Dr. Aivee Aguilar-Teo and Dr. Z Teo offer us a masterclass on how to build a beauty empire whilst nourishing a family and touching lives with their advocacy.
This is an excerpt from Lifestyle Asia’s December 2023-January 2024 Issue.
Nowadays it seems, the Teos are everywhere, in both the literal and figurative sense. Having residences and clinics in both Manila and Singapore, the power couple that is Dr. Aivee Aguilar-Teo and Dr. Z’Shen Teo deftly split their time between their two homes. Their zest for life and creative passions have also led to the diversification of their business portfolio, which began with the hugely successful Aivee Clinics, that eventually became outfitted with Aivee Cafes. Now, the Aivee Group counts within its roster the cosmetics line Aivee Skin, a division for beauty devices called Keli Devices, and even premium pets via Luxuri Pets and Z Giant Poodles.
On Z: Ivory oversized double breasted blazer, ANTHONY RAMIREZ; Black tuxedo trousers and shoes, LOUIS VUITTON.
But today, the Teos are sitting still, in an unfinished farmhouse south of the city, that is the venue of the Lifestyle Asia cover shoot. The atmosphere is relaxed and the conversation flows, as a gentle breeze ruffles the trees that surround the estate. Both clad in shades of blue, the Teos have a laidback rhythm, finishing each other’s sentences, as they talk about the love they have for their work, their community, their family, and each other.
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FORCES OF CHANGE
The Teos had been game changers from the start, pioneering a luxuriously maverick approach amidst a highly competitive beauty landscape. “We always wanted to build something on our own,” attests Dr. Aivee, founder and medical director of the Aivee Group. “And that is why we think we were the first to start a clinic that is very lifestyle, because when we first came into the industry, most of the clinics were very clinical,” she says, recalling how her first branch was a sprawling 450-square-meter space outfitted with French-inspired interiors in BGC.
“I think way back in 2009, it was about trying to change the industry and making sure that it was not just about coming for a treatment. That it was for the whole experience,” she declares. Visits to their posh enclaves have indeed become such treasured pampering sessions that they’ve been dubbed as “Aivee Days”, with their loyal clientele documenting their treatments on social media, alongside the many luxurious amenities on offer.
Nonetheless, all that is just the tip of the iceberg, as it is cutting-edge tech as well as dermatological expertise that has truly placed the Aivee Clinic on top. “We have always been known to have the latest in technology, and that’s what we invested in right from the start,” declares the company’s CEO, Dr. Z, sharing how they would constantly keep themselves abreast of the latest in their fast-evolving field.
And it is this intersection of talent, and a commitment towards excellence, that has really built their stellar reputation. And yet, despite being known for having an A-list roster, the Teos maintain that their showbiz and society connections were all a matter of serendipity.
Dr. Aivee recalls that even before her clinics were established, Gretchen Barretto had already been in her circle, and a patient from her initial hospital practice. “She was one of the first, as you can say, celebrity patients or friends that I had,” sharing how word-of-mouth led to her building her standing amongst the superstar set, which now also includes talents like Bea Alonzo, Kathryn Bernardo, Bretman Rock, and more.
The same story is behind the close connection Dr. Aivee has had with actress and socialite Heart Evangelista, who’s been known to strut down the streets of Paris Fashion Week, as well as the clinic’s marble halls. “I knew her when she was 16,” recalls Dr. Aivee. “I’ve seen her grow, and I was Ninang at her wedding,” she shares.
Nonetheless, the doctors maintain that their clientele actually hails from different fields, all of whom she considers her friends. “I think relationships grew because of the trust that they give us, and the time we spend together, in and out of the clinic,” she declares. “I think over the years, in spite of the fact that we have opened new clinics, we have remained very personal. And I think that’s what the patient says, is that ‘I can still see you, I can still do my treatments with you’.”
COUPLE GOALS
With the Aivee Clinic’s meteoric rise, one would be hard-pressed to imagine how they weren’t even sure where they’d end up when they first started dating. Having met in Singapore during Dr. Aivee’s residency, the Teos had begun their relationship long-distance and recalls the challenges they had to initially face. “But we’ve always trusted that eventually, we will find a way, a solution, to whatever obstacle we have, whether it is in our personal or professional life. And somehow, it just flows, at the right time,” Dr. Aivee states.
A thriving marriage, three kids, and a beauty empire later, the powerhouse duo is extremely grateful for the life they were able to make together. “I just felt that this whole journey with Aivee is actually a blessing. It’s a privilege that you are able to have someone that you can build something with, and just enjoy the time building it,” shares Dr. Z.
There is a solidarity and a synergy to their marriage, that hints of a true partnership. “We are okay 98% of the time, then there’s 2% when we disagree and we have our own bit of differences, because we are different,” Dr. Z expresses.
“But we always look at it positively, because that’s the only way that we can really cover our bases. There are certain things she’s good at, I say, do it. There are certain things that I’m good at, she says, you do it.”
Their collaborative approach also informs their work, sharing that they each have their own aesthetic styles when treating patients. “I’m more aggressive in trying to change a lot, but still keeping it natural. Aivee is very slow, step by step,” he elaborates.
It’s something that has also given their patients the best of both worlds, with the doctors balancing each other’s viewpoints. “It’s best when we’re in the middle ground of trying to compromise, and we’re able to really give the best results. Not only with our patients, but also in everything that we do,” Dr. Aivee shares.
Their harmony has likewise had positive effects on their children, Ken-Z, 16, Kenzo, 12, Keli, 11, and even their fourth baby, the Aivee Clinic. “I think we work well together; it manifests in our marriage; it manifests in our family life as well. And our kids see the chemistry, and the way we’re always looking after each other, and we’re always together,” shares Dr. Aivee. In fact, according to Dr. Z, their kids all want to be doctors someday, eager to follow in their parents’ footsteps.
INVINCIBLE IDEALS
Having successfully survived the lockdowns, without retrenching, and even pivoting into other industries and winning awards in the Philippines and the region, the Teos are eager to take the Aivee Clinic into the future. “We’re opening a few more clinics, new branches, new concepts as well as new ideas,” declares Dr. Aivee, who reveals that they are on the cusp of debuting their first establishment outside of Metro Manila, in Clark, Pampanga.
“We call it Aivee 2.0. It’s going to look different, and it’s going to be more modern. A little bit fresher, and of course everything needs to be upgraded,” expresses Dr. Z, who says that their designer had just flown in from Singapore to work on the new spaces.
The couple excitedly talks about their sources of inspiration, which run the gamut from the restaurants and hotels they visit all around the world, to the movies they watch. “I think all the experiences that we get, are things that we feel we can apply, and we can learn from,” shares Dr. Aivee. Their creative streak is likewise apparent in their innate sartorial inclinations, favoring bold and adventurous choices, whilst still looking polished, and redefining how doctors should dress.
“We always try to be different and creative in the industry, so that we are always breaking barriers and growing,” shares Dr. Aivee, drawing parallels to the shoot’s rustic, unfinished feel to their own never-ending quest for improvement and discovery. “Every day we have new ideas. So, until it’s done, it’s not done. It’s always been our mantra.”
The board-certified dermatologist shares how excited she is for Aivee Skin, which has gained significant traction owing to their science-based formulations, and stylish flair. “I love makeup, and I feel that we can introduce makeup that is also intelligent,” she shares, explaining how many of their products are multi-purpose, and also nourish skin with continued use.
Read the full cover story by purchasing a copy of the Lifestyle Asia December 2023-January 2024 magazine viaSariSari.shopping or select newsstands in National Bookstore and Fully Booked. Subscribe to the E-Magazine via Readly, Magzter, and Press Reader.
Text by MARIANE PEREZ
Photos by DOOKIE DUCAY, Assisted by MARK CATUNGA AND DK SORIANO
Sittings Editor: CANDY DIZON
Creative Direction: MARC YELLOW
Makeup by LALA FLORES, assisted by RAQUEL ROCHA
Hair by CATS DEL ROSARIO
Stylist: ROKO ARCEO, assisted by DENIELLE KHAN
Production design by ROBERT BLANCAFLOR GROUP INC
Shoot Coordination: MAE TALAID
Shot on location DIZON’S ESTATE, SILANG, CAVITE
