Dr Hazel Parkinson is a multi-award-winning aesthetic doctor, menopause expert, and founder of Dr Hazel Skin Solutions, a Leamington Spa-based clinic offering specialist skin, aesthetics, and wellness to women. With over 20 years of experience in general practice, dermatology, women’s health and aesthetic medicine, she is passionate about helping women navigate midlife with confidence through evidence-based treatments tailored to menopausal skin, aesthetics, and regenerative medicine. Dr Hazel has spoken on expert panels at the Menopause in Aesthetics Conference, has been nominated for Rising Star of the Year at the Aesthetic Awards, and has been recognised for her pioneering work with ‘Best Menopause Doctor’ and ‘Best Patient Case Study’ awards.
Can you tell us a little about your background and your company?
I’m Dr Hazel Parkinson, a GP-turned-aesthetic doctor and menopause expert with over 20 years of experience in general practice, dermatology, aesthetics, and women’s health. I founded Dr Hazel Skin Solutions to create a specialist clinic dedicated to menopausal skin, aesthetics, and wellness. I offer evidence-based treatments for midlife women, combining aesthetic medicine with menopause care to help them feel and look their best.
What inspired you to start your business?
After years of working as a GP, I realised that women’s health, especially menopause care, was being overlooked. So many of my patients struggled with skin changes, hormonal imbalances, and confidence issues yet weren’t receiving the support they needed. Going through perimenopause myself, I understood the frustration. I wanted to bridge the gap between aesthetics, dermatology, and menopause care to offer comprehensive, science-backed care for women in midlife.
How did you create awareness for your brand?
Social media has been a game-changer. Through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and the Athena Networking Group (a women’s-only networking group), I’ve built a community of women looking for trusted, expert-led advice on aesthetics, skin, and menopause. Winning industry awards has also given my clinic credibility, and I’ve been featured on expert panels, conferences, and medical publications, positioning me as a thought leader in this space.
What strategies helped you secure funding and scale your business?
I started as a self-funded solo practitioner, reinvesting profits back into the business to grow sustainably. Expanding my services has naturally broadened my client base, and the upcoming expansion to include menopause care, women’s health, and clinical dermatology will allow me to expand this even further.
What have been your biggest successes so far? Winning ‘Best Menopause Doctor’and ‘Best Patient Case Study’ at the Menopause in Aesthetics Awards was a huge honour, as it recognised my work in combining aesthetics with menopause care. Speaking on expert panels at the Menopause in Aesthetics Conference and writing for the Aesthetics Journal has also been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to educate both the public and professionals on menopause-related skin concerns.
What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them? One of the biggest challenges was shifting from NHS work to private practice and navigating the business side of running a clinic. As a doctor, you’re trained to provide care—not to market a business or manage finances! Learning to balance medical expertise with entrepreneurship has been a steep but rewarding learning curve.
What are your plans for the future? I’m expanding my clinic’s offerings to include diagnosing and managing female hormonal disorders (PCOS, PMDD, perimenopause), women’s health issues (pelvic pain, menstrual disorders, vulval conditions), and advanced clinical dermatology. I also plan to launch educational resources to empower more women with knowledge on skin, hormones, and midlife health.
What advice would you give to aspiring female entrepreneurs? Be fearless in carving your own path. You don’t have to follow the traditional model if it doesn’t serve you. Also, invest in your own development—whether that’s in business skills, marketing, or further training—because knowledge is power.
What are your top three tips for entrepreneurial success?
- Know your niche – Find what makes your expertise unique and build your brand around it.
- Be visible – Use social media, networking, and speaking opportunities to establish yourself as an authority.
- Prioritise quality over quantity – Whether it’s treatments, content, or business decisions, always focus on excellence and authenticity.
Who are five people who inspire you the most, and why?
- Dr Rangan Chatterjee – A doctor and author who champions holistic, lifestyle-driven healthcare.
- Dr Rupy Aujla – A doctor redefining how we approach health and nutrition.
- Sara Blakely – Founder of Spanx, who built a billion-dollar brand from scratch.
- Dame Deborah James – Her advocacy for cancer awareness was truly inspiring.
- My Patients – The resilience and determination of the women I work with every day push me to do better.
What are your favourite inspirational or motivational quotes?
- “She believed she could, so she did.” – R.S. Grey
- “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker
- “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” – Prioritising self-care is essential in business and life.
Where can our readers connect with you? Instagram: @drhazelskinsolutions | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drhazelskinsolutions/ | Website: drhazel.co.uk
