& Q A with Geeta Dayal

Founder, By Charley Madison Medical Spa

What was your “aha” moment that led you to start your business?

Surviving a near-fatal car accident in 2021 forced me into deep reflection. In that moment, I realized life is too short not to pursue what truly fulfills me. Though my body was struggling, my mind remained sharp. I knew I had more to give, so I decided to build something meaningful.

With my background in business development, mentorship and the beauty and wellness industry, I envisioned a space that empowered others while delivering luxury, high-quality care. I wanted more than just a business; I wanted to create a sanctuary where clients felt valued and professionals could thrive. That vision became the foundation of By Charley Madison Medical Spa.

Today, I take immense pride in seeing my dream come to life. My goal remains clear: to foster an environment that prioritizes excellence, empowerment and inclusivity.

Who has been the biggest influence in your career, and what did you learn from them?

I’ve been fortunate to have amazing mentors, but my greatest influence has always been my mother. She embodies strength, resilience, and generosity. Raising five children alone, she faced immense challenges but never gave up. Her struggles taught me independence, perseverance and the importance of leading with kindness.

She probably doesn’t realize how much she shaped me. Watching her navigate hardship showed me what I needed to do to build a stable, successful future for myself and my family. Her unwavering belief in me has carried me through my toughest moments.

Her influence extends into my business. At By Charley Madison, I strive to create an environment that reflects her values—strength, integrity and a commitment to lifting others up. Every time I mentor a an entrepreneur or help a client feel more confident, I honour the lessons she taught me.

How do you push through self-doubt or tough times?

Self-doubt is something even the strongest individuals face. I’ve had moments of uncertainty, but I always turn to my deepest motivation—my family. My daughter, Charley and my bonus daughter, Ava, inspire me daily. When I feel overwhelmed, I think about the legacy I want to leave for them: one of resilience, courage and determination.

Beyond my family, I find strength in my support system. My husband is one of my biggest supporters and cheerleaders. He believes in me even when I doubt myself, reminding me of my strength and capabilities. His unwavering encouragement pushes me forward and I am grateful to have him by my side.

The entrepreneurs I mentor inspire me as I watch them grow, and the people who mentor me keep me focused. Their wisdom reminds me that tough times aren’t roadblocks but stepping stones.

Daily affirmations and self-reflection help me stay grounded. When doubt creeps in, I remind myself why I started. I reflect on the lives I’ve impacted, the confidence I’ve helped build and the space I’ve created where people feel valued. That perspective helps me push through challenges and come back stronger.

Ultimately, my drive comes from passion and purpose. When you believe in what you’re doing and know you’re making a difference, doubt becomes just another hurdle to overcome.

What’s one misconception people have about your industry or business?

One of the most common misconceptions about the medical aesthetics industry is that it’s all about vanity. In truth, it’s about so much more— 2 1 3 4 confidence, self-care and feeling aligned with who you are. At By Charley Madison Medical Spa, we see aesthetic treatments as an extension of overall wellness. Whether someone wants to enhance their natural features, refresh their appearance or simply take time to invest in themselves, our work is rooted in care and intention.

It’s not about chasing perfection—it’s about helping people feel comfortable, empowered and confident in their own skin. We’re proud to offer a safe, inclusive space where clients can show up exactly as they are. The transformations we see every day are not just physical, they’re deeply personal and it’s an honour to be part of that journey.

What has been your most surprising lesson in entrepreneurship?

That kindness is a strength, but boundaries are essential. For a long time, I led with generosity, collaboration and an open heart—it's how I was raised and how I’ve built my life and business. I truly believe in showing up for others and creating spaces where people feel supported and empowered. But one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that not everyone will meet you with the same energy or integrity.

Learning to set clear expectations and protect my peace has been transformative. It’s not about becoming guarded—it’s about honouring my worth, my time and the vision I’ve worked so hard to build. Boundaries don’t make you less kind, they allow you to keep showing up with kindness in a sustainable, authentic way. And that shift has been a game-changer for me, both personally and professionally.

What’s a risk you took that completely changed the game for you?

Investing everything I had, financially, emotionally and physically into building my business. It wasn’t just a risk; it felt like a leap of faith with no safety net. After my accident, when I realized that my body was no longer going to allow me to continue doing the handson work I loved so much, I was faced with a choice: either let go of everything I had built over the years or find a new way forward. I chose to go all in. Not because it was easy, but because deep down I knew I still had so much to offer. My mind was still sharp, my passion was still strong and I refused to let my disability define what was possible for me. That decision changed everything. It forced me to step into a leadership role, to trust in my vision and to build something bigger than myself. A collective space rooted in collaboration, compassion and care.

That risk became the foundation of By Charley Madison Medical Spa. And looking back now, I realize it wasn’t just a turning point, it was the moment I reclaimed my power and redefined what success could look like on my own terms.

What’s one habit, tool, or strategy that has made the biggest impact on your productivity?

Time-blocking and intentional delegation. I make sure to carve out time for the high-impact tasks that move my business forward while empowering my team to shine in their roles.

If you could define your legacy in one sentence, what would it be?

I want to be remembered as someone who uplifted others, created opportunities and turned challenges into stepping stones for success.

What inspired you to start your business, and what problem are you solving?

I was inspired by a deep desire to create something that didn’t yet exist in my community. A space where beauty, wellness and healing could truly intersect. After years in the industry, I saw a gap. There were medical spas and there were wellness clinics, but there wasn’t a space that brought both together under one roof—especially not in a way that felt inclusive, empowering and rooted in heart-led care.

I envisioned a collective where people could access both advanced medical aesthetic treatments and therapeutic services in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. A space where professionals from different disciplines could collaborate, lift each other up and create meaningful change in people’s lives—not just on the outside, but within.

I also wanted to build a business that empowered practitioners, especially women and underrepresented professionals, to thrive in their craft without compromising their values. By Charley Madison Medical Spa was born from that vision: to offer exceptional care while also being a nurturing home for talent, growth and connection.

We’re not just solving the problem of fragmented services—we’re building a community that prioritizes care, confidence and collective success.

What was the biggest challenge you faced in building your brand, and how did you overcome it?

Dealing with unethical leaseholders and an unwelcoming business environment when I first moved into my space. It tested my patience and resolve, but I stood my ground, leaned on legal guidance, and focused on making my business a success despite the obstacles.

Can you share a pivotal moment that changed the course of your business or life? 10 8 9 11 7 deals, partnerships and personal growth. It’s given me the courage to stand firm in my value.

Saying "yes" to mentorship and collaboration. The moment I started sharing my journey and helping others grow, doors opened in ways I never expected. It deepened my purpose and expanded my impact.

What daily habits or mindset shifts have contributed most to your success?

Starting each day with gratitude, setting clear intentions and staying adaptable. Challenges will come, but my mindset determines whether they break me or build me.

How do you balance entrepreneurship with your personal life and well-being?

It’s a work in progress! I prioritize time with my family, set boundaries with work and remind myself that I can’t pour from an empty cup. Self-care is non-negotiable.

If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of business advice, what would it be?

Trust yourself more. You know more than you think you do and your instincts are powerful. Listen to them.

What’s next for you and your business—any exciting projects or future goals?

I’m excited to expand our IV therapy services, grow our partnerships in film and television, and continue mentoring entrepreneurs. There are some big collaborations on the horizon and I can’t wait to see what’s next!

“I may have been broken, but I rebuilt myself stronger not just for me, but for every woman watching.” Geeta Dayal 13 14 15 16 12

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, and how has it shaped your journey?

"Know your worth and don’t be afraid to walk away." That advice has helped me in business