DONA LIM, Vest. SEEK SHINE, Jewelry. Photographed by Karlo Torio.
The AVL Dermatology founder shares how she found confidence not only in her own skin but through the relationships she has amassed along the way
Creating a brand that functions under the principle of empathy is an avenue for modern businesses to cultivate not only a unique offering of services, but a personal relationship with their clientele. “…the ability to make room and see yourself in another person’s position keeps us connected,” shared Hajinksy Magazine co-founder Pak Lun Chiu for Vogue Business.
Though her company began its full operations just last year, Dr. Ana Veronica Lagman has since adopted the principle of empathy along with her six years of experience in the field of dermatology, resonating such quality both through her personal connection with skincare and the approach that her business, AVL Dermatology, applies to each client.
Just what the doctor ordered
For Dr. Lagman, her exposure to dermatology began with the natural progressions of puberty, and the breakouts it evidently brought to her skin. This gave the aspiring doctor early exposure to the varied and subjective needs of asian skin through the consultations her parents would recommend her to.
“Growing up, I had my own insecurities, yet from those insecurities, I found the drive to do better, to make myself more developed, and I think that’s the only path I see myself improving,” Dr. Lagman shares. She later saw how these experiences can actually find new purpose as a career, inspiring her to take up a degree in medicine with dermatology following suit.
After graduating, the young physician took to hone her own method in dermatology beginning with consultations and appointments within medical centers across Metro Manila. This eventually allowed her to reflect on how she envisions her future within the field, ultimately finding purpose by blending her understanding of medicine and self-care with how her ability to foster relationships through her services. “As a dermatologist I am my clinic’s own market; I understand my patients’ needs and standards because they’re my own.”
Lines connecting
Finding her footing in the growing industry of dermatology was initially met with the challenge of traditional and impersonal standards, as she expounds “People sometimes assume that experience only comes with age, so building trust took a lot of determination and confidence.”
This allowed Dr. Lagman to look back on what makes her approach unique amid the tried-and-true methods of already established clinics. “I got through this by focusing on what makes my approach unique, understanding exactly what my client needs because I’ve been in their shoes.”
In May 2024, AVL Dermatology was established as a representation of its founder’s intimate approach to skincare. And after almost a year since its establishment, the company has grown in both clientele and reach by also creating content centered on skincare tips and beauty-specific insights on social media.
Staying on call
For Dr. Ana Lagman, she foresees a future where women can challenge the conventional business model through their ideas and perspectives, and by creating a foundation rooted in the qualities of empathy, connection and authenticity. “As women, we blend our unique insights with an inherent nurturing approach which is incredibly powerful in building relationships and loyalty.”
The skincare consultant also remains resolved in cultivating a career centered on seeing her client’s needs as her own. She also shares that this would allow the next generation of dermatologists to create communities based on trust and mutual understanding. And regardless of AVL Dermatology’s early establishment, the founder already sees the certainty within the growth in her clinic and the team she has garnered since.
For both Dr. Lagman and her company, they believe that confidence derived from proper skincare is not just attained from alleviating the issues and sensitivities through clinical means, as its founder shares, “As a dermatologist, I believe that feeling confident in your skin is foundational to personal empowerment. When we take the time to care for ourselves and address our skin’s unique needs, it changes how we show up in the world.”
Visit AVL Dermatology through their Facebook and Instagram pages to learn more
Photography by Karlo Torio. Art Direction by Christina Zabat. Creative Direction by Andrea Quintos. Styling by Angelo Vasallo of Gee Jocson Studio. Hair and Make up by Nica Lagman, Kai Balbin, and Cathy Dee of Nix Institute of Beauty. Produced by Bradly Hao. Implemented by Ian Urmaza and Erika Palacios. Written by Liam Biteng.
