By Chelsea Meyer
B103 Rockford
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Business: Glow with Britt

Owner: Brittany Frisella

Location: 4519 Highcrest Road, Rockford

 

Tell us about yourself and your business:

I have been practicing in the Rockford area as a board-certified Nurse Practitioner for over 14 years. I attended The University of Iowa and received my Bachelor of Science of Nursing Degree. From there, I attended Loyola University, Chicago where I received my Master of Science in Nursing Degree as a Family Practice Nurse Practitioner. Two years ago, I obtained my Full Practice Authority Nurse Practitioner License through the State of Illinois.

My business, Glow with Britt, is a medical aesthetic clinic specializing in enhancing an individual’s natural beauty through cosmetic injectables (Botox/Fillers) and medical grade skin care treatments and products. I have traveled to train with other aesthetic physicians and nurses throughout the region and continue to educate myself on the most cutting-edge treatments and procedures in the aesthetic industry, always being mindful about affordability and what is best for my patients.

My parents say I was born with a passion for the arts and sciences, which has served me well in the field of aesthetic medicine. I have dedicated my career to treating the whole person, the whole body, recognizing that physical and emotional well-being are interconnected. I am extremely passionate about restoring beauty and confidence in my patients and pay meticulous attention to every detail regarding each client’s experience. My goal at Glow with Britt is to help patients achieve a more youthful version of themselves.  I am passionate about helping my patients feel beautiful and confident in their own skin so that each person can radiate their own unique glow.

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What inspired you to start your business?

I had a career that I loved as an nurse practitioner at UIC, and I was working with people I loved. I was comfortable and secure, but I had a nagging desire for something more. I have always strived to achieve a close connection with my patients, because that is when clinical outcomes are at their best. The practice of medicine has changed drastically since I began my career. There was such a push to “see more patients” while not allowing “more time for patients” or patient care. I didn’t like the focus of quantity over quality regarding patient care. I wanted to be able to practice on my own terms, where I had full control over how much time I could give my patients. I decided that to do this I needed to open my own medical clinic, where care was driven by the patients’ needs and not by RVUs.

Equally, it was important to me to have an aesthetic practice where all women could access services at an affordable rate. A funny story I like to tell is about the first time I received botox. I had received a generous gift certificate from a friend. When I was asked to pay the balance, I asked if they applied the gift certificate (certain they forgot) but, no, the hefty remaining amount was with the gift card. I was floored.

I recognize that while feeling good is largely about the patient’s medical well-being, emotional well-being plays a critical role too. Many times, when we look good, we feel good. My Nana, who I spent a great deal of time with as a child, faced many challenges throughout her life — physical, emotional, and financial, but she always she had an inner strength and an outward glow. She literally lit a room with her kindness and compassion for others.  To this day, people tell me how my Nana had a special “glow” about her.  That’s where I came up with the name “Glow.” In fact, I have been shaped by many hard-working women, who have accomplished so much from humble beginnings. Seeing women working hard in the face of adversity has served as a constant source of inspiration for me.

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What’s it like being a female business owner here in the stateline?

Exciting and exhausting all at the same time. I’ve always tried to commit 100% at anything I try to achieve.  That sounds like a good quality, until you to try to balance work, family life and time for yourself. I am continuously working on trying to maintain a healthy sense of balance in my life while striving for clinical excellence for my patients.

As a Rockford native, it is also really rewarding. So many of my close friends have moved out of the area, and in the past, my husband and I were tempted to join them. Rockford is our home, though. We have family here and so many other great, close friends. Rockford has so many interesting people and stories. My patients share these stories with me every day. It makes going to work enjoyable. When I hear people being critical of the Stateline, I try to share these stories and remind people of all Rockford and the Stateline has to offer.

What advice would you give to a woman wanting to start her own business?

Be prepared to work hard. It sounds cliché, but nothing worth having is achieved without effort. It can be exhausting, but it’s also exhilarating and rewarding. To me, there is no such thing as a 9-5 workday or weekends off when you own a small business. When you’re getting started, be obsessed with touching as many customers (for me it was patients) as you possible can, and make sure they feel your passion. I promise, once they feel and see your passion while having an amazing experience, they won’t forget you.

Also, start small. Test the waters. Start with what you know and feel comfortable with and know your limits. When I started my business, I worked my full-time job and started my business part-time (one day a week). I was literally operating out of storage closest in a friend’s business. I scrubbed the space clean, painted it bright white to make it look as big and bright as possible, and went on a search for the perfect pieces to make the room look welcoming and relaxing. It was small, but it was big enough for what I needed at the time. I didn’t overextend myself. I loved that spot because it was my own little space and my beginning. I still miss it. As my practice and services grew, it seemed like it was time for a bigger space, but I waited several months until I felt my income could sustain my expenses.  I was also waiting for “just the right space.” I then turned my attention to decorating my new clinic with the same purpose and passion for patients.

Recognize that every business has its own set of challenges; some you can control, but some really are out of your control.  You can’t let the obstacles weigh you down. I have a quote in my office by Ruth Bader Ginsburg that serves as a constant reminder, “So often in life things that you regard as an impediment turn out to be great, good fortune.”  You may stumble but focus on your progress as a sense of motivation. If you’re passionate about something, you can do it.

Lastly, never forget where you came from and who helped you get there.

Who or what has been your biggest support system as a female business owner in the community?

My family and friends and my patients. Unless you are single, you have to start with family. You need your family’s buy in and support to start a business. I could never do what I do without the support of my husband, children, and parents, all of whom have made sacrifices to help me. We all know this is a “group project.” Also, my friends have been such an amazing source of encouragement and support. They’ve offered advice, a shoulder to cry on at times, and they were the first ones in line to see me as patients when I opened my clinic. These friends know who they are, and they know I could have never done it without them. Finally, my patients, who are simply the best anywhere and feed my soul in such a deep way. I’ve listened to what patients say they want and need. They give me the best advice, and they give me their trust which means everything to me. I’ve been humbled by so many acts of kindness and friendship.

What are the biggest challenges/advantages to being a female business owner?

Navigating the risk was one of my first challenges. I was worried about putting my family’s financial security at risk to try to achieve my professional goals. Reward typically does not come without risks, though. When I envisioned starting my business, I was initially just thinking about all the “fun stuff,” treating my patients.  After all, that is my passion and talent, but you can’t just pay attention to the “fun stuff.” Take the time to do a business plan; research the market, potential startup costs, and financial resources available to women in business. They are so many brilliant women in banking and finance in Rockford (and so many other industries).  They will help you.

Another challenge is simply learning as you go.  It helps to establish a network of like-minded women, women you can brainstorm with, collaborate with, and women you really enjoy working with. I’ve learned so much from other female entrepreneurs. I’ve also learned the hard way, though, that some people want what you have without all the hard work.  Be smart. Trust your gut instinct if it’s telling you a collaboration isn’t right for you. Find people to work with who share your work ethic and integrity.

One definite advantage is being able to make your own schedule, which can be a mixed blessing. Starting a new business takes time and effort. Many times, I work longer hours in my own practice than when I was working full-time for someone else. But I can schedule time to pick up my kids or be at their school events. This is important to me.

Another advantage is the sense of personal pride and fulfillment that comes with helping others feel good about themselves. I’m able to take care of so many beautiful people every single day and watch them transform in a very special way when their aesthetic goals are met. Being able to play a small role in their life gives my life purpose and meaning.

Finally, another advantage is simply paving the way for other female entrepreneurs and helping them see that success is absolutely possible through hard work, dedication, and following your dreams. It’s important for women to see other likeminded women take risks and do BIG things.

Listen to the full interview below: