This week, I hosted my very first Shadow Experience, and honestly, I’m still processing it.
When I first became an aesthetician, I would’ve given anything for an opportunity like this. Not just to watch treatments, but to spend a day inside a thriving practice, ask every question that came to mind, see how decisions were made, learn the little details that aren’t found in textbooks, and leave feeling less alone.
Instead, I spent years figuring it out through trial and error. That isn’t a complaint, those experiences shaped me, but I kept thinking, what if someone didn’t have to do it the hard way?
That’s where this idea came from.
Over the last decade, I’ve been incredibly fortunate. I’ve learned from amazing mentors, attended countless trainings, spoken on stages, represented brands I admire, and found a home at Exhibit where education isn’t just encouraged, it’s part of who we are. None of those opportunities happened because someone kept information to themselves. They happened because people believed in sharing what they knew.
So why would I do anything different?
I don’t believe another aesthetician’s success takes away from mine. I don’t believe knowledge should be gatekept. And I don’t believe this industry gets stronger by competing over information. It gets stronger when we raise the standard together.
The purpose of my Shadow Experience was never to teach someone to copy exactly what I do. Every provider should develop their own style, techniques, and voice. My goal is simply to shorten the learning curve, answer the questions I once had, and create the kind of educational experience I wish had existed when I was starting out.
Watching the attendees ask thoughtful questions, take notes, connect with each other, and genuinely get excited about learning reminded me why I love this profession so much. It wasn’t just about microneedling, consultations, skincare, or treatment planning. It was about curiosity. It was about community.
One of my biggest hopes is that the people who attend don’t just leave with new knowledge, they leave feeling more confident in themselves.
Because confidence changes everything.
The more educated we become, the better care we provide our patients. The better our patient outcomes become, the more our industry grows. There is room for all of us to succeed.
Thank you to everyone who trusted me enough to be part of this first Shadow Experience. You made it even more meaningful than I imagined.
And thank you to the entire team at Exhibit for believing in this idea from the very beginning. Working somewhere that values mentorship, collaboration, and education is something I never take for granted.
This was just the first one.
I can’t wait to welcome the next group.