Startup Stories: Expanding Access to Aesthetic Skin Care
A conversation with Ella Archibald ’22, who collaborated with classmate Tri Hiremath ’22 to create a service to make cosmetic dermatology services more affordable and convenient.
In this series, Karen Guzman talks to student and alumni entrepreneurs about how they are making an impact with their startups.
Venture: PinkBridge brings cosmetic skin care treatments to clients’ homes, eliminating the need for office visits and cutting costs by serving as a bridge between medical specialists and clients.
Founders: Ella Archibald ’22 and Tri Hiremath ’22
What was the moment when you had the idea for this startup?
Having worked extensively in the healthcare industry, I’d recognized the growing demand for accessible, convenient aesthetic dermatology services. The point became particularly poignant during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many healthcare providers were faced with limited resources and time constraints that restricted care. In the MBA for Executives program, I had the fortune of working with many other healthcare professionals who were noticing similar trends, including my classmate and PinkBridge co-founder, Dr. Tri Hiremath, a musculoskeletal and emergency radiologist. Our insights led to the idea of PinkBridge as a way to bring top-notch skincare solutions to people’s doorsteps.
What’s the problem you’re trying to solve or the gap that you’re trying to fill?
Our mission is to make high-quality aesthetic dermatology services affordable and accessible. We aim to bridge the gap between premium services and their often-exorbitant prices, especially in locations like New York. PinkBridge wants to help people receive these services without breaking the bank.
What was the most important resource Yale SOM contributed to your startup?
The greatest asset Yale School of Management provided was its vibrant ecosystem of innovators and its culture of fostering entrepreneurship. Through the two-year EMBA program, we were mentored by visionary professors, many of whom were accomplished entrepreneurs themselves. Their teaching inspired us to persevere.
What’s the biggest milestone your startup has hit since graduation?
After an intensive year of development, we’ve proudly launched our services for New York residents through our online booking platform. Now, individuals can explore services, book appointments, and make payments on a single platform. We’re now gearing up to take on the challenge of scaling our venture and preparing to raise funds for the next phase of growth
