Debbie Keaton
age 56 | married with three children and two grandchildren | Principle Owner/Clinic Director | Germantown, TN
What are you most proud of? I am most proud of my children, knowing that they have learned business skills from me and that they are implementing them in their own lives. Hearing them say that I am their mentor and seeing them taking action with the philosophies I believe makes me very proud.
How many hours have you dedicated to continuing education since you’ve graduated? Every day is continuing education for me. I dedicate at least a half day to reading, writing, or listening to audios or watching webinars. As a business owner, I need to pass this education on to employees as well. We never stop learning and the world is an open book.
What is your biggest distraction at work? I really don’t have any distractions because I do love everything about my work. If there is a distraction it is when to many things happen at the same time that requires my attention and that is when I wish I had a twin.
If you could only have one product in your bathroom, what would it be? This very valuable yet inexpensive piece of material called a “Buff Puff” does wonders for the skin and makes the skin look beautiful. It is great for the whole body. I can’t live without it!
What networking strategies have been successful for your spa? Networking with other dentists and doctors. Involvement and contributions to charitable organizations.
In your business, where do your best referrals come?
From happy clients/patients… word of mouth.
What types of marketing give your business the best exposure for the money? Mostly through the Internet with e-mail specials and e-mail newsletters.
How have you stayed motivated throughout your career? Having an active vision and staying with trends should motivate any entrepreneur.
What inspires you to continue working in the aesthetic industry? Watching young service providers grow in knowledge to be able to provide our clients with good care inspires me. Also watching how we all work together to provide the best services, which made a difference in someone’s life.
What information did you learn after you started working that you wish you had learned in school? One thing that can’t be taught in school is customer service. It is not truly learned until you are in the real world. I learned most of that working as a sales representative for a large corporation.
How do you feel about mandatory continuing education for license renewal?I am big on learning and continue to do so. I think is a good thing and should be even stiffer in some areas.
Do you feel it is appropriate to perform bikini/Brazilian waxes in the spa? It is very appropriate if it is done in a non-demoralizing, ethical, and professional way.
