Aleta Simmons | Simmons Skin Center
Owner of Simmons Skin Center
Dr. Aleta Simmons is the owner and founder of Simmons Skin Center and the educational platform Get the Skin-E. In this video, she shares how she built a thriving dermatology practice from the ground up while learning how to run a business, manage her mindset, and stay committed to growth.
What businesses do you run?
Dr. Aleta Simmons is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Simmons Skin Center, a medical practice focused on hair, skin, and nail health. She also runs Get the Skin-E, an educational platform aimed at empowering communities with accessible, practical information about skincare and wellness. Most recently, she launched The Gorgeous Plate, a podcast that blends skincare, food science, and nutrition with her friend and food scientist, Tiffani Sutton.
How did you get started as an entrepreneur?
Aleta didn’t grow up dreaming of owning a business. She knew how to care for patients, but entrepreneurship required an entirely different skill set. When she launched her practice, she leaned on others for advice, took courses, and stayed open to learning. She also had a key advantage: a client base ready and waiting. Patients were already asking, “When are you going to start seeing people again?” That demand gave her the confidence and momentum to go all in.
How do you think about growth in your current business? How do you plan for the future?
For Aleta, growth starts with self-management. She’s clear that you can’t run a business well if you haven’t done the personal work. Having a therapist, addressing mindset barriers, and being honest about your limits are all part of her leadership approach. She actively seeks out learning opportunities and surrounds herself with people who challenge and encourage her. Whether it’s education, networking, or collaboration, Aleta is always asking, Where can I grow next?
What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Aleta’s advice is twofold: First, don’t do it alone. Build a strong support system of mentors, teammates, professionals like bankers, and people who can help you think clearly and keep you going when things get tough. Second, don’t quit too early. “People usually give up right before the breakthrough,” she says. Resilience, self-awareness, and the willingness to keep going are what separate those who make it from those who don’t.
She also encourages new entrepreneurs to embrace curiosity and stay teachable: “Be a lifelong learner. If you're not filling your knowledge gaps, you're standing still.”
