Meet Korin Korman, the founder and CEO of Body+Beauty Lab. Korin has not only built a thriving med spa empire, with locations ranked among the top in the US, but she’s also revolutionized the industry with her commitment to clean, medical-grade beauty solutions.
Starting her venture while still a student at The Wharton School, Korin’s vision of combining natural, therapeutic ingredients with cutting-edge science has resonated deeply with consumers seeking efficacy and purity. From her flagship in Philadelphia to her newest location opening soon in Bar Harbor, Florida, Korin’s influence continues to expand.
We had the honor of chatting with Korin, and we asked her about her inspiring journey and explored her entrepreneurial insights, her passion for clean beauty, and her vision for the future of wellness. She shared the challenges and triumphs of building a multi-location business, the intricacies of developing FDA-approved botanical products, and her perspective on navigating the often-complex beauty industry as a female entrepreneur.
With the rise of minimally invasive aesthetics and the increasing consumer demand for transparency in ingredients, Korin’s expertise is more relevant than ever. Check out our full interview with Korin Korman below.
Can you tell us about your professional background before starting your own business? And how have those experiences contributed to your current success?
Korin Korman: Prior to starting my own business, I was a graduate student at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and prior to that I worked 2 years in Investment Banking and Marketing/Advertising.
These experiences influenced my current success path. My exposure to finance and marketing was where I honed my skills in expense allocation, basic accounting, branding and customer engagement. in conjunction with the tools learned in an academic setting, including project management, adaptability, efficiency, negotiating, networking tactics, and basic problem-solving, I developed strong organizational and leadership abilities.
These experiences allowed me to build a strong professional network, secure key partnerships, and strengthen my strategic planning and business growth goals.
Overall, my professional and educational background before starting my own business has been instrumental in helping to shape my understanding of basic business principles. But the reality is that to operate and lead a successful brand, as well as navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, you need great instincts, a passion for your trade, and a strong work ethic that is instinctual.
What inspired you to create Body+Beauty Lab? And what were some of the challenges you faced during the early stages of starting the business? How did you persevere through those difficult times?
Korin Korman: The motivation behind creating Body+Beauty Lab stemmed from a deep passion for providing advanced skincare treatments in conjunction with health and wellness services in a beautifully dedicated environment. My vision was to revolutionize the beauty industry by offering cutting-edge treatments combined with botanical and organic products that deliver real results while prioritizing and exceeding client expectations.
In the early stages of starting my company, some of the key challenges faced included navigating the complexities of financing a new venture, securing funding, hiring, and building a strong team of skilled professionals to support the brand’s high standards.
To address these obstacles, I reached out to individuals with industry knowledge and leveraged their expert advice, I also made many mistakes from which I realigned and proceeded in new directions, always determined to face the many setbacks while focusing on the future. Even with a coherent business plan, you may need to pivot quickly, remain agile, and maintain a resilient mindset.
What sets Body+Beauty Lab apart from other elite med spas in the country?
Korin Korman: Through dedication and a commitment to excellence, Body+Beauty Lab has flourished as a leading destination for premium aesthetic treatments. I never compromised on quality, innovation, or customer service. And now, with the addition of Integrative Medicine and Hair Restoration, we are advancing into a new frontier that most medical spas have not progressed to.
As a leader in the beauty industry, you have undoubtedly learned countless lessons along the way. What is the most valuable lesson you have learned throughout your career, and how has it shaped your approach to business and leadership?
Korin Korman: The most valuable lesson I have learned throughout my career is the importance of fostering a culture of respect and surrounding myself with those who have particular strengths that I may not possess. Creating an environment where all voices are heard and valued has enabled us to transform and adapt to changing market trends, positively affecting clients. Recognizing and supporting the unique qualities and perspectives of these individuals has not only enriched our team but has also been key to our success.
With the growing consumer interest in clean beauty, how do you stay ahead of the curve and continue to innovate in this space?
Korin Korman: The evolution of my brand is unique in that my concept intersects two worlds. I have always adhered to the incredible effects (physical properties, emotional benefits) of pure essential oils and revitalizing botanicals; however, I also believe there is a world where we can embrace “clean” clinical/medical grade products that have evolved in the marketplace.
My fascination with the powers of botanical and organic compounds for beautifying, cleansing, healing, and revitalizing the people in their care emanated from my determination to provide the finest anti-aging and holistic skincare brand showcasing products based on 100% pure active botanical ingredients.
These essential oil-based products – extracted from flowers, leaves, seeds, herbs, woods, roots, and resins of aromatic plants were shown to work in harmony with the human body in providing a physical and psychological benefit to the user. As the brand matured, we combined the mystique and wisdom of the ancient world with contemporary medical science and modern treatments.
I took pride in offering natural body products of unparalleled quality, products that are characterized by their use of essential oils and proven to promote health and natural beauty from within, containing pure and exotic botanical oils, the finest organic herbs, rare plant extracts, and natural vitamins and minerals. Yet, to meet the needs of the aging demographic, I felt it necessary to embrace the advanced clinical skincare products that offer a more immediate solution. These two worlds combined provide a strong and effective solution for all skin care needs.
Whenever possible, we work with environmentally conscious botanical and clinical labs that focus on sustainability and eco-friendly products.
Can you share some insights on developing your FDA-approved personal care products?
Korin Korman: We have a private label with several pharmaceutical and botanical labs. I am unable to share the details of the development of the products.
What advice would you give to aspiring female entrepreneurs looking to break into the beauty industry?
Korin Korman: It is Vital to Assemble a Strong Network: Establishing relationships with industry social media influencers, legal and marketing experts, mentors, and, of course, your potential customers is crucial for successful brand equity. Networking opens doors to valuable alliances and collaborations and provides the opportunity for expansion.
Continually Improve Your Skills: It is imperative to educate yourself on every component of the industry, from the different types of product formulations to the variety of professional treatments that are currently offered to marketing and social media strategies. Be current with the latest trends.
Craft a Strong Brand Proposition: Express your unique selling intention and create a brand that is valued and resonates with your target market. The beauty industry is highly competitive and constantly evolving, therefore it is crucial to be creative, innovative and open to new possibilities. Adapt to changes, particularly when experiencing failures or mistakes. Learning from and embracing your obstacles will make it easier to adapt to future goals, incorporate new developments and options, and help you keep the momentum flowing with determination and resilience.
With the rise of injectables and other anti-aging procedures, how do you ensure that your clients receive safe and effective treatments?
Korin Korman: Ensuring that clients receive safe and effective anti-aging treatments, particularly injectables and laser treatments, requires a thorough approach that prioritizes both the expertise, education, and experience of the provider, as well as the quality of the devices and the products used. Key strategies to promote the safety, accuracy, and efficacy of these procedures include:
Credentials: Choose your providers who are highly skilled, trained, and experienced in administering pharmaceutical products, injectables, and other anti-aging procedures. Only hire individuals with certification credentials in dermatology, plastic surgery, medical cosmetics, aesthetics, etc., as well as having a history of successful outcomes, which can often be observed in before and after images, patient reviews, and industry recommendations.
Quality Products and Technologies: Ensure that only FDA-approved products,
services and the latest technologies are used for all treatments. This guarantees that the services have undergone rigorous testing for safety and efficacy, reducing the risk of adverse reactions.
Comprehensive Consultations and Customized Treatment Plans: It has always been my top priority to listen to the needs and requests of my clients. Otherwise, what’s the point of all the hard work? A one-size-fits-all approach does not work for anti-aging treatments.
A thorough consultation before any treatment is essential to ensure that the client understands the potential risks and benefits of the procedure. It also allows the team to be transparent regarding the treatment process, including possible side effects and expected outcomes.
To personalize the experience for the consumer, I searched years ago for a way to evaluate and create protocols for all individuals who frequent the brand. I found the solution with the Visia device, which is an exciting and unique feature of Body+Beauty Lab. This skin-scanning technology is available to all our clients. This dramatic diagnostic tool accurately reveals skin imperfections on and beneath the skin’s surface. This transparent process eliminates all subjectivity, and there is no more guesswork or confusion in the skincare recommendation process.
A skilled provider will assess each client individually. We analyze and monitor the client’s unique skin health by tracking progress, setting personalized goals, and providing an extraordinarily optimal treatment plan tailored to the skin’s specific needs. The results are an accurately and objectively customized and distinctive skin care product and treatment regimen with recommendations and solutions that will deliver optimal results.
This process of distinct communication will build trust and confidence and ensure that clients are informed before undergoing any procedure.
After Care: To ensure the success of these advanced aesthetic procedures, clients should be provided with thorough instructions and expectations on how to care for their skin post-treatment and should have a follow-up appointment scheduled to monitor their progress.
Can you debunk some of the current beauty trends and share your thoughts on what truly works for achieving healthy, glowing skin?
Korin Korman: Some of the current trends that may not actually help achieve healthy, glowing skin is to be cautious about the use of DIY skincare ingredients or Instagram and TikTok remedies without proper knowledge. While some suggestions may be beneficial, not all of them are appropriate and may cause irreparable damage or adverse reactions.
Rather than chasing every social media beauty trend, some timeless practices that result in achieving healthy, long-lasting, natural glowing skin:
- Consistent Skincare Routine
- Hydration, Exfoliation, Antioxidants
- Healthy and Nutritious Diet
- Sun Protection
- Exercise and Sleep
- Stress Reduction
Balancing the demands of running a successful business with a personal life can be challenging. How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance, and what strategies do you employ to ensure that you are taking care of yourself while also driving your company forward?
Korin Korman: A healthy work-life balance is crucial for both emotional and physical well-being, the success of your personal life, and the success and duration of the business. To achieve this balance, it is essential to prioritize self-care. Let’s face it: most entrepreneurs do not effectively set boundaries between work and personal life.
Here are some strategies to help embrace this balance:
Set Realistic Goals and Prioritize Time Management: Identify your personal and professional priorities so that you may allocate time and energy effectively.
Effective time management techniques such as creating task lists, setting realistic deadlines, and delegating personal and professional projects when necessary to lighten the workload. Organize your time efficiently.
Boundaries Setting Strategies: Attempt to establish distinct boundaries between work and personal life. Delineate designated work hours to avoid detracting from personal time. Learn when to say no if it adversely affects personal health and me-time. Definitely find time to disconnect and unplug from work-related devices, texts, and emails. To minimize work distractions, participate in activities that promote relaxation and well-being and reduce stress.
Self-care: Create opportunities for activities that rejuvenate and reenergize you, such as exercise, massages, meditation, family and friend time, creative hobbies, listening to music, and watching great movies! Embracing your physical and mental health is critical for long-term success.
Taking care of yourself should not be considered a luxury but rather a necessity for prolonging professional and personal success.
Looking ahead, what exciting developments or innovations can we expect from Body+Beauty Lab in the near future?
Korin Korman: We are currently launching two very exciting divisions. The following are the new divisions and the benefits:
Hair Restoration
- Tier 1 Prevention
- Tier 2 Recondition your Natural Hair
- Tier 3 Transplant Restoration
Integrative Health
- Personalized Health Solutions
- Boost Energy Levels and Combat Fatigue
- Balance hormones and Thyroid Health for Improved Overall Wellness
- Improve Mental Clarity and Reduce Stress
- Digestive Health and Gut Health
- Weight Optimization, Fat Reduction and Muscle Gain
- Reduce Fatigue and Tiredness
- Sexual Health and Wellness
- Vitality Aging and Optimal Health
Lastly, is there a specific mantra, quote, or affirmation that you hold close to your heart?
Korin Korman: Success takes time, tremendous hard work, confidence, perseverance, and passion. And above all, I have a deep belief in the mission. With those ingredients, it is crucial to adapt to changes, recognize the obstacles learned from failures, and then successfully pivot. This is what I believe has allowed me to flourish through the years and continue to thrive.
Emily Sprinkle, also known as Emma Loggins, is a designer, marketer, blogger, and speaker. She is the Editor-In-Chief for Women's Business Daily where she pulls from her experience as the CEO and Director of Strategy for Excite Creative Studios, where she specializes in web development, UI/UX design, social media marketing, and overall strategy for her clients.
Emily has also written for CNN, Autotrader, The Guardian, and is also the Editor-In-Chief for the geek lifestyle site FanBolt.com
