Mistakes I Made So You Don’t Have To
If there’s one thing I know for certain after more than two decades in this industry, it’s that success isn’t built on perfection it’s built on the lessons we learn along the way. Raw Canvas Skin + Wellness wasn’t born from an overnight breakthrough or a perfect business plan. It was built one hard-earned lesson at a time, shaped through risks, wins, late nights, and more than a few mistakes. Today, I want to share some of the most pivotal lessons I’ve learned not to dwell on what went wrong, but to help others avoid the same costly, exhausting, or painful missteps. Because if sharing my story can save someone time, money, or heartache, then every bump in the road was worth it.
One of the most defining mistakes I made early in my career was not taking enough risks. I was passionate, committed, and incredibly driven but I was also cautious. I stayed in my comfort zone longer than I should have, second-guessing whether I was ready for expansion or visibility. Looking back, I now realize that growth never happens without a leap. You don’t have to be fearless to take a risk, but you do have to be brave. If there’s one message I want to pass on, it’s this: bet on yourself. Believe in your vision before anyone else does. Some of my greatest leaps investing in advanced technology, creating our online store, or starting a second business in coaching came from backing myself even when it was scary.
Another costly lesson came when I learned the hard way about the fine print in insurance policies. I had always been diligent with my patients doing spot tests on clients receiving pigmentation treatments and fully documenting their history. But I didn’t apply the same protocol to vascular treatments. Why? Because the assumption was that a spot test on a vascular lesion would destroy the target, and if it didn’t, you’d simply increase energy on the next visit. I had performed the treatment beautifully, clinical standards were followed but in one small area on her nose, the vessel couldn’t tolerate the energy. It resulted in a minor pit in her skin. She sued me. And I found out my insurance didn’t cover me for that specific adverse event because I didn’t have a documented spot test. It was a devastating, expensive mistake. Today, my protocol is airtight. I ask myself with every case: “If I was sitting in a courtroom, what would I need to prove that I acted in full due diligence?” Spot tests are now part of every vascular treatment, no exceptions. And if you haven’t reviewed your insurance coverage line by line, do it today. Don’t assume. Know exactly what’s required, and document everything.
Another mistake I made was trying to do everything myself. From admin and booking, to marketing and treatment, I carried it all on my shoulders for far too long. It wasn’t sustainable. And the reality is, it wasn’t smart. I now understand that my strength is in treating skin and leading vision not doing it all. Raw Canvas became what it is today not because of me alone, but because I surrounded myself with people who were brilliant in their own right. Delegation isn’t a weakness, it's the smartest business decision you can make. Ask for help. Hire experts. Always have a good lawyer, accountant, and banker in your corner. These relationships matter. They’re your foundation when things go right and your safety net when they don’t.
A mistake I managed to avoid, and one I urge others not to make, is chasing trends over truth. I’ve watched businesses crumble under the pressure of jumping on every new device, brand, or “hot” treatment on the market. Our success was never built on hype; it was built on belief, education, and consistency. I continue to invest in my knowledge by learning from top physicians and thought leaders around the world. I don’t pretend to know everything, and that humility has served me. Stay grounded in science. Build your protocols from proven data, not Instagram buzz. And remember, education doesn’t end when your certification is framed on the wall it begins there.
On the topic of investment, one of the best decisions I’ve made is to never cut corners on equipment or skincare. I’ve always chosen technology that I believe is the most advanced and effective even if it came with a higher price tag. The results speak for themselves. We don’t offer “budget treatments,” and I’ve never regretted choosing quality. The same goes for skincare. I refuse to compromise on product lines. If a patient insists on being treated without committing to skincare, the answer is no. I’ve done it twice in my career treating someone who refused to prep with homecare and both times, the results were subpar, the skin didn’t respond as expected, and I walked away knowing I’d made a choice that didn’t align with my standards. From that point on, I’ve treated skincare as the first treatment, never optional. It’s our duty to educate patients on why skipping this step compromises their outcome. This isn’t about upselling, it's about results.
Another silent mistake? Burnout. In the beginning, I didn’t know how to say no. I worked evenings, weekends, squeezed in every request, and rarely took a breath. I wore my exhaustion like a badge of honor. It wasn’t sustainable. Today, I honor balance. I protect time for my kids, my husband, my health, and my peace. I’ve learned that rest isn’t a reward, it's a requirement. Burnout helps no one. It dulls your spark, your creativity, and eventually, your passion. If you’re running on empty, I urge you to pause, delegate, and recalibrate before your body forces you to.
So what are the takeaways I can offer from all of this?
Know your insurance policy inside and out. Don’t assume you’re covered, verify it.
Create and follow clinical protocols religiously, especially around spot testing and documentation.
Ask for help and build a strong team. Your business will never scale if you try to do it all.
Invest in quality equipment and skincare, even when it’s expensive it pays off in results.
Stay rooted in education, and avoid trend-chasing.
Never treat without proper skin prep you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.
Protect your personal time. You are not a machine, and your energy is your greatest asset.
Mistakes are part of growth. They humble us, teach us, and ultimately shape us into better leaders, practitioners, and people. I share mine not with shame, but with purpose because I want you to grow faster, wiser, and more powerfully than I did. Learn from my missteps. And build the kind of business that doesn’t just survive but thrives.
Because the best part of making mistakes is turning them into mentorship. And that’s exactly what I’m here to do.
– Amanda Connolly, Founder of Raw Canvas Skin Clinic & Amanda Connolly Coaching and Consulting