Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexander von Illyes.
Armed with her extensive and priceless knowledge of European skin care, Alexander’s mother, Hungarian-born Sylvia von Illyes first opened her modest business in the fall of 1980 and initially named it European Skincare Institute, later renaming it European Skincare & Med Spa. As one of the first day spas–and later medical spas–in the Southwest, European Skincare & Med Spa pioneered many of the skin care and body treatments currently available and has gained a reputation for exemplary personalized service and unparalleled results.
Sylvia, now 85 (and still looking great) had fled to Germany during World War II, as the Russians were advancing towards her hometown in Hungary. From there, she moved with her husband and young boys to Portugal but had to flee once more–this time to Texas–as Portugal was experiencing political turmoil and instability during the mid-70’s.
Winner of numerous local and national awards, European Skincare is proud to continue its tradition of excellence–from cosmetic enhancements like Botox and dermal fillers to laser skin rejuvenation and maternity massage. In fact, in 2017 alone, European Skincare swept all categories it was nominated for and won “Best Medical Spa,” “Best Day Spa,” “Best Hair Removal” & “Best Wax Salon” in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s “Best of Tarrant County” contest.
After graduating from law school in 1994, her son, Alexander, took helm of European Skincare & Med Spa and guided it to what it is today: a successful enterprise with 25 full-time employees and customers from around the State of Texas and beyond. Early on, he realized that the focus needed to be results-oriented with emphasis on medically-based procedures but also offering basic skin care and body treatments, massage, hand & foot treatments and “Days of Pampering,” all in an elegant, relaxed European-inspired setting.
After 37 years in business, the company’s mission has not changed: to provide great value to all its clients and to offer the latest state-of-the-art treatments and procedures in a professional, relaxed and attractive environment.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nothing in business is ever smooth. Some of the challenges have been to keep up with the ever-changing legal requirements, training staff on new procedures and products and distinguishing ourselves from the competition. Because we pioneered so many of the treatments and procedures, we have been copied and emulated quite a bit. On occasion we’ve had to resort to legal action to preserve our trademark treatments, procedures and client base. That’s always stressful but also necessary in order to protect the interests our company and our valuable staff.
European Skincare & Med Spa – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are known in the area as THE leader in skin care technology. We specialize in injectable like Botox and dermal fillers, laser skin rejuvenation, body contouring, skin peels, facial treatments, laser hair removal, waxing and top-notch skin and body care products. Our “Days of Pampering” are legendary for their great facials, relaxing massages, soothing body treatments and delicious spa lunches.
Clearly, we are most proud of the fact that we have been continuously in business since 1980, despite two or three recessions and vastly increased competition. Yet, we have weathered all the storms and have never wavered from our core mission–to provide value and the latest technology, combined with talented and dedicated staff.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Relating to business, I define success as the ability to change and adapt to clients’ expectations. Additionally, when adding new services or products, it’s important to research and try them to make sure they exceed the clients’ expectations.
As a company, we can consider ourselves successful if our clients are happy, our staff is content and we turn a reasonable profit.
As political refugees and immigrants to the U.S., there were additional challenges, from language to customs but we assimilated and never looked back.
Contact Info:
- Address: European Skincare & Med Spa
6038 Camp Bowie Blvd.
Fort Worth, Texas 76116 - Website: www.euroskincare.com
- Phone: 817-731-0707
- Email: info@euroskincare.com
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