Deborah Alessi is an incredible, world-renowned entrepreneur – the founder / CEO of both Face Forward International and luxury Beverly Hills Wellness & Aesthetics clinics. We sat down with her to learn more about her work, her ethos and her role in empowering women & supporting victims of cruel acts of violent crime across the globe.

Tell us about Beverly Hills Clinic Deborah – how did you start the business, and what inspired you to get into the vitamin drip and aesthetics industry? 

Deborah: “I’ve always had a keen interest in all things health and beauty… as it’s just as important, if not more, to feel good on the inside as it does to look good on the outside. And of course, living in Beverly Hills, I was living on the forefront of the latest wellness and aesthetic trends.”

“After trying a few IV drips myself, I could feel the difference they made in my own energy levels so I knew they were beneficial… but I didn’t know the full extent of the benefits they could provide. As a result, I then began researching, talking to doctors & specialists and coming up with winning formulas & combinations of vitamin drips. This became the beginning of the original Beverly Hills IV Therapy – which has since become a global brand, now known as Beverly Hills Wellness and Aesthetics.”

And your charity Face Forward, how did that start?  

Deborah: “Face Forward started as just an idea. As a domestic violence survivor myself, I knew the importance of the emotional support needed to help someone move forward after suffering abuse. My ex-husband was a plastic surgeon, already offering some free surgical services – often helping women who’d come in with a broken nose or jaw from an abusive situation… but I knew they needed more than just surgery. These survivors & victims needed a support team to aid in their continued healing. Surgery is just one piece of the jigsaw – there are so many layers to healing after suffering abuse and trauma.”

“What started off as a small grassroots’ local organisation 15 years ago, has now grown into an internationally recognised charity; serving patients from 15 countries around the globe (and growing!) The Face Forward organisation is one of my proudest achievements for sure, with the number of lives we have been able to impact directly and indirectly.”

What do the future of Beverly Hills Clinic and Face Forward look like? 

Deborah: “Onwards and upwards! Despite the global pandemic, I was able to grow and expand both brands in the last few years; an accomplishment of which I am proud. I dream big, I work hard, I play hard and where others see limitations, I seek out the possibilities for doing things differently, to rise above the challenge.”

You must have crazy busy days Deborah! Do you have any life hacks you can share with us, that help ensure your days run smoothly?

Deborah: “Every day seems crazy busy… even more so now, living in Dubai! It seems the days run into the nights constantly for meetings – and of course, with clinics & contacts in other countries all across the globe, I sort of work at all hours. I am thankful to have teams around the world who know and understand this and help balance my days. The key I’d say is finding balance. Making sure to eat, sleep, and get in a good workout in the gym every day helps keep my days running smoother.”

Being in the beauty industry, we’d love to know what your pick-me-ups are for long days?

Deborah: “I am a to-do-list, person and I function well with a to-do-list, as it helps me manage my time in productive manner. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I reach out to my nurse for a pick-me-up IV vitamin drip and a rejuvenating facial.”

“I think it’s important to be around positive people, good friends and to have a great team to get you through your worse days. As a divorced woman, the most important thing I have learnt is to love yourself and believe in yourself.”

Finally, what advice do you have for anyone thinking of starting their own business? 

Deborah: “Do your research, make a plan, think big, and don’t accept ‘no’ as an answer! There is always going to be negative people trying to stop you achieving your dreams… you just need to fight through the negative and believe in yourself.”