Love, risk and ‘Remedy’

At first glance, April Geraldez-Rivera and Paul Rivera seem like an unlikely pair in business. She, a board-certified dermatologist, dedicated her life to understanding skin and its intricacies. He, a seasoned entrepreneur, had built businesses from the ground up. But together, they created something far greater than a clinic — they built a legacy of healing, confidence and innovation.

Their journey wasn’t just about business; it was about shared vision, unwavering partnership and a belief that they could build the life they wanted — together. Their love story is intertwined with entrepreneurship, proving that when passion and purpose align, success follows.

Love, vision and a shared dream

Paul and April met in 2010 through a mutual friend while April was working at the Belo Medical Group. Their connection was instant, not just because of attraction, but because they were both dreamers. Early in their relationship, they started envisioning their future — what kind of life they wanted, what success meant to them, and how they could achieve it.

“We wrote it down, brainstormed and constantly iterated on this vision,” Paul recalls. “And we realized that in order to create the life we wanted, we needed to start a business.” Given April’s expertise and Paul’s entrepreneurial instincts, the skincare industry was a natural choice.

April, however, was determined to take things a step further. While Paul believed she was already equipped with the knowledge and experience, she was passionate about becoming a board-certified dermatologist to enhance her credibility and expertise. So, she went back to school.

After years of preparation, she took her board exams in 2017 and by 2019, their vision came to life: Remedy Skin Solutions was born.

Opportunity born from struggle

Dr. April Geraldez-Rivera’s passion for dermatology was deeply personal. Her mother, who also suffered from acne, had limited access to proper care, leading to scars that fueled a determination: April would make sure no one had to endure the same struggle without expert guidance.

“I really built the clinic that I wish I had growing up as a teenager,” she says. Remedy was born out of this necessity — a place where patients felt heard, understood and given solutions that actually worked.

In November 2019, Remedy Skin Solutions opened its doors — only to be hit by the Covid-19 pandemic a few months later.

“Terrible,” Paul admits.

But true entrepreneurs find solutions where others see setbacks. April and Paul were among the first to pivot to online consultations, having already explored digital strategies early on. While the world adjusted to new norms, Remedy continued to care for patients suffering from stress-related acne and “maskne” — skin conditions exacerbated by the pandemic.

“I think with those challenges, we also learned a lot. We learned to navigate social media,” April says. But more importantly, they protected their team. “No one got laid off,” April proudly states.

Marriage and business

Running a business with a spouse isn’t for everyone, but for Paul and April, it’s been their greatest strength. While Paul brings strategic expertise, April leads with vision and technical knowledge.

“April is ultimately the boss. She’s the CEO, the visionary,” Paul shares. “I help enable that vision, provide advice and make decisions where I have more expertise. But we know when to give each other space to lead.”

For some couples, work and home life need strict boundaries. For April and Paul, integration is the key.

“You don’t really separate it,” Paul says. “But if the kids have an important event, we’re always there. It’s about knowing when to prioritize work and when to focus on family.”

April, who once saw Paul traveling frequently for work, now cherishes the time they spend together — both professionally and personally. “Before, he was always away. Now, we get to travel and learn together. We just attended IMCAS, one of the biggest medical conventions in the world, and it was amazing to experience it as a team. I get to bring him into my world.”

For couples considering entrepreneurship together, Paul offers one crucial piece of advice: “Make sure you really like each other — every aspect of each other, the good, and the not so good. If you can navigate both, then you have the foundation to build something great.”

Communication, trust and shared values are essential. “Many couples get married without a plan. But what’s the vision of your life together? If you can map that out, you can manufacture the life you want.”

The ‘Remedy’ of the future

Remedy started as a clinic focused on acne and acne scars, but today, it has expanded into body treatments, hair solutions and overall wellness. 

“People are more conscious about health post-pandemic,” April notes. “If we truly want to deliver the best results, it has to be holistic.”

Among their latest offerings are Zionic, a non-invasive toning treatment from Spain, and BioJuve, the world’s first skin probiotic.

“It’s like yogurt for your face,” Paul explains. “This probiotic balances skin flora, improving hydration, reducing wrinkles, and controlling oil.”

Looking ahead, Remedy is set to open more clinics, including a new location in Greenhills, and further expand into wellness.

“We’re developing solutions beyond just skincare — everything from hair restoration to overall well-being,” April shares.

A love that built a legacy

Fifteen years after they first envisioned a life together, Paul and April are living proof that a shared dream, backed by relentless effort, can become a reality.

Their journey is a testament to the power of love, ambition and perseverance. Together, they’ve turned vision into reality, built a brand rooted in trust and proved that success is best when shared.

“If you have the ability to start a business with your husband or your wife and want some advice, happy to chat anytime,” Paul says.

And for those looking to experience their passion firsthand, April extends an open invitation: “I hope you get to visit any one of our clinics. We have locations in BGC, Vertis North in QC and soon in Greenhills. Try out the Remedy experience for yourselves.”