Today we’d like to introduce you to Andre Reyes.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Andre. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Park Place Medispa was brought to life after years of lackluster spa experiences by every member of our team while visiting or working for our competitors.
So many places are worn down version of the same all-white ‘Euro-contemporary’ (with an Asian flare) medical spa, run by questionable staff and selling products that may or may not even be safe. There had to be a better way! A better space, a better team, and better results… We are lead by the skill sets of Dr. Gerald Hamwi and myself, the Office Manager, André Reyes. Dr. Hamwi has many years of experience in dermal fillers while I have expertise in customer service and management in a medical setting. Combined Dr. Hamwi and I decided to work together to create a space unlike any other.
The building we chose is an 1895 former general store with shop-front glass. In the late 80’s this was a popular chiropractor’s office in Highland Park, primarily due to the fact that everyone saw the illuminated sign with an image of a spine as they drove to and from the 110 freeway. Protected by the HPOZ, we have had to maintain a specific look on the exterior and we felt a strong duty to bring that design inside as well. We did not want the average medical clinic environment where the interior is cold and bright. With my background and experience in proper hospital-level hygiene and cleanliness, we were able to create a space that is both inviting and medically appropriate.
The idea of helping and educating clients with advanced uses of cosmetic procedures is our first goal. The second is to create a setting that takes away the stress of the day which allows the client to enjoy a moment for themselves. This fusion of ideas brought us where we are today. With a like-minded staff, you will get special treatment from the moment you walk in to the moment you check out. Whether the client is looking for more of a holistic approach or is curious to try more advanced treatments we have them covered!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Like any new business the liftoff is always the hardest part. Luckily prior to beginning our journey, I had already started my search for resources. Leaving my job at the hospital and transitioning into a medical spa setting was the best thing I could have done. I saw it as a paid educational experience.
Quickly being promoted to Operations Manager a short couple months after being hired really helped put everything into perspective. It was here where I learned to manage inventory, set meetings with Company Reps, understand staffing, and of course how to provide customer service in this setting.
Of course, above and beyond the “lift off” stage of getting things off the ground, getting the word out has to be the bumpiest road to travel. In today’s age of lightning fast information and flashing/scrolling screens, it’s very hard to capture a split second of a potential client’s time. Between all avenues of media, advertising, and word of mouth, we are still actively trying to navigate the best and most effective ways to communicate what we have to offer to our clients, friends, and guests.
Please tell us about Park Place Medispa.
At Park Place Medispa we are trying to reach out to everyone, whether they are looking for a more holistic approach to advanced skincare or more of a minimally invasive approach that will yield a greater result more quickly. Other services we offer are a wide range of facials, massages, waxing services, and even permanent makeup specifically for the eyebrows!
On top of my role as Office Manager, I am also our licensed phlebotomist. With over eight years of experience working in a hospital laboratory as well as teaching at UCLA’s Center of Prehospital Care Phlebotomy program, I have an immense amount of knowledge on just how special our blood is. At Park Place, I help our staff prepare for our popular Microneedling PRP “Vampire” Facial. PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma, within it contains our stem cells, growth factors, and many other elements that can be of great use if extracted and handled properly. Our clients have noticed greater results when using material from their own body, allowing them to also feel great knowing it is 100% theirs.
It might not be my phlebotomy skills that I am most known for, but it could be the elevated levels of customer service and hospitality that I provide to every person with whom I interact. Let’s face it, regardless of whether you’re coming in to get tiny micro punctures all over your face or a relaxing massage, getting that warm welcome from the second you come into our space really sets the tone for your visit. And if the client still has any nervousness or curiosity about their appointment I am well versed with what each treatment entails. Our staff and I want to make sure each person coming to us has all the information to make the right decision for themselves.
We pride ourselves with the skill of being able to deeply educate our clients. With each appointment comes a free consultation. This is where we want to hear what brought our clients in, what are their concerns, what results are they looking to achieve, and what are they nervous or afraid of in regards to our procedures. After that our staff will provide their professional opinion in regards to the client’s initial thoughts. We may be able to provide a couple of different approaches to help dissuade their concerns but ultimately it is how we build the client’s trust and comfortability that allows them to decide for themselves. Other businesses like ours can be extremely pushy to get the final sale and then to get the client out the door to make way for the next. Park Place is set apart from the others by the way in which we take the time to individualize each person’s experience and really listen. It’s not just about the sale and it’s not about the next client. People want to be genuinely heard and given honest truth, this is what sets us apart.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
In all honesty, if I had to start all over again I would literally do everything the exact same way. Before even acquiring the space for Park Place Medispa, I began my search for the best of the best. Whether that was products or staff, I wanted to make sure Dr. Hamwi and I knew what we needed to do beyond getting the building ready. The hardest part about staffing before we even had a place of employment to offer was building trust with the staff and letting them see our determination and drive.
Contact Info:
- Address: 120 S. Avenue 64
Los Angeles, CA 90042 - Website: www.parkplacemedispa.com
- Phone: 323-533-0681
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @parkplacemedispa
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/parkplacemedspa
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/park-place-medispa-los-angeles?osq=park+place+medispa
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
