Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyla Hargraves
Hi Kyla, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in the modest town of Okeechobee, Florida, in a two-bedroom house with my single mother. Watching her tirelessly work for others instilled in me a strong work ethic and a determination to eventually work for myself. Her sacrifices and dedication inspired me to pursue my own path and achieve my dreams through hard work and perseverance.
My first job was at 14, cleaning my grandparents’ church, which eventually grew into a small cleaning business. Despite this early start in entrepreneurship, my true passion was always medicine. I pursued this relentlessly, motivated by the desire to help people and achieve financial stability. During my junior year of high school, I needed a change of scenery and moved to South Carolina with my high school boyfriend, who had joined the Navy. There, I excelled academically, graduating as salutatorian and earning nearly an associate degree through dual enrollment.
After breaking up with my high school boyfriend, I moved back to Florida, took a job as a server, and re-enrolled in college. After a few more semesters of juggling full-time work and school, I experienced burnout. I took a couple of years off to work and attended cosmetology school, becoming a licensed esthetician and cosmetologist. I worked at an upscale hair salon while continuing to work as a server and doing promotional modeling for a year before deciding to return to college to complete my degree. I was accepted at UCF and graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Health Science. From there, I applied to PA school and was quickly accepted into Nova Southeastern University in Jacksonville, where I received my master’s in medical science in physician assistant studies.
This paved the way for my career in dermatology and aesthetic medicine. When I was ready to branch out on my own, having gained substantial experience, I faced the challenge of a non-compete agreement. This required me to work at another med spa outside the restricted area until the non-compete period ended. Once it did, I began searching for a property near downtown Orlando to establish my own med spa. I am now in the process of building a state-of-the-art facility and currently operate from a temporary location a mile away, where we continue to deliver exceptional results and care to our patients.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Overcoming obstacles has been a defining aspect of my journey to becoming a med spa owner. Coming from a modest background, financial constraints and the need to work multiple jobs while pursuing my education were constant challenges. Balancing the demands of work and academic excellence often led to periods of burnout, forcing me to reassess and adjust my approach to achieving my goals. Another challenged I faced was the non-compete agreement after leaving the dermatology practice where I had honed my skills for nine years. This agreement required me to work at another med spa outside the restricted area until its expiration. This period tested my patience and resolve, as I eagerly awaited the opportunity to establish my own practice. During this time, I focused on learning from different environments and expanding my network within the industry. Navigating the complexities of business ownership in the medical field also presented its own set of hurdles. Despite my extensive medical training, I lacked formal education in business and marketing. This gap required me to learn on the fly, often seeking guidance from mentors and my husband in the matters of legal and financial complexities. One of the most significant challenges has been managing the delicate balance of asserting myself while navigating potentially harmful situations. Unfortunately working in medicine inevitably means working with a lot of men with big egos. In some instances, male superiors or colleagues have exhibited flirtatious behavior or made inappropriate comments, creating uncomfortable and compromising work environments. These experiences often place women in positions where they must carefully navigate interpersonal dynamics to protect their professional standing and integrity. Moreover, confronting these situations can be particularly daunting when the individuals involved hold positions of authority or influence within the workplace hierarchy. The power dynamics at play can make it challenging to address inappropriate behavior without fear of retaliation or repercussions, such as jeopardizing career advancement opportunities or even facing dismissal. As a result, many like myself, have had to develop strategies to manage and mitigate these challenges while maintaining focus on their professional goals. Despite these challenges, my experiences have reinforced the importance of fostering a workplace culture that values respect, professionalism, and equality. As I transitioned into entrepreneurship and established my own med spa, I made it a priority to create an environment where all team members feel safe, respected, and empowered to thrive. By championing diversity and inclusivity in my practice, I aim to set an example for others in the industry and contribute to a positive change in healthcare environments.
Throughout these challenges, I remained steadfast in my commitment to delivering exceptional care to my patients and building a successful business. Each obstacle has been an opportunity for growth, strengthening my resilience and reinforcing my passion for aesthetic medicine. As I continue to build and expand my med spa, I am guided by the lessons learned from overcoming these obstacles, ensuring that I create a supportive environment for both my team and our patients.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At BIJOUX, our brand name isn’t just a word; it’s a philosophy that guides everything we do. “BIJOUX,” derived from the French word for “jewels,” encapsulates our belief that every individual is as unique and precious as a rare gemstone.
Just as each gem has its own distinct qualities, every patient who walks through our doors possesses their own set of traits, desires, and concerns. We understand that no two individuals are alike, and we celebrate these differences by tailoring our treatments to suit each person’s specific needs.
Our approach to beauty and wellness is rooted in the idea of enhancing and showcasing the inherent brilliance of every individual. Whether you’re seeking rejuvenation, relaxation, or revitalization, our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to helping you shine from the inside out.
Like a skilled jeweler carefully crafts each piece to accentuate its natural beauty, we delicately tailor our treatments to enhance your unique features and bring out your inner radiance. With personalized care and attention to detail, we strive to make every visit to BIJOUX MedSpa a truly transformative experience.
Join us on a journey to discover your own inner sparkle and uncover the beauty that makes you one of a kind. At BIJOUX MedSpa, you’re more than just a patient – you’re a precious gem waiting to be polished to perfection.
Experience the difference at BIJOUX MedSpa, where beauty is as unique as you are.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Growing up in a small town with a single mother and limited financial resources, I quickly learned the value of independence and self-sufficiency. As a result, I’ve become quite handy at fixing a wide range of things. From changing elements in a water heater and replacing a belt in a washing machine to snaking a toilet, installing a fan or chandelier, fixing drywall, and swapping out car batteries, I can handle it all. In addition to my DIY skills, I also know how to drive a stick shift and operate various types of boats, including airboats. I’m comfortable hauling trailers and even have experience hunting. These diverse skills and experiences have contributed to my resilience and resourcefulness, qualities that have been invaluable in my journey as a med spa owner. There are also a few things I love and hate that might surprise you. I hate lima beans, bad attitudes, laziness, and cockroaches. On the flip side, I love key lime pie, nice people, a good laugh, and exercise. These likes and dislikes, along with my varied skill set, paint a fuller picture of who I am both personally and professionally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bijouxmedspa.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bijoux.medspa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kymcguire
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqLYctQ5ugcGLvTN3sj3AAg
