But that's just what happened when the owner of Fresh Faces Laser and Medical Cosmetic Clinic in Gander attended an awards gala hosted by members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization for Women Entrepreneurs (NLOWE) in St. John's Oct. 27.
Ms. White took home the award for entrepreneur of the year in the start-up business category. The award recognizes a business between the ages of two and five years which has become successful despite challenges and obstacles.
"Being nominated alone was an honour and I was amazed to even have been nominated," said Ms. White. "And especially to be honoured by NLOWE. They are a fine organization with a vast membership. But then to actually win was mind-blowing. I was blown away that they selected me."
Several years ago, Ms. White operated Total Body Fitness, a 24-hour-a-day gym on Roe Avenue. Three years ago, she built her own building on Markham Avenue, moved the gym to that location and opened Fresh Faces.
The business focuses on services such as laser hair removal, botox treatments, injectable fillers, laser skin treatment and laser teeth whitening as well as esthetic services such as manicures, pedicures and facials.
Ms. White said the market for such services is increasing, but there have been some obstacles and challenges along the way in terms of educating the public about the benefits, and the safe nature, of the services.
"Interest is growing," said Ms. White. "A lot of the myths and misconceptions about botox and fillers and stuff are kind of dissipating. People are more aware of it and it's becoming a little more mainstream."
“To actually win was mind-blowing. I was blown away that they selected me.” - Robin White
Ms. White said she has clients from all over central Newfoundland and as far west as Deer Lake.
"Some clients may have started here with me and then they moved away but they want to continue seeing me for these services," said Ms. White. "They will book appointments with me when they're in the area."
Juggling act
When Ms. White first opened the gym on Roe Avenue, she was still working as a registered nurse at the James Paton Memorial Health Centre in Gander. One of the challenges she faced was finding the time to run her business and work at the same time.
"Just trying to juggle both things wasn't always easy," she said. "I started this business and I didn't even have another staff member because I couldn't afford one. My cell phone was basically my lifeline."
Ms. White said another obstacle she faced was obtaining the appropriate training necessary to offer some of the services she does, such as botox and filler injections.
"Being in Central Newfoundland, there aren't many training opportunities," she said. "I had to travel to other parts of Atlantic Canada and Ontario in order to access training and that was a challenge at times."
After that came the construction of the building and the securing of financing, and finally the opening of Fresh Faces in its current location. Today, the business employs Ms. White, a full-time office administrator, and three part-time staff members.
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