Today we’d like to introduce you to Moneé Thomas. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Dr. Thomas, also known as @Drglowgetter on social media, is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. Through her career in dermatology, she became frustrated with the lack of quality dermatologic care and advice for people of color. Only 3% of dermatologists in the U.S. identify as black, according to a 2016 study by the American Academy of Dermatology. Although all dermatologists should be equipped to take care of all skin and hair types, people of color often feel unheard, not understood, and dismissed by doctors that don’t quite understand the nuances of life with darker skin or kinkier/ curlier hair.
Dr. Thomas took this frustration and decided to take action to improve this disparity. She describes herself as a visionary who is passionate about dreaming up solutions for communities that can often feel forgotten in the beauty and skin care industry.
Dr. Thomas has created a patent pending hair tool called the Slik Edge Stick which is a compact double-edged tool with a brush/comb combo on end to smooth fly away hairs along the hairline (a common issue with curly/kinky hair) and a compartment to house your favorite hair gel/ product on the other end. Her business Slik Hair Solutions focuses on convenient hair products and accessories to keep curly/kinky hair looking it’s best while on the go. She is also co-founder of the company Coco Leveaux. Coco Leveaux is a skin care company developed by Dr. Thomas and her colleague Dr. Lauren Payne that addresses skin care issues of the body. Their signature product is the Coco Leveaux Smoothing Aftercare Créme. Their Smoothing Aftercare Créme was developed when Dr. Thomas and Dr. Payne recognized that there was a gap in the skincare market for products that effectively improve issues that arise due to hair removal like ingrown hairs, irritation, and discoloration. They utilized their extensive knowledge of active ingredients that they often prescribe for these issues to create an over-the-counter product that outperforms any competitors.
In May 2022, she took her passion to improve the healthcare disparity of quality skin care for people of color to another level by starting her own dermatology practice, Glow Dermatology. Glow Dermatology is a direct care dermatology practice that provides a wide range of medical and cosmetic treatments for all skin and hair types. She decided to take on a direct-care model for her practice after feeling like she didn’t have enough time to spend with each patient in a typical high-volume, insurance-accepting medical practice. Dr Thomas states that for the majority of her career as a dermatologist, she stressed about seeing 30-40 patients a day. This volume is common in dermatology practices that accept insurance, since doctors only receive about 30% of what is billed to the insurance. This often creates stress for the physician as they are trying to make sure that their patients get the quality care/time they deserve. While at the same time, they have to please practice owners that may care more about the money coming in than quality patient care.
Glow Dermatology utilizes a Direct Care model for payment, in order to advocate for their patients in the best way possible. Glow offers competitive pricing at much lower rates than that billed to insurance, typically ranging between $100-250 for an appointment; depending on the appointment reason and treatment needed, this price will vary but will be fully explained at the time of the appointment prior to any procedures if needed. This allows for longer appointments, customized care, as well as transparent pricing with no unexpected bills. Payment is collected in full for services rendered, and you never have to worry about any hidden fees or non-covered services. She also offers virtual visits to accommodate patients in the U.S. that may not have access to a dermatologist with expertise in skin of color. Dr. Thomas believes that any dermatologist can offer evaluations and treatment, but Glow Dermatology plans to revolutionize Dermatology by offering customized treatments for each patient and their personal needs. She believes “there is a difference between knowing and understanding” and she’s here to help you understand.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting my own practice hasn’t been easy. I’m currently building out my flagship location of Glow Dermatology. The construction delays has most definitely been an obstacle. However, I’m extremely proud of how my team and I were able to adapt. We are currently seeing a full schedule of patients at a temporary medical suite in the Galleria area until the buildout is completed, which is anticipated to be at the beginning of December this year. I am so blessed to have such amazing patients, and I can’t wait to offer even more to the Houston community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
One of my favorite quotes is by the Roman philosopher Seneca. He famously stated, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” I believe that my hard work and genuine care for the work I do has created favorable luck for myself and my businesses. I try my best to have the clarity to recognize the opportunities that are placed in front of me. Therefore when it meets my constant preparation, the magic can ensue.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.glowdermhtx.com
- Instagram: @drglowgetter
Image Credits
Casey McMurray Photography
