Tell us about yourself …

Hi, I’m Louisa Franzen and I am the owner of The Highbrow, Skin and Laser Clinic and the Highbrow Training Academy in Brewery Square Dorchester. I have been in business for 25 years and owned two clinics, one beauty salon, one nail bar, and two training Academies within that time.

I also travelled around Europe teaching within the beauty industry.

I have two beautiful children, LJ 18, and Rosie 16. I live in Weymouth with my children, my Partner, and 2 stepchildren plus our dog Twix and Cat Baz.

I am super passionate about business, my family and friends, and keeping fit such as running, walking, Yoga, and sea swimming (all year round). 

I love empowering others and feel so blessed I get to make people feel amazing as part of my job. I believe life is for living to the full and my motto is seize the day. 

Tell us about your business

My business is a skin and laser clinic and training academy situated in the beautifully modern Brewery Square. We have been running for nearly 7 years and have grown every year offering more and more treatments and services that help our clients look and feel their very best. 

We are a team of 10 specialists all specialising in different areas of aesthetics from permanent cosmetics, and medical tattooing to non-surgical face lifting and laser treatments. We believe in enhancing people’s features but very naturally so you feel the best version of yourself. We have a very warm, friendly and welcoming clinic where clients will be greeted and looked after like family. We are always striving to keep ahead of the industry trends so we can always offer the very best services possible. 

What inspired you to start your own business?

I have always been very driven from a young age and always wanted to help others so building my own business seemed the obvious thing to do. I’m not scared of taking risks and certainly not scared of hard work which you need when running a business.

I just wanted to make a difference and push myself to see what I could achieve. I also needed to provide for my children as a single mum and I really wanted them to see that hard work really can pay off and that ANYTHING is possible. I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved. 

What challenges did you face?

There have been many challenges I’ve faced along my journey such as staff issues, the global pandemic, personal struggles, self-doubt, lack of funds, and much more but I’ve always had my family and friends by my side supporting me and cheering me on and for that I’m forever grateful because none of this would be possible without them. 

Can you share a pivotal moment or milestone that significantly impacted your business journey?

There have been lots but I guess the pandemic has to be the main one and although it was not in a positive way, the things I’ve learned from it have been positive. 

How do you balance your business and personal life?

It has taken me years to get a good balance to be honest. Obviously, my children always come first. This can be very tricky though when you’re running a business but I feel now I’ve got an amazing team built up I can step back slightly more and have a better balance. I can now add fitness into my schedule which is super important to me and great for my mental health. I have some of my best business ideas while running so it’s a win-win! If you work too hard and burn out then you are no good to anyone but I have to be honest it’s only recently that I’ve realised this and done something about it and I feel amazing for it. 

Do you have a top tip for any woman starting on their business journey?

Don’t be scared to take risks. There’s no such thing as failure, only lessons to learn and grow from. 

Secondly, trust your gut instinct. If it feels right then it is. 

Can you name a woman in business who has inspired you?

Vicky Martin who I trained with to do 3D areola reconstructions. She is incredible! From helping ladies who were diagnosed with cancer to being able to teach others her skills and all while suffering with dyslexia. It proves that anyone can do anything they put their minds to. 

Visit www.thehighbrowclinic.co.uk to find out more.