Two Worlds, One Heart: Episode 3 of Chinese by Blood, Filipino by Heart

In the world of aesthetics and dermatology, the partnership between Dr. Z Teo and Dr. Aivee Aguilar-Teo stands out not just for their professional accomplishments but also for the harmonious blend of cultures and dreams they bring into their work. As the founders of Aivee Group, they have not only created a successful business but have also balanced their professional lives with their rich personal experiences. This article explores their journey, their family life, and how they manage to merge their diverse backgrounds into a thriving enterprise.

How Their Paths Crossed

In 2002, his life took a significant turn when he met Dr. Aivee during her training in cosmetic dermatology in Singapore. “I did a little bit of internal medicine and dermatology, a little bit on the side as well.” Despite initially pursuing internal medicine, he discovered his true passion for aesthetic dermatology. “And that’s when I started to get really fascinated with this whole field of medicine, which is dermatology, aesthetic medicine, treating the skin, making people look young, you know making them look good.” He even faced traditional disapproval from his father, but he knew he was onto something special as the field was rapidly evolving.

His path to success was further shaped by his encounter with Dr. Aivee in 2002, during her training in cosmetic dermatology in Singapore. “Me and Z met in 2002, in Singapore,” Dr. Aivee recalls. “I just finished my residency training in dermatology and I got a scholarship, training in Singapore for cosmetic dermatology.” Their meeting was serendipitous; Dr. Z remembers, “I still remember very vividly, it was her first day in the National Skin Center. And I think it was her first time in Singapore as well.” Captivated by her, he thought to himself, “Who’s that? She looks really good,” and began plotting ways to get to know her.

“It’s a big place in the skin center,” he explains, describing how he went to great lengths to connect with her. “I found out which department she was in and which area that she was in, and I got to know some of the nurses that were working in the skin center… I asked the nurses for the schedule of Aivee, and every single day I would be going to where she was going.”

Dr. Aivee admits, “I didn’t think much of it until he actually became very persistent. And from there, I got to know him.” Dr. Z reflects on the urgency of the situation: “I only had four weeks there. Three weeks [gone], she wasn’t there yet. [And] on my last week, she came. I had seven days to get her number right, so I thought every single day I would try.” His relentless pursuit paid off, as this initial connection blossomed into a romantic relationship that would eventually lead them to become husband and wife and establish the Aivee Group. 

Professional Journey

Dr. Z and Dr. Aivee co-manage the Aivee Group, each bringing their unique skills to the table. As Dr. Z puts it, “Me and Aivee, we are partners, both in life as well as in business.” He focuses on the vision and expansion of the clinics, setting the direction with his strategic mindset: “I set the vision, where we’re going to go.” His Singaporean background, which values efficiency and straightforwardness, has significantly influenced their approach. “In Singapore, when we do things, we are very practical… but when I came here, I realized that I cannot impose all of this at 100% because the Filipino culture is slightly more laid back.” This insight led to a balance, as he explains, “If we are going to run and make this place successful, we have to kind of fuse both.”

On the other hand, Dr. Aivee manages the day-to-day operations, ensuring that the clinics offer world-class services. “I think our vision for the Aivee clinic is to make sure we have the most beautiful clinic with the latest state-of-the-art technology,” she shares. Her meticulous nature ensures that everything runs smoothly, embodying Dr. Z’s sentiment that “she executes it” with an eye for detail.

Their journey has not been without challenges. As Dr. Z reflects, “One of the biggest challenges when we came into the industry about 15 years ago was that we were the new kid on the block,” emphasizing the need to build trust with patients. Dr. Aivee acknowledges, “The biggest challenge is really learning on the job,” transitioning from a single clinic to a group of five.

Yet, their dedication and complementary skills have enabled them to overcome obstacles and expand their reach. “I think what is the advantage is we share the same values, we share the same principles,” Dr. Aivee notes, highlighting their collaborative spirit. Together, they plan to continue growing their business, with future plans including new clinics and international expansion.

Balancing Personal Lives and Business

Balancing their demanding careers with their personal lives is a feat that Dr. Z and Dr. Aivee handle with grace. Dr. Z, known for his vision and leadership, and Dr. Aivee, recognized for her operational excellence, make a formidable team. They manage to balance their roles by dividing responsibilities effectively—Dr. Z focuses on strategic growth while Dr. Aivee ensures smooth daily operations. Their ability to support each other in both their professional and personal lives is key to their success.

Dr. Z reflects on their cultural commitments when he shares that when he and Aivee got married, they had an agreement to celebrate Chinese New Year in Singapore and Christmas in the Philippines. Every year without fail, during Chinese New Year, they whisk the whole family back home, where they change into their cheongsam or red clothes, give angpaos, and visit relatives, who also visit them. He emphasizes that these practices are important and that he makes sure his children maintain these traditions as they grow up.

Dr. Aivee shares their ongoing ambitions, noting that they always feel there is still so much to grow and many plans ahead. They are set to open three or four clinics in the next quarter and expand Aivee Skin to provide more skincare options. Their commitment to blending their cultural backgrounds is evident, as Dr. Z mentions that both traditions are important and that their children have become accustomed to celebrating both.

Despite their busy schedules, they manage to spend quality time together, maintaining a strong family bond. Dr. Z recalls wisdom from his father, who said he would be successful if his kids became more successful than him. As he reflects on this, he realizes the profound truth in it, understanding that true success means he has done a good job training and equipping his children. Their approach to parenting showcases their dedication to balancing professional ambitions with family life, emphasizing the importance of family values and cultural traditions.

Building Bridges Between Cultures Through Shared Vision

Dr. Z and Dr. Aivee shows how love, teamwork, and cultural balance can lead to success in the aesthetics and dermatology field. Their journey with the Aivee Group highlights how they mix their different backgrounds while balancing work and family life. As they keep growing their clinics, their dedication to quality and support for each other inspires others, proving that it’s possible to do well in business while keeping strong family ties.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Chinese-Filipino culture with Chinese by Blood, Filipino by Heart. Catch new episodes every Sunday at 8 PM on One News. If you miss the live show, you can watch the replays on Saturdays at 8:30 PM. Don’t forget to join the live streams on CHiNOY TV’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.