Construction is where many med spa visions either come to life—or quietly fall apart. In this episode, Ashley James breaks down what really happens behind the scenes of a med spa build-out, and why entering a lease or construction phase without a strategic plan can cost you hundreds of thousands before you ever open your doors.

In Season 2, Episode 3- Ashley walks through the real numbers behind build-out costs, explaining how tenant improvement (TI) dollars are often misunderstood—and how “free” TI is typically built back into your lease terms. She shares how to negotiate smarter, secure true concessions like free rent, and avoid getting locked into agreements that limit your flexibility or drain your capital.

You’ll also gain insight into the most overlooked lease clauses that can shift significant financial risk onto you—from non-compete protections to excessive security deposits and hidden maintenance responsibilities like HVAC systems that can result in unexpected five-figure expenses. Ashley outlines the full development timeline as well, including design, architecture, MEP engineering, and permitting—highlighting how delays can impact your funding strategy, especially if you’re using SBA or private financing.

On the construction side, Ashley shares how her team at DAC vets general contractors, what to look for when comparing bids, and how to identify costly gaps in scope that most owners miss. She also explains how contractor staffing, project management, and contract structure directly impact your timeline—and how to protect yourself with the right terms in place.

If you’re planning to launch a medical spa, this episode will give you the clarity and strategy you need to build the right way—without sacrificing the capital required for marketing, staffing, and growth.

Support the show

For more information about DermAesthetic Consulting Group or to schedule a FREE introductory call, with age visit our website

http://dermaestheticconsulting.com/

@dermaesthetic_consulting

@ashleyjames_dacgroup

To subscribe to get exclusive subscription-only episodes and FREE Medspa Business Tools as mentioned by AJ, access to sales webinars provided by DAC or support Medspa Unlocked, Click Here

Many aesthetic entrepreneurs underestimate what it takes to launch—and run out of money before they ever become profitable.

AJ pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build a scalable, sustainable medical spa business, emphasizing that success in aesthetics isn’t about guesswork—it’s about strategy, structure, and financial precision.If you’re planning to open a medical spa, aesthetic practice, or wellness clinic, this episode could save you hundreds of thousands of dollars—and potentially your entire business.

In this high-impact episode of MedSpa Unlocked, Ashley James (AJ), Founder & CEO of DermAesthetic Consulting Group, breaks down the real financial blueprint behind launching a successful, profitable medical spa—and the costly mistakes most new owners make before they even open their doors.

Drawing from experience launching 80+ medical spas nationwide, AJ reveals the true startup costs, hidden expenses, and budgeting strategies that separate thriving multi-million dollar practices from those that fail within the first year.

Key Takeaways:

• The real cost to open a medical spa (and why Google is wrong)
• How to properly budget for build-out, rent, equipment, staffing, and marketing
• The truth about tenant improvements (TI), triple net leases, and construction costs
• Why buying too many devices (lasers, equipment) is one of the biggest startup mistakes
• How to calculate ROI per treatment and revenue per hour
• The most overlooked startup expenses (EMR, inventory, malpractice insurance, IT compliance)
• Why cutting your marketing budget is the fastest way to kill your growth
• How to financially survive the critical 3–6 month ramp-up phase
• Real-world examples of medspa owners who succeeded—and those who struggled

If you’re serious about building your medical spa the right way—from day one—this episode is your financial foundation.

Support the show

For more information about DermAesthetic Consulting Group or to schedule a FREE introductory call, with age visit our website

http://dermaestheticconsulting.com/

@dermaesthetic_consulting

@ashleyjames_dacgroup

To subscribe to get exclusive subscription-only episodes and FREE Medspa Business Tools as mentioned by AJ, access to sales webinars provided by DAC or support Medspa Unlocked, Click Here