A woman we feel should be celebrated today is no other than Victoria Chakkour, the founder and Director of VC Dermal Clinics.
For those who have not met Victoria, not only is she the owner of three busy, Melbourne-based, dermal clinics, but she’s the multi-tasking wife to husband, Sergio and dedicated mother to 3 young children (Sebastian 7, Gabriel 5 and Selena 2).
Victoria’s foray into entrepreneurship started at the ripe age of 19, when she started her own food service business, which she owned, operated and sold for a tidy profit 2 years later. She then purchased another food business, applied the same hard-working formula before selling up and reinvesting her capital into her first skin and laser clinic in Endeavour Hills, aged 22.
“Whilst the food businesses launched my working career, it was the skin and laser industry which became my passion,” says Victoria. “We were early entrants to a relatively new industry and fast created a strong following”.
Within 10 months, the Endeavour Hills clinic grew from 1 room, treating 3 days a week to a 5-room business operating 6 days a week. Soon after, she bought her second clinic and the business grew from there…
Who Inspires You and Why?
“Without doubt – my mum. She came to Australia from the Middle-East with nothing; no language skills, no career opportunities, no financial security. But through hard work, dedication and a fierce passion for her family (I am one of 4 children) – us kids never went without. My parents worked so hard to provide every opportunity for us, to this day, I am so grateful for the strong work ethic she instilled in us. I couldn’t do what I do today, without her and all she continues to do and teach me”.
What’s Your Personal Mantra
“Find a solution to every problem”.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
“This is a 2-fold answer. For VC Dermal Clinics, I want to continue to grow my team and expand more VC Dermal Clinics, with a focus on specialised, medical-grade skin treatments.
On a personal level, I want to be a great wife and mother to my children and be present in their life, just like my mum is to me”.
If you could tell your younger-self one thing you know about business now, what would it be?
“Don’t ever doubt yourself. Once you have researched and made your decision, run with it and trust your gut instinct”.
What do you do to relax?
“Please don’t laugh – but I love nothing more, than doing my grocery shopping in peace at 7am, straight after my CrossFit session, alone with my thoughts!”
What development / innovation has been the most significant for your industry?
The most significant part of our offering at VC Dermal Clinic is that our team of certified, beauty and dermal therapists can provide the same in-clinic, medical-grade, corrective skin treatments, as leading cosmetic doctors and dermatologists. This means restorative, non-surgical, anti-aging, medical-grade, laser procedures are more accessible and more affordable to our clients. With over 15 years of industry experience, we are a trusted name, for our client’s safety and their results is our number one focus.
What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed in their careers?
“That’s simple – love what you do, and do what you love”.
Thank you so much Victoria for taking the time to share your story. You have employed, led, mentored and helped shape the lives of so many women throughout your working career. Keep up the great work and we look forward to seeing more great developments take place at VC Dermal Clinics.