Today we’d like to introduce you to Flavia Thornson.
Flavia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born in Brazil and moved to the US in 1987. I have been a registered nurse for 20 years. I have always wanted to work in aesthetic medicine and started taking courses and traveling all over the US to become certified in new treatments. In 2011, with the support of my husband, William Thornson, PA-C,, we opened Avalon Medical Spa.
Over the years we have introduced new treatments and top of the line, cutting-edge equipment to be able to provide our patients with the best possible treatments and give them the results they are looking for. In 2015 we expanded the Spa in New Bedford ( on the South coast of Mass) and doubled in size. In November of 2016, we opened a second location in Bristol RI.
We continue to expand our list of services and medical providers in order to offer our clients the best experience. We offer laser treatments for skin rejuvenation, hair removal, and spider veins. We also offer injectable treatments such as dermal fillers, Botox and Kybella. Coolsculpting, skin tightening with Thermi smooth and Thermi tight and Thermi body for cellulite reduction and skin tightening.
We also offer ThermiVA for intimate female health ( also known as vaginal rejuvenation) which helps with stress incontinence, dryness, and discomfort. We were also trained and certified by Dr. Charles Runnels on all the Vampire procedures like the famous Vampire facial Kim Kardashian did, Vampire Facelift, the O-shot, P-shot, Vampire breast lift.
For those who might be intimidated by some of these treatments, we offer customized European facials, Hydrafacials, microdermabrasion, derma – planing and chemical peels. All of our products are medical grade and in 2017 we proudly launched Avalon’s private label skin care line.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. I often hear comments about how easy people think this job is and everyone thinks we are making millions. A lot of people I personally know thought it would be easy and tried to do what I did only to find out that it was not as simple as they thought and gave up. We have had our fair share of unexpected difficulties.
It takes time to build a good reputation and, in this business even when a client is very happy, they often want to keep it a secret. The behind the scenes work is incredible… between making decisions on purchases, planning events, staying up to date on the latest treatments and seeing patients all day long, 6 days a week and trying to make everyone happy. As a business owner you never have a day off.
Fortunately, we have an amazing staff, from my husband who also sees patients and takes care of the administrative aspect of the business, to the laser technician, the other nurses, the medical director, aestheticians, receptionists, marketing girls, accountant and last but not least, the cleaning crew. That space is always immaculate. I could never do what I do without them and am grateful for every one of them every day!
Please tell us about Avalon Medical Spa.
I think what sets us apart from the rest is that I am really passionate about what I do and I take great pride in my work. I want what’s best for every single person who walks through the doors. We are a family business and I treat my clients like an extended family, I care deeply about them and their self esteem. If I don’t think you need any work done, I won’t do it. Your face is my calling card.
I want to enhance and rejuvenate people and help them to feel better about themselves. I prefer a more natural approach and not to make people look like they’ve had work done, despite what the current fad may be. I do say no on occasion because some people get addicted and think that more is better, when in fact it may be overdone.
My reputation for giving them a natural look and being honest is more important to me than would anything and my clients appreciate that honesty.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would have followed my dream sooner if I could have. But everything happens at the right time.
The mistakes and bumps in the road taught me some important lessons that I would not have learned otherwise and they made me appreciate what we have now. I look forward to what each new day and new client brings and I hope to continue to grow and improve and have a positive impact on my patients.
Contact Info:
- Address: 651 Orchard St. Suite 202 New Bedford, MA 02744 / 573 Hope St. Bristol, RI
- Website: avalonmedicalspa.net
- Phone: (774)202-4079 (401) 297-0591
- Email: avalonmedicalspa@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avalonmedicalspa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AvalonMedicalSpaNewBedford/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/avalonmedispa
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