Emily Tryon Shares Entrepreneurial Lessons from the New York Public Library's Million-Dollar Business Panel
For the past several years, Emily Tryon, RN, Founder of Esthetic Breakthrough and Esthetic Solutions Med Spa, has had the privilege of participating as a guest panelist for the New York Public Library's annual entrepreneurship webinar, where successful business owners share the lessons they've learned building companies that create financial independence.
This year's webinar, "How to Build a Million Dollar Business That Creates Financial Independence," was moderated by bestselling author Elaine Pofeldt, author of Tiny Business, Big Money, a book in which Emily was honored to be featured. Joining the discussion were accomplished entrepreneurs and authors Kathy Goughenour and Elizabeth MacBride, each offering their own perspectives on building and sustaining successful businesses.
While every panelist brought a wealth of knowledge and unique experiences to the conversation, one audience question resonated with aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere:
"What advice would you give someone who wants to start a business or become an entrepreneur?"
Emily's response centered around three principles that have shaped her own journey, from opening a single med spa to becoming one of the nation's top cosmetic injectors and a respected trainer and educator for aesthetic professionals across the country.
Three Lessons for Every Entrepreneur
Starting a business is exciting, but building one that lasts requires more than passion alone.
Whether you're opening an aesthetics practice, launching a consulting business, or pursuing a completely different industry, these three lessons apply to virtually every entrepreneur.
1. Solve a Problem That Matters
Start With Purpose Before Products
Many entrepreneurs begin by asking:
"What should I sell?"
Emily believes there's a better question.
What problem do you genuinely enjoy solving?
Sometimes the answer becomes clearer by first identifying the problems you don't enjoy solving. Eliminating those distractions creates space to focus on the work that energizes you and provides lasting value.
For Emily, that problem was helping people look and feel their best as they age.
That single mission became the foundation for Esthetic Solutions Premier Med Spa and continues to guide every aspect of the practice today—from patient consultations to advanced injector education through Esthetic Breakthrough.
The strongest businesses aren't built around products or services.
They're built around solving meaningful problems consistently and exceptionally well.
2. Find a Coach or Mentor
Success Leaves Clues
One of the biggest misconceptions about entrepreneurship is believing you have to figure everything out alone.
Early in her business journey, Emily couldn't afford an executive coach.
Instead, she found another solution.
She invited successful people to coffee, lunch, or a casual conversation.
Some were in aesthetics.
Many weren't.
She sought advice from leaders who demonstrated exceptional communication, leadership, sales, and business development, regardless of industry.
Every conversation accelerated her learning.
One of the greatest advantages an entrepreneur can create is shortening the learning curve by learning from those who've already navigated similar challenges.
The lesson is simple:
You don't always need a paid mentor.
You simply need the humility to ask thoughtful questions.
3. Fail Fast and Learn Faster
Every Mistake Is a Business Lesson
Failure is often viewed as something entrepreneurs should avoid.
Emily sees it differently.
Failure is information.
Every setback provides valuable feedback that helps improve the next decision.
Rather than hiding mistakes, document them.
Analyze them.
Discuss them with mentors.
Even modern AI tools can help business owners evaluate challenges, identify blind spots, and uncover lessons that may otherwise be overlooked.
The objective isn't perfection.
It's continuous improvement.
Entrepreneurs who learn quickly often outperform those who simply try to avoid failure altogether.
Building a Business That Lasts
One of the recurring themes throughout the New York Public Library panel was that every successful entrepreneur faces obstacles.
The challenges simply evolve.
Years ago, Emily was often asked why she would enter an industry that very few people were pursuing.
Today, the question is entirely different.
How do you continue growing when everyone is entering the same market?
The answer isn't lowering prices or chasing trends.
It's building expertise.
It's creating a clear value proposition.
It's earning trust through consistency.
Those principles apply whether you're building a med spa, launching a consulting business, or creating your first side hustle.
Continue Learning From Entrepreneurs Who've Been There
Entrepreneurship doesn't come with a blueprint, but it does become easier when you're willing to learn from those who've already walked the path.
To help aspiring business owners take the next step, Emily has created a free 10-Point Business Startup Checklist that outlines practical considerations for launching and growing a successful business.
Whether you're preparing to open your doors or refining the business you've already built, it's a valuable resource designed to help you start with greater clarity and confidence.