Lotte Reijers, owner of Huidkliniek Maas en Waal, embodies perseverance and ambition. Since 1 February 2023, she has proudly run her own practice, and in the past nine years as a skin therapist, she has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in both the medical and cosmetic fields. However, entrepreneurship brings new challenges, and thanks to a coaching programme with Brilliant Work, Lotte has managed to elevate her practice to a higher and new level.
The step into entrepreneurship.
After years of working in various clinics in Ewijk and Malden, Lotte was given the opportunity to start her own practice. When her mentor called in 2022 to ask if she wanted to take over the practice, she didn’t have to think long. This was her chance to be in charge.
“I had already gained so much experience in the field, but running your own practice is really different,” says Lotte. “When I got the chance to take over Huidkliniek Maas en Waal, I knew it was time to take the plunge.”
The challenges of entrepreneurship
Lotte’s passion for skin therapy was great, but the transition to entrepreneurship brought new challenges. She missed having an entrepreneurial network and quickly faced some difficult questions, especially in the areas of HR and financial management. “For example, I didn’t know how to hire staff or what the financial impact would be,” Lotte explains. “I really needed someone to talk to and help me find my way.” Fortunately, she found that in the team at Brilliant Work.
“I didn’t have an entrepreneurial environment and therefore had to figure a lot out for myself. A huge amount was coming at me: from arranging finances to hiring staff,” Lotte recalls. “At that moment, I realised that I needed guidance.”
The power of coaching with Brilliant Work
Lotte got in touch with Brilliant Work and decided to follow a coaching programme through a starter grant. This gave her exactly the guidance she needed. “I had so many questions, especially in the business area. How do you start hiring staff? How do you conduct job interviews? And can I financially afford to employ someone?” Lotte explains.
With the help of HR coaches Martine and Esther, job adverts were drafted, job interviews were prepared for, and financial aspects, such as absence insurance, were also gone through. Thanks to this successful approach, Lotte was able to hire her first employee.
The coaching went beyond just practical matters. Together with her coach Lizanne, a three-year plan was drawn up to grow the practice. This not only looked at the financial aspect and the importance of knowing exactly what an employee costs and whether you need to factor that into the treatments, but also at leadership development.
“It was really great to have a team of specialists to bounce ideas off of, who helped me to take the right steps.”
Growth and future plans
Alongside the daily challenges and the start of her new employee, Lotte has ambitious plans for the future of her practice. She is working on her leadership skills and developing innovative treatment plans and combination packages to better serve her clients.
As for the future, Lotte is determined to further expand Huidkliniek Maas en Waal. “I’m still learning every day, but I know now that I’m not alone. Brilliant Work has helped me to realise my dream, and I would recommend it to any entrepreneur who could use a helping hand.”
With her future plans and growth ambitions, Lotte isn’t resting on her laurels. “This is just the beginning,” she says enthusiastically. “My dream is to create more treatment rooms and expand my team with two more skin therapists.”
The importance of good guidance
Lotte hopes to inspire other entrepreneurs with her story and encourages them to also make use of coaching. “It can really make a world of difference,” she emphasises. “Entrepreneurship can be quite lonely, especially if you don’t have a network to fall back on. Brilliant Work has not only helped me with practical matters, but also with building confidence in my own abilities as an entrepreneur. Together we have thoroughly analysed all the pros and cons, something I recommend to every entrepreneur before making a choice. With the right guidance and a clear plan, you can achieve anything.”
Lotte’s most important tip? “Find a coach with expertise in your field. Or, as with Brilliant Work, an entire team with a wealth of knowledge, where you can ask all your questions. “t helps you to clarify your goals. That’s my advice for anyone who could use a helping hand.”
Are you ready to take the next step with your business? Get in touch with Brilliant Work for coaching, tips and tailored guidance. Who knows where your adventure might lead you!
