Nicole Frontera opened her first medical spa, Nicole Frontera Beauty, ten years ago. As a Nurse Practitioner who worked with plastic surgeons, she wanted to create a business where patients felt welcomed. A medical spa that felt like they were visiting a friend instead of a pretentious doctor’s office.
“I realized there was a market need for customers who feel intimidated when visiting plastic surgeons,” said Frontera. “They want to get injections and such but want to be comfortable and feel at home. Nicole Frontera Beauty is a second home to all of our patients.”
That personal approach extends to all aspects of her business, including financing.
Frontera has partnered with MMP Capital, the leading equipment financing provider for medical aesthetics in the United States, for the past five years. She has purchased more than 10 medical aesthetic devices through MMP Capital and plans to return to them whenever the business needs to acquire something new.
“MMP Capital, and specifically CEO John-Paul Smolenski, has treated me, and my business, like family,” said Frontera. “Not only does he make financing simple, but he also feels committed to my success. He understands my business and makes sure every need is attended to – most times before I even ask. It is a truly valuable partnership.”
“Nicole is one of the most savvy business people I know, and a true American success story in every possible way. She is an inspiration to many people as a business owner, mother, wife, you name it,” said John-Paul Smolenski, President and CEO, MMP Capital. “She understands her industry, her customers, and how important it is to be one of the first to market with a new product or service. We are proud to be a small part of her success, and the MMP family looks forward to many more years working together.”
Equipment financing, while essential to any medical aesthetic business, had not always been so simple for Frontera. When she first started out, as a new business founded by a Nurse Practitioner, instead of a Medical Doctor, she found it difficult to get a loan.
“The first company I worked with for financing said we were high risk, primarily because I was not a Medical Doctor. Our rates and terms were very high. It was a challenge for us to turn a profit at that time, but I know the importance of always offering the latest technology and procedures, so I was determined to invest in my business.”
“Finding MMP Capital was like a breath of fresh air. John-Paul makes the application process so easy, and we don’t need to wait months and months to get our funds. The best part of all, he gets me the industry’s best rates, even back when I was in business less than five years.”
Having this type of relationship with a commercial lending company like MMP is important in an industry that regularly requires new equipment. Frontera understands that if she doesn’t invest in up-and-coming technology, she will lose patients to another practice. She says today’s customer is savvy, and often searches for a specific procedure, so she stays up to date with trends.
Frontera’s approach to business has paid dividends. Nicole Frontera Beauty, located in Rockaway Park, N.Y., doubled its space last year. Frontera is also opening another location, called The Formula MedSpa, in Rye, N.Y. this Fall. As expected, MMP has already begun to help equip The Formula for its grand opening.
“We believe success is contagious. When business owners like Nicole can benefit from our financing programs, it is exciting to see them prosper. It is truly a win, win scenario,” said Smolenski. “I cannot wait to visit The Formula and see Nicole’s hard work come to life.”