From Gym Floors to Kissimmee's Doors

What happens when a seasoned fitness operator trades corporate scale for a people-first medspa? We sit down with Tim, owner of our Kissimmee location, to unpack the leap from front desk shifts and regional ops to franchise leadership, community outreach, and services that genuinely change how people feel in their own skin. This is a candid look at the real work behind a beautiful lobby: hiring with heart, making hard calls early, and learning the medical side while keeping the experience welcoming and accessible.

Tim opens up about the treatments that won him over—IPL for rosacea and broken capillaries, Disport for softened lines, and M Sculpt for powerful, no-downtime muscle toning. He talks openly about being a man in a female-dominated space and how sharing his results helped friends and clients push past stigma. We also spotlight a client’s 60-pound tirzepatide transformation that shows the emotional side of aesthetics: the kind of smile that says, “I’m back.” Along the way, we get into practical tips—sunscreen habits, realistic “guy schedules,” and why Netflix during M Sculpt makes consistency easier.

Beyond the treatment room, you’ll hear how the Kissimmee team shows up in the community—Chamber events, 5Ks, and a pink tea party where Tim gamely joined the hat contest—and why affordability sits at the center of our model. Looking ahead, Tim shares a vision for growth that keeps care accessible and personal, with dream pins on the map from Naples to Puerto Rico. If you’re curious about medspa services, leadership lessons, or how confidence becomes a daily practice, this conversation will meet you where you are.

Enjoyed the conversation? Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review to help others find the show. Got a question or a favorite treatment story? Tag us on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, or Facebook and jump into the chat.

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:15

Hello and welcome to Kutor Conversations. I'm your host, Lindsay, lead aesthetician at Kator. Today I am sitting down with the amazing owner of Kator Medspa Kasimi, Tim. We are diving into his journey, what brought him to the world of aesthetics, what it's like owning and growing a Kutor location, and how he's seen this industry change lives, including his own. Tim. Yes, welcome. Welcome to the podcast.

SPEAKER_01 0:42

Thank you. Thank you very much for uh for having me on.

SPEAKER_00 0:45

Of course. So tell us a little bit about your backstory. What were you doing before you found the world of Couture?

SPEAKER_01 0:53

So it goes way back about uh 18 years ago. Um I used to work with one of the uh the co-founders of Couture at Planet Fitness. Um my journey started there um as a front desk employee and sort of worked my way up to uh morning person, assistant, manager, regional, and then director of operations. Um and that's where uh we I crossed paths with uh Eric, uh one of the founders. And uh so yeah, he um we've always been really close and we stayed friends, and that's how sort of that journey towards CMS started a long time ago.

SPEAKER_00 1:33

Nice. So how um we'll go back to opening. How long have you had Kissimmee for now? When did Kasimi open?

SPEAKER_01 1:40

So Kissimmee opened in May of 2023, that whole journey started July of 2022.

From Planet Fitness To Franchisee

SPEAKER_00 1:47

Oh, okay. Yes, yeah so how did how did that come about? How did the conversation of you franchising a Kator Mads false start?

Choosing Couture Over Corporate

SPEAKER_01 1:56

That it's a very great question. Um, so as the years went on at Planet, we continued, you know, when I started, there was only six locations, and then we grew to 124. But the bigger we got, uh the more corporate we became. Um, I've never really been a corporate person. Um, I liked a small family business. And one day I just uh I called Eric and just said, you know, hey, can we meet up? Uh I just wanted someone to chat with. And uh so I met up with him and I just let him know it was it was becoming too corporate. And, you know, I was thinking of leaving. So I uh he says, he goes, Well, we could think of something. And I said, All right, well, you know, it's to the point where I'm gonna leave and didn't really know what I was gonna get into. Um, so then I ended up leaving there, and then a few weeks later, um, Eric called me back up and he said, Hey, let's meet up. So he entertained the idea of, hey, would you like to be one of the franchisees of Couture? And I thought he was crazy. I was like, I I never in a million years, you know, thought that it would take that direction. And um, so we we met a few more times after that. And then uh before you know it, we were in motion and working on the the lease for Kissimmee.

SPEAKER_00 3:26

Did you have any experience with anything aesthetics prior?

SPEAKER_01 3:30

None, none. I had none. Um, the the one thing I've known, and and I've known Diane, the other co-founder. Um, I've known her um since the beginning due to uh her and Eric opening it. And you know, just knowing that you know their mission was to change people's lives like we did at Planet, and that's always resonated with me and it's always drove me. Um, but yeah, I didn't know much about aesthetics whatsoever. Never did any services. Um, so it was very interesting, uh, to say the least when I started.

SPEAKER_00 4:04

So you talked about um not wanting to be a big part of like a big corporate world. What about Couture drew you to wanting to be a part of that?

SPEAKER_01 4:14

Honestly, it was the small family failing, um, being able to work with a really good close friend of mine again. Um and I was able to visit some of the spas. And I think I've told you many of times uh when I came in and had my facial with you, that was in the early stages before the lease was even signed for Kassimi. And just to see how you and the team how you make an impact on on individuals and people walking out feeling uh amazing, I j that really drew me to couture.

SPEAKER_00 4:51

So the early stages you've decided, okay, I'm gonna do this, I'm gonna open a couture. What was that feeling like for you?

SPEAKER_01 4:59

Very scary. Yeah. Um, I it's it's a big taking um because now you're at when you open your own business, now you're responsible for every individual underneath you. Um, and something I've always taken very serious. Um, and it's that's a that's a lot of pressure to to ensure, you know, because it's their success depends on, you know, me setting the tone for them. So it was very scary. Very scary.

SPEAKER_00 5:27

What were some exciting moments for you in the beginning?

SPEAKER_01 5:30

Some exciting moments. I would say when we actually signed the lease for Kissimmee, and then we were the one of the first franchisees, the first one here in Central Florida. Um, and then we started construction on the facility over on 192. Uh it was really exciting. And then when I started and I hired my very first manager, and me and her were sitting in a tent in the parking lot for three months while they were doing the construction, it was it was very exciting to start something from the very beginning, um, and then to get to that point.

SPEAKER_00 6:13

Seeing your location for the first time, I was a little jealous. You have a standalone location and it's beautiful. I mean, all the Kator Metswell locations are beautiful. But when I walked into Kissimmee for the first time, I was like, it's beautiful in here.

SPEAKER_01 6:30

Yes, yes, it's very pretty. It you know, 4,000 square feet. Um, and you know, between clients coming in, reviews, I would love to take the credit for how the inside looks. But that Diane, she's one of my partners as well. She's the one that uh ensured that we looked like that and and that she did a fabulous job. And the when people walk in, the first thing say is wow, this is amazing. Um, it's roomy. So that was uh, and it's still to this day, it's a great feeling. We're two and a half years in, and when people walk in and just remind us of how beautiful it is, it's uh very humbling.

Setbacks And Leadership Lessons

SPEAKER_00 7:08

Did you have any were there any setbacks?

SPEAKER_01 7:12

Yes. So in the beginning, um we my first manager, she never managed before, and and this being my my first uh uh business um running one, and it was tough because uh we were a couple weeks in and it was I could see it was tough on her and she was struggling. So within the first month, making a decision to switch managers within the first month of opening, um, that was very challenging. Very challenging. Um, between that and me not coming from a medical side of things and now having to oversee a provider in our location, very challenging. Yes.

SPEAKER_00 7:56

Were there any successful or exciting moments that you were like, okay, this this is happening? Like this is gonna this is gonna take off. We're gonna do this.

SPEAKER_01 8:08

Yes, I I would say um from the first day we opened, um, I stood Dita, she was the first person to ever walk through our doors. She still stays in touch with me. Um, she moved to another country. And just for that to be my first experience with her coming in, building that friendship with her, and she enjoyed it so much. She ended up bringing us a money plant, like a money tree for us to put in in our our facility. And for that to be my very first experience in how things were gonna go and to set the tone, I think it couldn't gotten any better than that.

SPEAKER_00 8:50

That's really cool. We used to have a money tree from one of our clients too. I think we still have it in our coe. They're so good. I never knew what it was before, and I was like, what is this? It's a money tree, and we have to take care of it.

SPEAKER_01 9:00

And they're a low maintenance, you just gotta make sure they're watered and the dirt's gotta be moist. I'm not no green thumb whatsoever, but you know, all the girls there that we have in Kissimmee, they love it. So I let them take that part of it.

Male Representation In Aesthetics

unknown 9:12

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 9:13

So transitioning to you saying that you didn't really have any experience in the aesthetics world. So now that you've been in it for a little, um, you know, a little bit longer, has your perspective changed about male representation in the aesthetics world?

SPEAKER_01 9:30

Absolutely. It's um, and to see the male representation continue to grow, um, like I said, without Eric and Diane, I wouldn't even have really known. Um, I personally do use our services, and you know, and one thing I love and I really enjoy to this day, I have a grandson, he's three and a half years old. And when I, you know, when we any store we go to, you know, to have the the staff there go, oh, your son's also awesome. And and I'm like, well, no, he's my grandson. And um, and because my confidence feels better with the services I use. And when I let them know he's my grandson, they're like, You don't look old enough to be a grandfather. And I said, That's because of Couture. It keeps me looking young. And I, you know, but I think it's how I feel on the inside, which is most important. Um, but those little comments here and there, you know, it goes a long way, really, really puts a great outlook on the day when you hear a comment like that.

unknown 10:28

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 10:28

Do you feel like you see more males coming into Couture to get services than what you thought? What did you think going into this and how has that changed?

SPEAKER_01 10:40

Yes, because we all know it's a heavily female dominated, dominated industry. Um, but the males that have continued to come in, they uh it's steadily increased um for the last two and a half years we've been there. And and I think, you know, we're in a uh a spot to where it's okay for men to do Disport in lasers. And you know, 20 years ago, I I've mentioned this myself, I would have never thought in a million years I would ever use Disport. And now I'm using it every four months, um, doing my lasers, uh, you know, and and I think that's something great that's you know, it's changed over time. Uh 20 years ago, you weren't hearing men doing that and getting on a podcast and saying, hey, I do Disport and Lasers, you know, it would uh, and I'm sure, you know, my friends, some of them, they're still gonna make fun of me, but they also do services as well. So yeah, it's it's great to see. And it's uh, you know, it's you know, male or female, it it really just matters on how it makes an individual feel on the inside, which is awesome.

SPEAKER_00 11:45

Yeah. What do you think holds a lot of males back from coming into a spa and doing treatments?

SPEAKER_01 11:50

I sort of sort of what I just went about, the stigma of why you're a man, why are you doing those types of services? I think that's you know, still a barrier that we're working, working towards. Um, it's coming along, I feel, feel nicely, and and more men are doing it, more men are talking about it now. But yeah, I think it's they're worried about what others will think of them. And it's you know, and it's not about that.

Favorite Treatments And Results

SPEAKER_00 12:13

Yeah. So talking about yourself doing some of the treatments, what are what are some of your favorite treatments that we offer at Couture?

SPEAKER_01 12:21

My favorite treatments um is our disport. I do the IPLs consistently, um, and our and our couture facials, our simple couture facials. Um, I mentioned it earlier, Lindsay. Um, the one I did with you. Um I've done a full body massage. And I think the facial that I received from you in the very first beginning, it was so relaxing. It was peaceful, and I enjoyed that more than I did a full body massage. And something I've always been self-conscious of is my rosacea and broken capillaries, which runs in that side of my my dad's side of the family. And it's really cleared it up tremendously. And and I tell I love telling everybody, and if I did it how I should, it I would be even further along, but I sort of do it on a guy schedule. So it's not as uh not as often as I should, but the impacts that it makes and to help with those, you know, because on the inside it's always bothered me. And it's I've come a long way with that.

SPEAKER_00 13:26

We can work on a guy's schedule. That's fine. Yes. As long as you're as long as you're coming in at some point and doing them.

SPEAKER_01 13:32

And that's it. And that's what I love telling clients. It's you know, you don't even because a lot of it's taking care of yourself at home using the sunscreen, which um I believe you yelled at me for that. I was not a firm believer in sunscreen when I will yell at anyone if you don't wear sunscreen. Yes, yes. And uh, so yeah, and it's uh it's just amazing. And and like I said, it's everything you do, it's to help take care of yourself, and and there's nothing wrong with that.

SPEAKER_00 13:59

I have to ask, because I last time I saw you, you just had an IPL treatment done.

SPEAKER_01 14:04

Oh, it was called your skin feeling. It was you well, you seen me after I was done, and you know, I was I was sort of the guinea pig to help with the new girls with their training, which I I love helping them out, and uh so it goes a little slower, and uh it's it is true, you know, with beauty comes a little pain, but they did such an amazing job. And within a week, my skin and how it's taken down the redness in my face, and they hit a couple capillaries that are gone now. It it was amazing, amazing.

SPEAKER_00 14:41

Yeah, I have to say, looking at your skin right now, sitting across from you, I I don't know if it's just the lighting that we have right now, but when you came in, your skin looks really good, and nice and fresh.

SPEAKER_01 14:50

Yeah, yes, yes, and it's because it it really impacts that rosacea that I have and I've struggled with, and that's hereditary in my family.

SPEAKER_00 14:57

Yeah, no, it's looking good. Are there any you're welcome? Are there any services that surprised you? Say anything that you just weren't sure about, or you're like, oh, I didn't know that could do that.

SPEAKER_01 15:11

Um I would have to say our M sculpt treatment that it because there's a lot of um other, I don't want to say there's a lot of other tools out there like that. Um and you in their gimmicks, and until I personally started using it because I'm at work most of the time, so and I can't make the gym as much as I would like to, but to do that treatment once, sometimes twice a week, um, the impact that's made on me personally, it's been great. And when I'm done, I feel instant gratification. And I because I'm not being able to get to the gym 30 minutes on M Sculpt, and I'm feeling better.

SPEAKER_00 15:59

Yeah. So for anyone who doesn't know, tell them a little bit about what M Sculpt is.

SPEAKER_01 16:03

So M Sculpt, that is, it's like doing 20,000 crunches in 30 minutes, and and it and it feels amazing, and you feel like you work out when you're done, but there's no downtime. The next day you're not hurting. Um, and it's and not only is it burning fat while you're doing it, it's toning the muscle. So it's a you're getting, you know, two for one with it. And and it's for people with busy lives and that work a lot, um, the children, you it's a quick pop-in, 30 minutes, you're done, and uh, and you're back at it. So yeah, it's the the the older we get, you know, normally the busier our lives get, and uh, and that's really been a huge asset. And uh yeah, it's been great.

SPEAKER_00 16:50

Yeah, M sculpt is great. I love we have clients that come in because we have TVs in the rooms. Um clients come in and they are they have like their their whatever like episode TV that they're watching, like their show that they're watching. Yes, and they only watch it when they come in to do their M sculpts and they're like, all right, I'm here to do my M sculpt and I need to catch up on whatever show it is. It's like, who doesn't want to work out that way?

SPEAKER_01 17:12

Yes, yeah. And you bring up a great point. That's what the clients want. We have Netflix in there for them, so they get to that Netflix, they get to what they're streaming, and so now they get their workout in and to catch up on their favorite show that they don't have time for at home.

SPEAKER_00 17:24

Exactly.

SPEAKER_01 17:25

Yes, we're here for you, yes, yes, and get and get and get some you know, personal me time.

SPEAKER_00 17:31

So do you talk to other males about treatments that you do? Yeah, are you pretty open with it?

Sharing Services And Breaking Stigma

SPEAKER_01 17:38

Oh, yeah, yeah. It's something um, you know, that I it's what the impact it's made on me. Um, I I love sharing that story. Um, and one of my favorite stories is uh Eric, uh one of my close friends, me and him were standing there one day and with his mother, and me and him were talking about how we uh do Disport and Botox and the services that we offer. And his ma looked at us and she goes, I just can't believe I'm hearing two guys that look like you that are using Discord and Botox. And we just lost it. We lost it, you know. But it's it sharing our stories, I think really helps others know that um it helps how you feel about yourself. And and it's not worrying about what everybody else thinks, it's worrying about what how you feel.

SPEAKER_00 18:27

Kind of leads me into the next question, talking about like, do you see a step the aesthetics treatments that we offer the not just physical impact that they have on our clients, but more of like an emotional confidence impact in our clients? What do you see with that with clients coming in?

SPEAKER_01 18:46

Yes, absolutely. And actually last week, uh I was at the front desk helping the girls out. And uh Michael, um, I won't say his last name, but he's one of our clients and he started the trazepatide shot with us. And when we were pulling up his uh before and afters when he came in, what really stuck out to me, I seen his picture when he first started, he lost 60 pounds. And then the after picture, the difference in his smile, that made me feel amazing. Because that that's just to see the difference in that smile, um, that made me feel it's this is why I get up every day and do what I do. Um, and I and then I ended up calling him and saying, Michael, I just seen your he was ecstatic, ecstatic.

SPEAKER_00 19:29

I love those stories.

SPEAKER_01 19:30

It's the best. It is the best.

SPEAKER_00 19:32

They really are what keep us going.

SPEAKER_01 19:33

Yes, it is, it is. It's in every day that's what I get up, and you know, and if I can change one person's life for one day, it's it's worth it.

unknown 19:42

Yeah.

Confidence, Smiles, And Client Wins

SPEAKER_00 19:43

Now, you guys in Kissimmee, I know you guys have been doing a lot of um like community events, some different things out in the community, getting out there. Tell us about those. What have you guys been out there doing? What are you?

SPEAKER_01 19:56

Yes, we uh so we're part of the Chamber of Commerce in Kissimmee. Uh Um, we've done some 5K breastwalks. Um we uh had some other events, uh local events that the chambers set up. We just did uh breast cancer awareness two weeks ago um at one of the local hotels in the area set up by the chamber. And and and we were also a sponsor um of the of these events and to uh just get out and hear people's story. And, you know, we usually will raffle off some of our services and um just facials coming in for lasers and you know, and people that when they're going through a tough time and you'll be able to help them out and just let them do something that can help themselves, it's a great feeling. It's an amazing feeling. Um, and it's it's yeah, it's been very humbling and it's it's been great. And to see people's faces when you can do something nice for them, um, and that doesn't cost them anything. Um, I think that's that's what it's about.

SPEAKER_00 21:00

It was the the one that you guys just did. What was the T one that you went to? Wasn't that or didn't you go to like a T Yes, that was the one.

Community Outreach And Pink Tea

SPEAKER_01 21:07

Yes, it was the the pink tea party. Yes, that was the name of it. And uh so we all dressed up. Um Diane, she uh loaned me one of her hats. So they had a hat contest, and I was the only male in the hat contest out of about 20 people. So uh I stuck out of the crowd. I I think I came close to winning. Uh, but one of the ladies beat me out. Her hat looked uh looked much better than mine. But uh I think I was close. I think I was close.

SPEAKER_00 21:37

You are very supportive in doing all of the girly things that we ask of you sometimes.

SPEAKER_01 21:43

Yes, yes, pedicures and it's yeah, yes. We uh we actually did a team building where we took the team out for hitting one of their goals. Uh and I did my very first pedicure with toenail polish that they tricked me and they I didn't know there was a gel coating and whatever I think they it was the gel coating. I got home and a sander wouldn't have got this toenail polish up. But I will say when I'd go to the beach with my wife, my I think my toes were looking better than hers. They did a great job on it, but I couldn't get it off for about three months.

SPEAKER_00 22:20

Um you were always a team player, we love it.

SPEAKER_01 22:22

Yes, it's amazing. And I love being a part of the team, and you know, and with being one of the few males um in our company, um, and to to grow as close to to all the team, um, including you, Lindsay, we got really close. Um, it's it's been great.

SPEAKER_00 22:39

Love it. Where do you see the future of Couture going?

SPEAKER_01 22:43

Uh, I see Kutor uh getting much bigger. Um, the way the way we're capable of changing people's lives in and making it affordable. Um, I I think you know, you asked me in the beginning too, what sort of drew me to Couture, but making our services affordable for the average person to come in that most wouldn't be able to do. Uh, that's another great thing that we can offer. And I think, you know, the sooner and the quicker and the more stores we can open and the more people we can impact. Um, I think that's where I see us at. Yes.

SPEAKER_00 23:19

If you had a dream location to open a couture, where would it be?

SPEAKER_01 23:23

A dream location. Um, it definitely has to be somewhere south of Orlando. I'm originally from Michigan. Uh, been here for 18 years, so nowhere in the cold. I could I couldn't do the cold. Um, I would have to say probably in the the Naples area or or Puerto Rico. Um, been to Puerto Rico a couple times, and being in that climate and having those views, my dream location would have one right on the ocean. That'd be awesome. That would be amazing. Yeah.

Team Culture And Playful Moments

SPEAKER_00 23:58

You guys went down to Puerto Rico not too long ago, right? Yeah. Did a conference a conference?

SPEAKER_01 24:03

Yep. Very cool. Yep. Went down there in May and uh yeah, and the the views were amazing. People were great. Uh, they have excellent customer service at the resort we were at. And uh so to be able to put a couture right there, I I think that would be yeah, that'd be great.

SPEAKER_00 24:22

You'd probably take a lot of the girls that work here with you because they'd want to go live down there.

SPEAKER_01 24:25

Oh, I would be like, let's go. I would not have a problem staffing that one.

SPEAKER_00 24:29

You would not like, oh, we get to look at the beach all day.

SPEAKER_01 24:32

Yes, yes, side me up.

SPEAKER_00 24:35

All right, so we're gonna end on a little fun, Tim. We're gonna do some little rapid fire questions to get to know you a little bit better. Uh-oh. Okay. All right. Coffee or tea?

SPEAKER_01 24:44

Coffee.

SPEAKER_00 24:45

Favorite treatment at Couture?

SPEAKER_01 24:48

IPL.

SPEAKER_00 24:49

Hidden talent.

SPEAKER_01 24:51

Like a wiggle my ears.

SPEAKER_00 24:54

Um most overused phrase that you say at work. Um go to song when you need to pump yourself up.

SPEAKER_01 25:05

A C D C back and black.

SPEAKER_00 25:07

Biggest pet peeve.

SPEAKER_01 25:10

Someone not picking up after themselves.

SPEAKER_00 25:13

First job ever.

SPEAKER_01 25:14

Service merchandise.

SPEAKER_00 25:16

Favorite place to vacation.

Vision For Growth And Access

SPEAKER_01 25:19

South Florida.

SPEAKER_00 25:20

Best advice you've ever received.

SPEAKER_01 25:24

Best advice I ever received. What I would have to say. Continue doing the right thing and things will fall in place. Always do the right things even when no one's looking.

SPEAKER_00 25:42

One word your staff would use to describe you.

SPEAKER_01 25:45

Funny.

SPEAKER_00 25:48

You're not wrong. That would be that would be a good one. Yes. All right. Well, thank you so much, Tim, for sharing your journey, all of your insights into what led you to Couture, why you stay at Kutor, bringing the male um perspective into Kutor. And we love it. Um, we love having you being a part of this team. Um, we love, I love seeing you try all the different treatments and seeing your skin transformation. It's been so fun. Um, but just watching your Kasumi team grow has been amazing and I love it. And I can't wait to see what's uh next in your future.

SPEAKER_01 26:21

No, and thank you for all the support. And of course, the core four has been a huge part of our success. Um, they're there for every step of the way to help and guide us. Um, it's been amazing on my end as well. And uh yes, I'm definitely looking forward to the future and our future growth.

Dream Locations And Future Plans

SPEAKER_00 26:36

We love it. All right. Well, thank you so much for tuning in, guys. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like and subscribe. Share this episode with a friend. Um, you can come visit Tim and his team at our Kassimi location. Uh, you can find all of our locations at Kator Medspall.com. You can find us on all of our social media channels. We have Instagram, YouTube, uh, TikTok, Facebook, all the things. So find us. So until next time, we can't wait to see you guys again. Thanks for joining.