The Aivee Group, an aesthetics, dermatology, and wellness firm, plans to open five more branches in Metro Manila and Pampanga this year.

Aivee Group chief executive officer and founder Dr. Aivee Aguilar-Teo said one of the branches will be in the northern province.

While the firm aims to establish a broader market in the Philippines and abroad, she said the Aivee Group is taking a prudent approach.

"We try to grow organically; we don't overplan. It's good to know that you're not overexpanding so as not to sacrifice the quality of our service," Aguilar-Teo told the media in a recent awards ceremony by an online magazine.

She, along with her husband and business co-founder Dr. Z'Shen Teo, created the Aivee Group in 2009 and manages Aivee clinics in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, and Singapore.

While the Aivee Group plans further branch expansion, Aguilar-Teo added that her team has yet to enrich their skills in business management before entertaining ideas for capital infusions from public or private investors.

"We started this from scratch. As doctors, we don't have a background in management. We still need to spread our brand, improve our services, and professionalize our business," she said.

Aguilar-Teo shared that the firm needs to shell out at least P20 million to set up a 450-square meter clinic space alone, stressing that she is highly particular in designing very comfortable spaces and individualized rooms.

Aivee clinics offer body sculpting, hair transplant, facial treatments, plastic surgery, drips, and injectables.

Aguilar-Teo said she also aims to diversify her skincare products, which were launched three years ago.

"There's a lot of interest now in beauty and wellness. It's a growing field and the possibilities are endless," she said.

Aivee clients include Heart Evangelista, Bea Alonzo, Kathryn Bernardo, Gretchen Barretto, and Maricel Soriano, among others.

Luxuri Pets

As part of the Aivee Group, Aguilar-Teo said the firm is also opening three Luxuri Pets or veterinary clinics in Metro Manila this year. Currently, Luxuri Pets serves customers in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.