How Your Business Competitor Can Become Your Greatest Ally

How Your Business Competitor Can Become Your Greatest Ally

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Perhaps there is truth to the saying true queens fix each other’s crowns. Business rivals Arlene Damot and Jamila Paz share how their friendship enabled them to reach new heights in the aesthetics realm

This is an excerpt from MEGA’s October 2024 Issue.

If the business world is a battleground, then the beauty and aesthetics industry is akin to a vicious war zone saturated with brands constantly fighting for dominance. In such a competitive market, it’s quite rare for genuine friendship to bloom. Still, Royal Aesthetics CEO Arlene Cris Damot and Jamila Aesthetics CEO Jamila Paz have managed to forge a tight bond–one built out of their mutual interests and shared commitment in creating safe spaces for people to attain their beauty goals.

In an exclusive interview with MEGA, these two exceptional entrepreneurs delved more into their personal journeys and unlikely friendship–highlighting how success is found in uplifting those around you.

Royal Aesthetics CEO Arlene Cris Damot

A Queen’s Reign

Building a successful empire has always been rooted in passion, knowledge, and hard work. As a registered nurse, former Mrs. Universe Philippines 2023 Arlene Cris Damot has always been invested in merging beauty, health, and self care. She eventually pursued general surgery, otolaryngology and dermatology at Global Doctors Malaysia, before venturing into the aesthetics industry.

“Establishing Royal Aesthetics felt like a natural extension of my passion, as it allowed me to create a brand that provides innovative, safe, and personalized treatments,” Arlene shared. Her clinic–sought for its facial rejuvenation services–was built on Arlene’s desire to offer tailored solutions to her client’s skin concerns.

Although Arlene’s road to success was far from smooth, her devotion to learning undoubtedly propelled her clinic on top of her competition. At the core of her practice is her continuous desire to research emerging technologies and new trends. She hopes that by pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aesthetic care, she’ll be able to mold Royal Aesthetics into a global powerhouse and open-up mentorship opportunities for aspiring aestheticians and entrepreneurs.

Jamila Aesthetics CEO Jamila Paz

Conquest for Beauty

Name any industry and one woman can undoubtedly conquer it–Jamila Paz. Her tenacity is simply unmatched. From nursing school to fashion design, she has seamlessly navigated each of her endeavors. Launching her own clothing label–Jamila Manila–allowed her to test the waters of entrepreneurship. She soon began to study aesthetics and eventually opened an aesthetics clinic after her own name.

“I wanted to create a space where individuals could not only enhance their appearance, but also boost their confidence and self-esteem,” Jamila shared. Although she struggled to find her footing during the pandemic, her commitment to inclusive and accessible beauty resonated with her consumers. Soon, her clinic opened multiple branches–one in Mandaluyong, Marcos Highway, and Urdaneta. Among its most popular services is Ultherapy, which offers skin lifting and rejuvenating benefits.

Moving forward, Jamila emphasized her continuous goal of making more high-quality services accessible to the public. She also shared her desire to open more clinics and provide job opportunities to locals, single mothers, and persons with disabilities.

A Worthy Rival

“Arlene and I first met back in 2012, when she came to my condo for a makeup session with our mutual friend. We hit it up right away, and our friendship really blossomed,” Jamila shared. Following their meeting, Arlene and Jamila’s bond continued to flourish–strengthened by their shared interests in health, beauty, and business. 

“Witnessing the positive impact [Arlene] had on people’s lives through her work inspired me deeply,” Jamila added. She finds that the two of them resonate with each other with their common values and approach to business.

Meanwhile, Arlene cannot help but admire Jamila’s resilience and tenacity in handling her business. “I’ve learned so much from Jamila, particularly her resilience and innovation. Watching how she approaches her business has inspired me to continually evolve and refine my own approach.”

Despite becoming business rivals, their mutual admiration remains palpable. Recognizing that they both hold themselves to high standards, they continue to be a source of inspiration for one another–both as entrepreneurs and power women. 

The Power of Connections

When it truly matters, Arlene and Jamila’s friendship has always managed to precede any rivalry they may have. In fact, they never dwell too much on being each other’s business competitor, opting to share invaluable insights to help the other out in times of need.

Arlene reminisced on one instance of their camaraderie, “I was expanding Royal Aesthetics and had some concerns about staffing and operational changes. Jamila, having gone through a similar process with her own clinic, shared insights on team management and recommended reliable vendors.” In turn, Arlene shared relevant industry contacts when Jamila needed to market a new line of treatments. 

“We openly discuss our expansion plans and, when necessary, seek each other’s advice or approval—like when one of us is planning to open a new clinic,” Jamila added. From designing staff uniforms together with Jamila Manila to simply sharing ideas, the two have always embodied the spirit of collaboration. 

In a way, their friendly rivalry has become a positive force in their entrepreneurial endeavors. For the two, having a competitor and friend in one is a great source of motivation to continue improving services, thus helping their respective businesses grow stronger.

Arlene added, “We both believe that there is room for everyone in this industry, and having someone who understands the unique pressures and challenges [of this work] has been invaluable.”

Seizing the Future

Arlene and Jamila’s shared purpose in providing a means for people to take control of their health and beauty opens a gateway to new possibilities–from elevating the quality of beauty services to pushing the boundaries of aesthetic innovations in the country. 

Their unique relationship also paints a vivid picture of what the beauty and aesthetics industry could be. Beyond its superficial facade, it is an industry that fosters cooperation, growth, learning, and positivity. 

Whereas most business rivals would take the opportunity to bring each other down, this unlikely duo have found an ally in each other instead. Their mutual respect and support for one another–both as friends and competitors–exemplifies how there’s always room for more than one person to succeed in the tumultuous beauty world.


PHOTOS: Timothy Duenas

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