertainty was nerve-wracking. But I used that time to refine and strengthen my processes, and set up Fresh Aesthetics for growth once we reopened.
What has been a business highlight, so far?
The biggest highlight is seeing the steady growth of the clinic and building an amazing team who shares my vision; Fresh Aesthetics wouldn’t be where it is today without them.
What aspect of being a beauty entrepreneur has surprised you the most?
How all-consuming it is! The medical aesthetics industry is constantly evolving, and I find myself thinking about it more than I’d like to admit. I originally thought owning my own business would give me more flexibility, but the reality is… it’s the opposite! And yet, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
In your mind, what does it take to be an entrepreneur?
Passion is a must. However, it’s not enough on its own. You need business savvy, resilience, and adaptability to weather the inevitable ups and downs.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in the beauty aesthetics industry?
Surround yourself with a trusted team—because you won’t have all the answers (and that’s okay!).
A strong network of professionals can help navigate complexities of business ownership. Mistakes will happen, but with the right support system, you can minimise risks and keep moving forward.
What is next for your business?
We’re diving deeper into regenerative aesthetic treatments, focusing on using the body’s natural healing processes for skin rejuvenation. This is perfect for clients who want a holistic, natural approach to aging while still achieving beautiful, effective results.
