In the latest of our business profiles, we met up with one of the newest arrivals in the town – Smooth Clinic – who have opened on Bonnygate. The outlet is the brain child of owner, Karla Rae. We caught up with Karla to discover more …

Karla explains: “It all started back in 2019 when I spent all my pennies on qualifying and setting up solo doing laser. It got off to a flying start … then Covid hit!” However, that didn’t stop her: “I used the time wisely and learned even more about laser and business.”

Fast forward a few years, Karla now has “the best team EVER!” adding: “We have multiple qualifications, ample experience and a solid network of laser experts in Britain & the States driving Team Smooth full steam ahead.”

So what is the Smooth Clinic?

Karla’s business is a laser hair and tattoo removal clinic that first opened in October 2019. Her first premises were in Cowdenbeath – and they remain the HQ of her operation. Cupar is her second – and she has ambitious plans to open a further eight clinics over the coming years.

Her work is not just her own clinics. Through her training and contacts she has made with the manufacturers of the highly specialised equipment, she is now an authorised trainer – traveling around Scotland, teaching other clinic owners and operators how to use their lasers. In the near future, she will be offering this part of her services via an online training platform.

What services are delivered?

Karla says: “At our laser clinic on Bonnygate, we are a dedicated team of laser hair and tattoo removal specialists who believe in educating and empowering our clients.” She adds: “We strive to create a comfortable, welcoming and uniquely decorated environment, ensuring we become an essential service in our clients’ lives.” She has a mission: to be the market leader – providing a service “people trust“.

Having visited the clinic, it is easy to see and understand her vision: “to make laser treatments a fun and relaxing experience, accessible to everyone and no longer considered a niche service“. Karla says: “We work hard to make this a mainstream option for anyone seeking to enhance their beauty and confidence.”

Karla shared Smooth’s branding spiel to help explain the work and time she has invested to create a growing business …

• Brand Positioning: Scotland’s trusted laser clinic for safe and effective hair and tattoo removal, serving Fife and beyond.
• Brand Personality: Our brand personality is a fun and quirky one, perfect for those who are looking for something informal yet cutting edge. We embrace the LGBTQIA+ community and aim to create an inclusive and safe space for everyone. Our services are discreet, and we value our clients’ privacy and comfort.
• Target Market: Our target market is individuals who prioritise their beauty needs. We specifically cater to women in their late 30s and older who value quality, luxury, and personalised service.

Karla says her passion in work is about empowering her clients, adding: “I want to educate clients about the process and benefits of laser treatments, building strong relationships based on trust. We provide accurate, up-to-date information in a clear and concise manner to ensure our clients make informed decisions about their treatment options.” To that end, Karla and her team work closely with laser manufacturers and carry out in-house training to provide “the most innovative solutions“. She explains: “We’re constantly exploring new techniques to improve our results, all while keeping our customers happy, safe, and satisfied with our exciting services. When it comes to innovation, we’re the leaders in the game!”

Fiercely independent and focused, Karla is charting her own course. “I want us to lead – not to follow. We have created and are building a unique identity and I will not compromise on our principles to follow others. That is essential to our success to date – and our plans to grow in the future.”

No hard sell …

For all of her passion and laser focus, there is no hard sell. The investing of her time and money in the business is a lifestyle choice. “We’re all about being honest and upfront with our clients. We’re committed to only recommending treatments that will truly benefit them, and we’re always happy to provide transparent pricing information. With us, you can trust that you’ll receive personalized, honest advice and exceptional service every time.”

And she is personable! “If you see me in clinic, I will most probably chat too much and ask you to leave us a review!” She told us that – every day – she is proud of the steps she has taken but knows that her success is driven by her customers: “I want to thank each and every one of you who has crossed our threshold … and to offer a warm welcome to those who have yet to visit.”

Karla employs four in her team and plans to add another two in this quarter … one more laser technician as well as a sales and digital marketing manager.So if you are interested, please do get in touch with Karla using the information below.

As with all who feature on our KnowHow series, we asked Karla what she would recommend to anyone visiting Cupar for the first time – or for the first time in a long time: “I’m new myself, so I’m still exploring. I love the variety of independent businesses Cupar offers and have introduced myself to many since we opened. I look forward to working with them when the opportunity arises.”

 

Need more?

You can find more via their website on this link, follow them on Facebook and Instagram … better still, pop in to see them at 31 Bonnygate.

 

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