When I look back on my journey in aesthetics, it’s easy to focus on where I am now- a career I love, a team that inspires me, and an environment that feels like home. But the truth is, my path here was far from linear.
I always joke that I “made friends with the right girl” when I met Nicole back in aesthetics school in 2017. And while that’s true, it’s not for the reasons you might think. Yes, she’s an incredible friend, a powerhouse injector, and a boss who leads with both grit and grace. But what makes her so rare is that her work ethic and passion are contagious. She doesn’t just want her own success, she wants everyone around her to thrive, too.
That kind of energy is inspiring, but it also challenges me. I don’t take the opportunities I’ve been given for granted. I work hard, every single day, to grow alongside Exhibit and the amazing team that Nicole and Melissa have built.
Still, I want to be transparent. I didn’t land here overnight. My journey included plenty of setbacks, moments of doubt, and times I felt stuck in a rut. I know what it’s like to question if you’ve chosen the right career, to bounce between jobs that don’t value you, and to wonder if you’ll ever find your place.
But here’s what I’ve learned: if aesthetics is truly your passion, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It may take time, it may take trial and error, and it will absolutely take effort and consistency, but you will find where you belong.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you can’t stay stagnant if you want to succeed in aesthetics. This field is constantly evolving, and if you get too comfortable, it’s easy to slip into complacency, and that’s where you lose both inspiration and momentum. Continuing education isn’t just a box to check; it’s fuel. Every advanced training, every new skill learned, every bit of knowledge shared by another provider makes you a stronger, more confident aesthetician. The same goes for networking, surrounding yourself with mentors, peers, and leaders in the industry not only pushes you to grow but also opens doors you didn’t even know were there.
Even social media, often underestimated, plays a big role in growth. It’s more than just a highlight reel of before-and-afters, it’s a way to connect authentically, share knowledge, and let your clients and community see what makes you different. When you show up, stay curious, and put yourself out there, you stay energized, relevant, and in demand. Growth doesn’t happen by chance, it’s a choice you make every single day to keep learning, connecting, and moving forward.
And just as important as growth is authenticity. In the beginning, it’s easy to believe you have to look, act, or sound a certain way to be the “ideal” aesthetician. But the moment you let go of that performance and simply show up as yourself is the moment everything changes. It may sound cliché, but being authentic is what attracts the clients who are truly aligned with you- clients who connect with your energy, trust your expertise, and value not just the service, but the person behind it. That’s where the real magic, and sustainability, in this career happens.
The final “secret” is this: while boundaries are important, work shouldn’t feel like work. I get to help people feel confident in their own skin, experiment with treatments and skincare, curate regimens, and build real relationships, all alongside some of the most talented people in this industry. And to me, that’s so damn cool and there’s nothing better than that. If you don’t share that same excitement for the industry that doesn’t mean you’re doomed, but you may just need to make some other tweaks in order to fall back in love with it.
For me, being part of a team is essential. Collaboration and community fuel me. But I know that’s not everyone’s path. Some people are meant to carve out a solo journey, and if you feel that pull in your gut- you owe it to yourself to listen. In a field that can sometimes feel competitive or isolating, finding fulfillment and building a supportive community- whether that’s a team, a mentor, or your client base, is what will carry you forward.
I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I also know I’m not finished. I have so many goals I still want to achieve, and one day I hope to be a leader who inspires other aestheticians the way my mentors inspire me. To anyone reading this who feels stuck or unsure: I’ve been there, more than once. But if this career is truly in your heart, don’t give up. Your place is out there, you just have to keep moving forward until you find it.