We had the good fortune of connecting with Britni & Kendall Abell and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Britni & Kendall, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
It all unfolded during a particularly challenging period in both our lives. I was amidst a divorce, relocating from Georgia back to Minnesota with my four children. Meanwhile, Britni was navigating her own tumultuous divorce. So there we were, reunited, but this time as single mothers with a total of eight children between us. The future seemed uncertain, but we were determined.
We swiftly realized that the conventional 9-5 grind, where we’d be dedicating our energy to someone else’s vision, wasn’t in line with our ambitions. Both of us possess a deep-seated entrepreneurial spirit, craving the autonomy to shape our own destinies. The idea of building our own empire ignited a fire within us. We were driven by the desire to create something meaningful, something that would leave a lasting impact, and we knew that working for ourselves was the only way to fully unleash our potential.
So, with determination in our hearts and a shared vision of success, we embarked on the journey to build our own business, one that would reflect our values, passions, and aspirations. Britni had already achieved success with a million-dollar business in her previous marriage, while my background in nursing, particularly in aesthetic medicine, provided a solid foundation of skills. I wasted no time diving into nurse practitioner school, taking advantage of Minnesota’s laws that afforded NPs similar privileges to MDs. This allows me to eventually step into the role of medical director at our practice. Combining our expertise, we embarked on the journey of building a thriving medical aesthetic practice together.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Building a business isn’t just a job—it’s a calling that demands everything you’ve got. When I returned from Atlanta with my kids, I left behind everything: my thriving career, my car, my belongings. It was a leap of faith, moving back into my childhood home with my mom and driving a beat-up old car. But it was a sacrifice I was willing to make to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse practitioner and starting our business. It wasn’t easy, but I kept my eyes on the prize.
Starting a business means being okay with living on a shoestring budget for years. We knew we were in it for the long haul, pouring our hearts and souls into our venture before seeing any real payoff.
Our resilience comes from our roots. Growing up, we watched our mom work tirelessly—driving buses, cleaning houses—just to make ends meet. Despite the struggles, she never gave up. Her determination taught us the value of hard work and perseverance.
Through it all, we’ve learned that success isn’t just about talent or luck—it’s about grit. It’s about showing up every day, even when it feels like the odds are stacked against you. Our journey is proof that with determination and passion, anything is possible.
At the end of the day, our story is about more than just building a business. It’s about chasing our dreams and refusing to settle for anything less. We hope that by sharing our journey, we can inspire others to do the same—to never give up on their dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For the ultimate week-long visit to Minnesota, I’d start by inviting my (our since we have all of the same best friends) best friend to my house, nestled by a serene lake. We’d spend an afternoon lounging in the backyard, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and enjoying the view. Firing up the smoker, we’d grill some delicious food and sip on refreshing drinks, sharing stories and laughter as the sun sets.
Another highlight of the trip would undoubtedly be a day spent at the iconic Mall of America. We’d have a shopping spree, exploring the vast array of stores and indulging in some retail therapy.
And of course, no visit to Minnesota would be complete without experiencing the luxurious pampering at Abella Aesthetics. As the owners, we’d ensure that our best friend receives the royal treatment, from rejuvenating spa treatments to personalized beauty services. It would be a day of relaxation and indulgence, leaving us feeling refreshed and revitalized.
Throughout the week, I’d sprinkle in some local adventures, such as scenic hikes in nearby parks, dinners at charming restaurants, and perhaps a visit to a local brewery. But above all, it’s the simple moments spent together, whether it’s lounging by the lake or sharing laughs over a meal, that would make this trip truly unforgettable.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When reflecting on the journey that has led to our success, our gratitude extends first and foremost to our faith in God. Surrendering much of the control to a higher power from the outset allowed the universe to align in our favor. Countless moments unfolded where circumstances seemed impossibly perfect, prompting us to recognize the hand of the supernatural rather than mere coincidence. With each instance, our trust deepened, reinforcing our belief in a path uniquely tailored for us and freeing us from the burden of controlling the uncontrollable.
Central to our drive has been our children, serving as a profound source of motivation. Their presence spurred us to labor diligently, with the aspiration of crafting a life that would afford us ample time with them during their formative years, rather than deferring such joys until our later years.
The pivotal role of our mother cannot be overstated. Choosing to retire from her own career to become our full-time nanny proved to be a blessing beyond measure. Our children adore and respect her, and her nurturing, vibrant presence as a grandmother has lightened our load, allowing us to immerse ourselves fully in our work with peace of mind.
Additionally, our aunt Keli has been instrumental in Abella’s development. Her unwavering dedication has manifested in countless hours devoted to every aspect of our practice’s growth, from its physical construction to its aesthetic design. Leveraging her expertise as a board-certified nurse injector, she has lent invaluable support whenever needed.
Finally, the unwavering support of our family has been a cornerstone of our success. Their readiness to lend a hand at every turn has been indispensable, and we acknowledge that our achievements would have been significantly diminished without their steadfast encouragement and assistance.
Website: https://www.abellaaesthetics.com
Instagram: @abella_aesthetics
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abellaaestheticsmedspa/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@abellaaestheticsmedspa
Other: TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@abellaaesthetics
Image Credits
@juliecarroll.mn