#WIB - Q&A With Amy Knoetze Owner Of Pulse Dermatology Laser Clinics

1. Can you please tell us more about your business?

I own two Pulse Dermatology Laser Clinics in Cape Town and have acquired the exclusive distribution rights for AQ Skin Solutions, as well as AQ Therapeutics, in the Southern Africa region. At present, I’m running two medical aesthetic and laser businesses and about to role out our national franchise. I also run a Southern Africa distribution company, importing and exporting tissue repair serums and the latest state of the art medical devices including smart fillers, skin boosters and microfat devices, as well as training medical professionals regarding AQ Skin Solutions’ revolutionary tissue repair and facial remodeling ability.

Pulse Dermatology and Laser is a media aesthetics determined to be pioneers in the industry, offering an unrivalled menu of medical aesthetic treatments where you can choose from a menu of bespoke peels & facials, anti-ageing injectables, IV drips, advanced fat removal & body sculpting treatments, advanced treatments for acne and pain free laser hair removal.

2. When, how and why did you start your business?

I founded Pulse in 2013 after returning to South Africa from seven years in London, where I trained and worked alongside world-renowned dermatologists and pioneering plastic surgeons with a celebrity clientele. Watching my patients’ skin literally transform with every session motivated me to save up the money, buy my very own laser machine, and return to Cape Town to bring my learnings home. At the time, people thought this was a risky business idea, but I believed in my dream of making top aesthetic treatment available to everyday South Africans without sacrificing quality – and so I made it happen. Ten years later, here we are, with two clinics in Cape Town, which is about to franchise, a successful distribution company and a tissue repair product that is changing lives.

3. What is your role in the business?

I have literally been in almost every role in my company; from receptionist to therapist, marketer and sales expo lady to flier drops in post boxes, you name it! Now in year ten the company has grown and will continue to grow exponentially, which has allowed me to move into the CEO position, yet keeping a consulting and training role. I have had to learn to empower my team and let go of some responsibilities so that I allow the business to flourish.

4. Where did you study and what did you study?

I started with a three year diploma in Somatology and once qualified, I went to the UK and did a core of knowledge courses in medical aesthetics and lasers. From there, until now, I am constantly training and developing my skills in this ever growing and developing industry!

5. How did you finance your business?

I saved every penny that was possible over the 8 year period that I worked overseas, and when I came back to Cape Town, I bought my first laser machine. The rest as they say, is history.

6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.

I wake up very early, which allows me to have a relaxed morning. If a morning is rushed it affects the whole day negatively. I then do my super mom thing and walk my son to school, powerwalk home, grab a cup of coffee, check my schedule for the day, plan my day and then off to work.

My first meetings are in the car over Bluetooth followed by working at one of the clinics that I am seeing consults at for the day. As soon as I arrive, I get more coffee and have my daily huddle with my team. Between meetings I consolidate accounts, pay invoices, check in with marketing, film social media content, do paperwork and have my team calls throughout the day so that I really am on top of all that is happening in my business.

It’s all very fast paced and exciting and I absolutely love it!

7. How do you balance your home life and your work life?

I am a single mom and my parents live in the UK. I have had to learn to carve out me time and time with my boy. I know I cannot be all things to all people all the time but I will make sure I’m there for my child, we have our one on one time every morning and every evening and I do my best to be present in the moment. This is all possible because I trust my beautiful solid team to handle the reigns, which makes balance possible.

8. What drives you and inspires you?

Manifestation is a beautiful thing, the process of building your thoughts into things. When you take action and your dream becomes tangible is what drives me. What I am most proud of, is the impact we have on our patients, and that inspires me to do better every day. Being in the presence of my motivated and amazing staff, and in the presence of all my clients who are exceptional at what they do for a living is an unmatched feeling of inspiration.

9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?

I am definitely a morning person, so as I walk into work in the morning, most of the time with a positive attitude and feeling like my cup is fill, light bulb moments occur. This is why a good sleep is so important to me!

10. Where and how do you market/advertise your business for sales leads?

The marketing varies between my two companies, but it comprises of digital advertising, which includes social media and all online aspects, PR, influencer marketing and above the line advertising. Word of mouth and referrals by far remains the strongest form of advertising. People speak from experience, and this is power for a business like ours. Conventions and traditional sales calls is how the distribution business began.

11. What is next for your business?

For Pulse Dermatology and Laser, we are excited to be embarking on a nationwide roll out, as well as offering franchise opportunities for the business. We are in the process of bringing in ten medical devices this year on the distribution side.