Dubai: Searching for an aesthetic clinic? Try this app

Dubai-based Swiss couple Ivan Gregorc and Stephanie Olivier are committed to making the search for an aesthetic clinic a seamless experience through their venture, Aesthetic Links. Equipped with innovation and coupled with disruption, the couple decided to launch their venture in Dubai and registered it in Meydan Freezone with the official launch happening in the fourth-quarter of 2023.

Aesthetic Links is a platform designed to help residents, expats, and tourists navigate aesthetic clinics in Dubai and Geneva. “We plan to expand very soon to the entire UAE and other GCC countries. We handpick the best clinics based on word of mouth and vetted ratings, offering users a seamless experience to find and connect with trusted clinics. Our platform allows instant WhatsApp connections with clinics, eliminates the need for online payments or account creation, and enables searches by clinic, treatment, or doctor. Additionally, users can request new clinics, helping us continuously refine our selection based on demand,” said Ivan, founder and managing director, Aesthetic Links.

Ivan, a Swiss national with Slovenian and Moroccan roots, earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Goldsmiths, University of London, while running his own digital business on the side. He later worked as a marketing consultant in Switzerland before relocating to the UAE to join the region’s largest PropTech company. The couple —  who moved to the UAE in November 2022 — attributes their success to the nation, which played a crucial role in their entrepreneurial journey. “It’s a country that encourages entrepreneurship, supports new businesses, and provides an environment conducive to innovation. While launching a business is never easy, the UAE offers the best possible foundation for startups to thrive,” said Stephanie Olivier, co-founder, Aesthetic Links. Stephanie is half Swiss and half Colombian and has studied Business Management at Webster University Geneva and later pursued an MBA in luxury brand management at Istituto Marangoni in London. She worked as a marketer for aesthetic clinics in Geneva, including Aesthetics Geneva, alongside world-renowned plastic surgeon Dr Tenorio.

The couple met in Geneva, Switzerland, and have been together for seven years. Starting a business together happened naturally as they identified a real market need. “Since we have completely different skill sets, our differences complement each other perfectly, creating a true ‘yin and yang’ dynamic. This balance allows us to approach challenges from different perspectives, making our partnership both strong and effective in building something meaningful,” said Stephanie. Like many women, Stephanie loves to take care of herself and always seeks out the best places for aesthetic treatments, valuing quality above all else.

When she was searching for an aesthetic clinic for a treatment, she found herself overwhelmed by the nearly 3,000 clinics in the UAE, making it difficult to choose the right one. Ivan recalls how the couple sat together and discussed this challenge, realising that many others must face the same problem. “Drawing from my tech background, we initially built a simple webpage featuring top clinics based on word of mouth and vetted ratings. The demand was immediate, and users started engaging with our platform. Since then, we have developed a fully functional app and website with essential features such as instant WhatsApp connections with clinics, no mandatory accounts, and a search function by clinic, treatment, or doctor,” said Ivan.

“We never had a formal mentor, but we've both always been inspired by and learned from the people we interact with daily. Over the years, our biggest learning experiences have come from both successes and failures in previous businesses, as well as from working alongside talented individuals who continue to teach us something new every day.”

Both Ivan and Stephanie share that they were raised by parents who did well in their respective fields, which set a strong example for them and instilled a ‘no excuses’ mindset. The work ethic and determination influenced the couple’s entrepreneurial aspirations. The ambitious duo advises young couples starting a business to proceed if they identify a real market need, emphasising that passion is crucial for long-term sustainability and noting that finding a market fit requires persistence.

“We faced moments where we nearly had to shut down, but by staying committed to solving users’ pain points in a simple way, we’ve built something impactful. Success in business is a marathon, not a sprint,” recalls Ivan.

Endorsing Ivan’s views, Stephanie strongly believes that it is equally important to maintain mutual respect and trust. “Building a business together requires open communication, patience, and a shared vision. Challenges will arise, but treating each other with respect and supporting one another through the ups and downs will strengthen both your partnership and your company,” concludes Stephanie.