As part of the Morning Lazziness series about empowering women who encourage and do incredible things with their ideas in society, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jessica Marren.
Jessica Marren is the owner, CEO, and lead injector at Bella Bar Medspa, a premier aesthetics destination in Brownsville, Texas. With a background in anesthesia, Jessica seamlessly transitioned her expertise in anatomy, precision, and needle technique into the aesthetics industry. Her passion for helping others and her innate eye for symmetry have enabled her to build Bella Bar Medspa into a thriving million-dollar business.
Jessica’s dedication to education and continuous growth sets her apart in the aesthetics field. She has trained with top professionals across the country, perfecting her craft and staying ahead of industry trends. A natural leader, she has cultivated a supportive, high-achieving team culture at her spa, where patients and staff alike are empowered to feel confident and valued.
A proud Brownsville native, Jessica is deeply connected to her community and actively supports local businesses and charities. She is committed to creating a collaborative environment in the aesthetics industry and plans to launch mentorship programs and training courses to support new injectors.
Jessica believes in the transformative power of hard work and is guided by the mantra, “Hard work always pays off.” Through her expertise, vision, and leadership, she continues to redefine beauty and inspire confidence in her patients while building a legacy of excellence and empowerment.
Here’s what we found out about Jessica’s daily routine, followed by an exclusive Q+A.
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur, and what sparked the idea for your business?
Entrepreneurship has always been a calling for me, but I needed to find my passion first. This took time and self-discovery. I’ve always wanted to help people, which led me to a career in anesthesia. Anesthesia provided me with a solid foundation in anatomy, physiology, and fine eye-hand coordination, skills that seamlessly transitioned into aesthetics. My journey into aesthetics allowed me to combine my passion for helping others with my creative eye for symmetry and facial features.
As a woman navigating the business world, what challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Honestly, I don’t feel that being a woman has put me at any disadvantage. I believe success comes from hard work, determination, and confidence—qualities I bring to the table every day. I don’t see gender as a barrier because I’m confident that I can outperform anyone, regardless of how they identify.
That said, the challenges I’ve faced are more about building and scaling a business, which require strong leadership, resilience, and adaptability. I’ve focused on staying educated, developing my skills, and creating a team culture that reflects my values. By believing in myself and leading by example, I’ve been able to turn challenges into opportunities for growth.
How do you balance the demands of running a business with maintaining a healthy personal life?
I treat my self-care as a priority by scheduling it into my calendar like I would any important meeting. Delegation also plays a key role in maintaining balance. I focus on training my team to handle tasks effectively, so I can replicate myself and scale the business. A scalable model is essential for long-term growth and allows me to prioritize both my personal and professional life.
Which networking strategies have most effectively built meaningful connections within your industry?
The best way to grow a network is by getting involved in your community. Collaboration with other small businesses is also essential, we grow together through shared support and resources. Building connections locally fosters trust and strengthens relationships within the industry and beyond.
How do you approach mentorship, and how has it shaped your entrepreneurial path?
The aesthetics industry can be highly competitive, but I’m committed to changing that. When I started, mentorship opportunities were scarce. I want to create a strong community of aesthetic injectors who can learn from and support one another, particularly in my area. I actively mentor new injectors whenever possible and plan to launch a mentorship program, along with online and live courses, starting in January 2025.
What strategies have worked best for selling your products and reaching your ideal customers?
Word of mouth and exceptional customer service are the most effective strategies. Google reviews play a significant role in building trust and credibility, and social media helps amplify our reach and connect with potential clients. These combined efforts ensure we reach and resonate with our ideal audience.
Which marketing techniques have been most successful for your business, and how do you track their performance?
SMS marketing has provided the best ROI. Including an easy link to purchase or book and a strong call-to-action (CTA) ensures clients can take immediate action. Tracking these interactions helps us fine-tune our approach and maximize effectiveness.
Can you share a significant setback in your business journey and the steps you took to overcome it?
Hiring and recruiting have been some of my biggest challenges. It requires a keen sense of intuition, and I’ve learned to trust my gut. If something doesn’t feel right during the hiring process, there’s usually a reason. I now hire on a probationary basis and prioritize team culture. If someone isn’t the right fit, I make the decision to let them go quickly, as maintaining a strong and cohesive team is essential for success.
What’s the most important advice you’d give to women just starting their entrepreneurial journey?
Take the leap of faith and prepare to hustle, hard work is non-negotiable, and the journey doesn’t get easier. Believe in yourself, trust your passion, and know that your effort will always pay off. You’ve got this!
Is there a mantra or quote that guides your actions and decision-making as an entrepreneur?
“Hard work will always pay off—be the hardest worker in the room.” This principle drives me to lead by example and stay focused on achieving my goals.
