Dr. Arleen Lamba spent the early years of her career as an anesthesiologist, working early mornings as the friendly face patients would see right before they underwent, often times, life-changing procedures. Even with the demands of hospital life, Dr. Lamba found time for her passion project; a budding skincare studio in Bethesda, MD. She would start her day at the hospital around 5am, and by 2pm she was giving facials to her members at the first GLO30. Dr. Aparna Sharma was one of her loyal customers at the membership-based skincare studio. She fell in love with the services, returning for her monthly facial even when she moved out of town. Dr. Sharma was very successful in her career, but she felt an itch to do something more, so when Dr. Lamba brought up the idea of franchising GLO30, it was “a no-brainer” for Dr. Sharma to jump on board with the brand she knew and loved, to become their first franchisee. We sat down with both these trailblazing women to talk about their journey with entrepreneurship, the lessons they’ve learned along the way, and what makes GLO30 the perfect opportunity for medical professionals to break out of the industry and do something more.
From Anesthesia to Accessible Skincare
One of the key insights Dr. Lamba brought from her years in the operating room was the importance of systems and comfort. Having worked as an anesthesiologist, she became adept at building trust quickly—a skill that now defines the GLO30 experience.
“One of the main reasons I chose anesthesia is I was very good at physiology. I really enjoyed the process, and I like systems—anesthesia is very systems-based,” Dr. Lamba says. “I meet this patient for 10 minutes and I have to make them super comfortable with me. It taught me a lot about dynamics of customer service, taking care of an individual, dynamics of systems, and I loved it.”
Much like the protocols she used in the OR, Dr. Lamba developed strict processes and repeatable protocols for her skincare studios, ensuring consistent results and a comforting atmosphere—one that feels both clinical and welcoming.
A Member-Turned-Franchisee: Dr. Sharma Takes the Leap
Dr. Aparna Sharma discovered GLO30 well before it became a franchise. She started visiting GLO30 as a local and fell in love with the simplicity and effectiveness of its membership model, especially as a full-time physician with little time for self-care.
“I was an 11-year member, one of the originals,” she says. “When GLO30 offered franchise opportunities, it was a no-brainer. I already knew it was a great concept. It had done so much for me, especially when I was a resident, it helped me so much. I wanted to bring that to where I was in my community, for my friends, for everyone.”
Dr. Sharma longed for an outlet that allowed broader leadership, creativity, and independence—qualities she found difficult to foster in a traditional hospital setting. “I wanted to be part of something bigger, something that could have a larger impact,” she explains. Stepping into ownership at GLO30 provided exactly that.
Why GLO30 Clicks with Medical Professionals
According to both Dr. Lamba and Dr. Sharma, healthcare professionals often have untapped skills—leadership, systems thinking, empathy, and the ability to learn quickly—that translate surprisingly well to entrepreneurship. Yet many are hesitant to deviate from the well-worn path of residency, fellowship, and hospital jobs.
“Entrepreneurship can be scary for physicians because we’re trained to follow a set path,” Dr. Sharma says. “But GLO30 gives you the systems and structure to make that leap less intimidating.”
Dr. Lamba sees a similar pattern: “Doctors love predictability and stability, and franchising with GLO30 is a controlled way to achieve that entrepreneurial lifestyle. I made the mistakes so my franchisees don’t have to,” she explains. “We speak the same language. That makes learning and operating a studio so much easier.”
A System for Success—Rooted in Medicine
One reason GLO30 resonates so strongly with clinicians is its commitment to reproducible systems. Dr. Lamba likens it to creating standardized protocols in an operating room:
“Whether you’re prepping someone for heart surgery or a simple procedure, the room has to look a certain way, and the process has to be predictable,” she says. “We brought that mindset into our studios.”
For franchisees, that translates into robust support—from site selection and construction timelines to marketing programs and staff training. “It’s all there in the playbook,” Dr. Lamba notes. “If you have questions, we’re right there, guiding you.”
Balancing Practice and Purpose
Both doctors emphasize that owning a GLO30 studio doesn’t mean leaving their medical careers outright—many physician/owners continue to practice medicine part-time. The key is flexibility and building a team that shares your vision.
“It’s about creating freedom—time freedom, financial freedom, mental freedom,” Dr. Sharma says. “I can supervise and lead, but also step away when I need to. That doesn’t happen in the hospital.”
Entrepreneurship also allows them to tap into a different kind of fulfillment. “It’s gratifying to build something that’s mine,” Dr. Sharma continues. “In medicine, you give so much, but you may not see the kind of personal, long-lasting returns that come from building a successful business.”
Looking Ahead: A Legacy in Skincare and Wellness
From Dr. Lamba’s earliest days perfecting her membership model to Dr. Sharma’s first franchise location in Florida, GLO30 is quickly expanding. By forging partnerships with franchisees from all walks of life—including those with and without a medical background—GLO30 aims to bring personalized skincare to communities nationwide.
“Our first year of franchising, we’re almost at 100 units,” Dr. Lamba proudly notes. “I want to reach 500 in five years and 1,000 in 10. But most importantly, we want partners who are passionate, who want to grow beyond themselves.”
For Dr. Sharma, the goal is clear:
“I want to leave a legacy where people trust GLO30 as the go-to for skincare that’s physician-led, accessible, and effective,” she says. “We’re changing the conversation around skincare, making it more inclusive—like healthcare should be.”
Lessons for Aspiring Franchisees
Both physicians offer a similar takeaway for anyone eyeing franchise ownership, especially fellow medical professionals:
- Don’t Let Fear of the Unknown Stop You.
“Being a doctor was a risk in itself—medical school, residency, all those exams!” Dr. Sharma laughs. “Trust yourself and trust the process.”
2. Rely on Proven Systems.
“GLO30 is built on repeatable protocols, just like good medicine,” Dr. Lamba explains. “If you can follow them, you’ll thrive.”
3. Embrace the Entrepreneurial Mindset
“Working 12-hour shifts at the hospital taught me grit, but building GLO30 taught me how to create something bigger than myself,” Dr. Lamba notes.
4. Seek a Brand that Matches Your Values
“I cared about making skincare accessible,” Dr. Sharma says. “I love that GLO30 is physician-led and emphasizes real results for everyone.”
Take the Next Step
The stories of Dr. Lamba and Dr. Sharma illustrate just how transferable medical skill sets can be when the right opportunity comes along. GLO30’s membership-based skincare model, anchored by medical expertise and meticulous systems, is drawing franchisees from both inside and outside the healthcare field—offering the chance to build a thriving business without sacrificing passion or purpose.
If you’re ready to explore an innovative, fast-growing franchise that’s changing how we think about skincare—and how doctors think about entrepreneurship—visit Fransmart.com/GLO30 and discover whether GLO30 is your next chapter.