First Friday Female Founder Feature: Karen Albright
This month’s First Friday Female Founder post features Karen Albright, who has built her business up from nothing to a multi-location company that has a really positive impact on the community, its customers and women business owners all around us. Karen has a knack for seeing what makes someone special and enabling them to use that skill in excelling, whether it’s one of her company’s team members, a fellow entrepreneur or someone she can lift up by delegating functionality. Karen empowers the wonderfulness inside people by cultivating their confidence. Enjoy this peek inside the mind and heart of this rock star!
For nearly two decades, Karen Albright has been a noteworthy leader in the beauty industry. She is the owner of one of the top-rated medical spas in the Triangle-area, BodyLase. BodyLase provides med-spa services like Injectables, Laser Hair Removal, CoolSculpting, Laser Facials, just to name a few, that help enhance beauty and restore clients’ confidence. Karen’s female-led company has claimed many awards over the years, but one of the highest accolades being BodyLase’s top 2% rank of BOTOX® Providers in the United States. Throughout her success at her BodyLase Raleigh location, Albright expanded her business into the Cary-area.
Karen has received numerous awards professionally and personally, one of her most recent being Enterprising Woman of the Year in 2019. Her business philosophy is simple - making the client and their safety the highest priority. She has staffed her teams with some of the strongest individuals that continue to grow BodyLase into what it is today.
With one of the longest-running medspas in the Triangle, Karen is taking her knowledge and experience of the industry and sharing it amongst aspiring local business owners. The values of BodyLase can be applied to almost any business model with customer service and passion for your niche taking precedence.
First Friday Female Founder Feature: Karen Albright
How would you describe your company and the products / services you offer?
BodyLase is a medical spa that helps women (and men) become more confident. Our wide variety of medical spa services include Botox, Juvéderm, Laser Hair Removal, CoolSculpting, Fraxel Skin Rejuvenation, to name a few. Our medical-grade skincare products enhance the services we offer by allowing our clients to continue the med-spa experience with home-care products.
Why did you start your company?
I’ve always had a dream to start my own company. From the time I was young, I was always looking for ways to earn money. I had lemonade stands, paper routes, even a mini “home health care company,” (long story!). Mostly, I wanted freedom. Freedom of time, money and relationship. I didn’t like having a boss!
What has been the most rewarding part of your journey in founding this company?
I have loved creating something out of nothing. It’s amazing to look back, see where we started, and how far we’ve come. I started with one nurse, one laser, a one room office and me. Now I have 22 employees, 2 locations and about 10 lasers. I love that I’ve been able to build that with the help of my amazing team.
About what are you most proud?
I love that my business can positively impact the people in my community. When I was a lawyer (in another life), I often felt like I was detracting from the world rather than contributing to it. Now, I absolutely love that I can help women feel more beautiful and confident. I feel like I am truly having a positive impact on the world by helping people feel confident, beautiful and happy!
Are you naturally organized, was it a skill you learned or is it something with which you regularly struggle, and what tips or tools do you use to stay your most organized?
I am definitely not naturally organized! I wish I were – I know my life would be so much easier. I still struggle with organization, but I’ve gotten better over the years. I use a non-tech tool called a “Bullet Journal” (I love to write things by hand). It allows me to keep everything in one place and keep track of my long-term and short-term goals. I also have an assistant, and she helps keep me organized.
Who’s the one person who changed your life and why?
My youngest sister, Joanne! She was the one who told me about laser hair removal centers in Chicago (where she lived) and planted in me the seed to start a laser hair removal center. If it hadn’t been for Joanne, BodyLase would not be here today, and my life would be drastically different.
What words of wisdom would you have for someone who is overwhelmed with staying organized and / or productive?
Hire help!!! Don’t try to become someone you aren’t. Outsource everything you’re not good at!
Do you use technology to help stay productive or organized? If so, what’s your favorite program, app or tech tool?
My iPhone is a lifesaver - holds all my calendar appointments, reminds me when I need to do something, holds to-do lists, notes, etc. I like Gmail for setting up meetings with people because it automatically loads the appointment into my calendar. I use Alexa and Google Home (mostly for getting the weather so I know what to wear each day! Lol)
How do you feel about work / life efficiency or integration in your life, including any tips or challenges for managing the personal and professional commitments in your life?
I feel I do have a good work life integration at this point in my career. I have some weeks where I am crazy busy, but, most of the time, I get home at a reasonable time and have time for other pursuits. I use the EOS for Businesses, and that has helped me so much because I am able to monitor my business with KPIs and can even do a lot remotely now. I have been focusing on “delegating and elevating” to my team.
About what causes are you most passionate?
Women in business. I love to help other women entrepreneurs. I am a member of EO (Entrepreneurs Organization) where I am on the board. I am also a member of NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners) and past member of WPO (Women Presidents’ Organization). I love working in organizations that help support women entrepreneurs.
What have you found to be the most effective way to relax after a long day or super long week?
I love to go to the beach. I truly feel like I get away when I’m at the beach. Although it’s only 2 ½ hours from Raleigh, I feel many miles away!
What is your favorite author / book?
Fiction: “The Nightingdale” by Kristen Hannah (I love historical fiction) Non-Fiction: “Who Not How” by Dan Sullivan
What is your favorite inspirational quote?
“The purpose of life is a life of purpose.” – Robert Byrne
What is your go-to accessory?
Jewelry – I love big earrings!
What are the fundamentals of your beauty routine?
Haha… Well, that’s a loaded question because I have a pretty extensive regimen in light of my business. I use very high quality, medical-grade skincare and try a variety of different products. Three things I never go without are Retin-A, Vitamin C and sunscreen.
What are your favorite foods?
Chocolate and ice cream.
Of the locally-owned and -operated establishments in the place you currently live, which are your top 3 favorites and why?
StyleFinder Boutique in North Hills – I love Michele Nidiffer and have always been impressed by her business acumen. And, of course, I just love the clothes in her boutique.
Margaux’s Restaurant – A wonderful restaurant that is locally owned by Steve Horowitz. Such great food!
The Roper Group – Jess McLamb has been my bookkeeper for the past 15 years! She has helped my company grow into what it is today. She is so smart and so good at what she does. Her role has evolved at BodyLase, and she now does more than basic bookkeeping and takes on much more of the financial analyses for the company.
What is your favorite place that you have visited?
I love visiting the Western part of the US. Every year, our family goes skiing in Colorado (or another Western State). I also love to go to Canyon Ranch in Arizona – a great outdoor, active, healthy vacation.
What movie could you watch on endless loop?
“The Proposal”
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Haha… I love this question! I would love to be able to “clone” some of my best employees so I could staff future locations with my great team!
What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Stop worrying so much! It will all work out!
If you could have lunch with anyone (living or deceased), who would it be and why?
I would choose to have lunch with my dad who passed away 12 years ago so I could tell him all about the success of BodyLase. My dad moved to Raleigh before he passed away from prostate cancer, and he actually helped me in my business. He inspired me to keep going at a time when I was ready to give up. If it hadn’t been for him, I don’t think BodyLase would still be here.
I’d love to show him how much we’ve grown since he was helping me in the business. He’d be so proud. 😊
Isn’t Karen Albright simply amazing?!? I would love to hear who you would like to see featured in the future so please let me know if you think of anyone I should interview. I look forward to sharing more superstars with you.
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