Name: Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD
Age: 38
Job Title and Description: Dermatologist and Creator of Specific Beauty, Director of Ethnic Skincare-University of Miami
“I created a skincare line for women with multi-hued skin tones (tan, olive, and brown skin). It is specifically designed to address the concerns of women with multi-hued skin tones such as uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation. I practice dermatology in both a private practice and in an academic setting. I also participate in clinical research, serving as an investigator for clinical trials with an emphasis on increasing inclusion of skin of color patients.”
College/Major: Georgetown University/Philosophy/Pre Med
Website: specificbeauty.com and thedermablog.com
Twitter Handle: @specificbeauty
Her Campus: What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?
Heather Woolery-Lloyd: On a typical day, I see patients in the morning. As a dermatologist, I treat all different types of skin concerns but some of the most common would be acne, hyperpigmentation, keloid scars and hair disorders. I also do many different cosmetic procedures such as lasers, chemical peels and injectables. At the university, I usually have a medical student or resident with me so I also spend time teaching about the different conditions we see in the clinic.
I dedicate the afternoons to running Specific Beauty with my partners. We have a great team and we work together to manage every aspect that goes into having a skincare line from product development to marketing and sales. I often travel at least 2-3 times per month to do different media events for Specific Beauty and also to lecture to dermatologists at national meetings. I also enjoy writing. I have a blog and also frequently write academic papers to publish my research in medical journals. I try to fit writing in whenever I have a chance. It is definitely a busy day but it is good to be busy!
HC: What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?
HW: As a physician, your first real job is when you start your residency. Dermatology residency is very competitive (less than half of the medical students who apply get a position), so I was so happy when I found out that I got a position at my first choice—the University of Miami.
HC: What is one thing you wish you knew about your industry when you first started out that you know now?
HW: In the skincare business, there are so many different aspects to manage. It is a complicated industry and I think I was surprised by the scope of what running this type of business entails.
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HC: Who is one person who changed your professional life for the better?
HW: Leslie Baumann is a cosmetic dermatologist and author of “Skin Type Solutions.” She has been my mentor and has been so supportive throughout my career. I could never have gotten to this point in my career without her guidance and support.
HC: What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?
HW: My personal favorite is “Where there is a will, there is a way.” I truly believe that every problem has a solution. I live by that philosophy.
HC: What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?
HW: Running a business is a huge undertaking. When I started the skincare line, I was so focused on the science and making sure that I developed a product that was effective and innovative. I was very successful with that and the Specific Beauty Skin Brightening Serum has been a huge success. It has won many different beauty awards (Essence and Prevention) and it really works to erase brown spots and to even out skin tone. However now after several years in the skincare business, I realize there are so many other extremely important aspects that make a good product successful. Marketing and sales are equally important or no one will know that this great product exists! This is one of the most important things I have learned.
HC: What is the best part of your job?
HW: I love my patients. They are such wonderful people and make my job a pleasure. I also love the mental challenge of running a business. It keeps me on my toes and I never get bored!
HC: What do you look for when considering hiring someone?
HW: I look for someone who is ambitious, hard working, sincere, and reliable. These traits are invaluable in an employee.
HC: What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?
HW: Expect to work hard. Medical school and residency are extremely challenging but also very rewarding. The day I graduated from medical school, I knew I could accomplish anything. To succeed in any business you need to have a tremendous work ethic. You also have to truly believe in what you are doing. People can see real passion and are inspired to get involved when you express this passion.