Vanielle Francis-Watt: Creating Space, Serving Beauty, and Shifting Standards

Kami Redd
Jan 31
4 min read

From Nursing to New Territory

Vanielle Francis-Watt didn’t enter entrepreneurship just to run a business—she stepped in to reshape the beauty industry in Canada. As the founder of Spiced Silk Medical Aesthetics, Vanielle fused her passion for people with her clinical training to deliver safe, professional aesthetic services with cultural care and personal understanding. But her story started long before opening her doors.

As a registered nurse, she loved helping others, but something felt off. The rigid structure of staff nursing didn’t align with her vision of impact. Meanwhile, she saw a glaring gap in the aesthetics space: there were hardly any practitioners who looked like her, and even fewer options for Black women seeking culturally competent care. “I couldn’t bring a seat to this table,” she recalls. “I had to build my own.”

So she did.

Breaking Through the Gatekeeping

Starting out, Vanielle faced a common challenge many Black women encounter in entrepreneurship: limited access and information. “Gatekeeping is real,” she says. “And I didn’t even know what I didn’t know.” Her turning point came when she hired a business coach who helped her transform from a skilled nurse into a strategic entrepreneur. That mentorship gave her the insight and language to translate her medical skills into marketable business assets.

Her clinical background—built in emergency departments, critical care units, and wound management—gave her a unique advantage. She wasn’t just offering aesthetic services; she was offering safety, precision, and medical integrity. Her ability to lead with professionalism while connecting with clients on a personal level became a cornerstone of Spiced Silk.

Empathy as a Standard

Vanielle’s nursing skills weren’t limited to procedures—they extended to leadership. Her ability to think critically, remain calm under pressure, and communicate clearly shaped how she runs her business. “There are times when I’ve explained everything before a procedure, but the result still didn’t match a client’s expectations,” she says. “In those moments, I use empathy and flexibility to find a solution.”

Her lived experience plays a huge role in that empathy. Like many of her clients, she has struggled with skin challenges and confidence. That insight allows her to serve her clients with compassion and clarity.

Balancing Life and Business

Running a clinic while caring for a family is a challenge, but Vanielle stays grounded by honoring her values. “Family is my top priority,” she says. “Everything else flows from that.” She credits her husband, her parents, siblings, and a tight-knit group of friends as her anchor.

That support system allows her to show up in both business and life without losing herself.

Still, she’s the first to admit that balance is a moving target. “I’m always tweaking and adjusting,” she laughs. “But knowing my priorities helps me stay centered.”

Representation with Intention

Representation isn’t just a talking point for Vanielle—it’s the foundation of her mission. In the Greater Toronto Area, Black people make up 17% of the population. Yet, according to her research, fewer than 10 Black Registered Nurse-owned medical aesthetic clinics exist across the entire region. “That gap is not just disappointing—it’s dangerous,” she says. “When we’re not represented, we’re not served.”

With Spiced Silk, Vanielle created more than a clinic—she built a platform. Her space is intentionally inclusive, safe, and empowering for women of color. She’s also working to connect other Black nurse and non-nurse practitioners across Canada, fostering mentorship and collaboration in an industry that often leaves Black professionals isolated.

Innovation Through Versatility

The innovation at Spiced Silk lies in its versatility. Vanielle offers both medical-grade and aesthetic services, combining her extensive nursing experience with advanced aesthetic techniques. Her clients receive care that’s not only effective but also deeply informed by cultural understanding.

That blend of science and soul sets her apart. “I know what it’s like to walk in their shoes,” she says. “I’m not guessing—I’ve lived it.”

Looking Ahead: Franchising and Legacy

In the next five years, Vanielle envisions Spiced Silk becoming a franchise across North America. Her goal is not only to grow the brand but also to mentor and partner with nurses who want to launch their own practices. “We’re not just changing beauty standards—we’re changing access, ownership, and legacy.”

She sees a future where more clinics are run by women who look like her—providing culturally safe care, building wealth, and leading their industries with confidence.

Wisdom for the Next Generation

To young Black women thinking about stepping into entrepreneurship, Vanielle offers this:

“Do it afraid. That fear will push you. Discomfort is part of the process. You can’t grow while staying comfortable. But you can build a life that reflects your vision—if you keep going.”

She also shares a lesson she wishes she had learned earlier: “Don’t rush into spending money on services or tools. Understand them first. Talk to someone who’s done what you’re trying to do. Save yourself the heartache and the money.”

Changing the Industry One Client at a Time

Vanielle Francis-Watt is doing more than running a clinic—she’s reshaping what leadership, ownership, and care look like in aesthetics. Through Spiced Silk, she’s proving that excellence doesn’t have to compromise culture, and professionalism can coexist with purpose.

She’s not just filling a gap—she’s creating new standards. For her clients. For her community. And for every woman bold enough to build her own table.