People say these things to me ALL the time:

"You don't need Botox! You don't have any wrinkles!!"

"You're only 31.. why would you need Botox???" 

"I don't want to look too done up, Botox isn't for me..." 

Listen, I get it. "Botox" can be a bit of a buzz-word for those not in the know. There was a time when Botox was strictly for the rich. It was new to us in the early 2000's, and only the very wealthy could afford it. This often accompanied other plastic surgery that made our brains associate Botox with an overdone, obvious result. 

That was nearly 20 years ago. Now, Botox has become more affordable, more widely understood, and more regularly used. Every day women in their 20's and 30's are getting Botox for the first time, and unless they told you about it, you'd probably never know. 

So why do I feel like I want Botox if people keep telling me I don't have any wrinkles? Because Botox is the REASON I don't have forehead wrinkles at rest. If I wait long enough between appointments, my expressive face (think RBF) creases my skin and starts to form the lines and wrinkles that I feel way too young to have.

I don't get my Botox every 3 months like I could. I don't think I need it that often. I typically average twice a year. That's normal for a lot of people, especially those at the beginning of their Botox journey. Others rebook for 3 months out because they know their movement will return and that they'll need redosing. 

I just want to make you feel your best. Whatever that looks like to you is up to you. We can work together, using my expertise and your knowledge of your own skin and face, and make sure that you have exactly what works. No more, no less. 

So how does a nurse begin a career in aesthetics? You know what made me want to join this industry, now let's take a closer look at what steps I had to take to get here. I am still learning every day, but in case you stumble upon this blog and think, "I'd really like to do this... but how the heck can I start a business?" 

First things first, you're already an RN, right? Good! You've done the hardest bit already. Second, don't quit your day job! (Seriously) It takes a while to build clientele, and you're going to need a good chunk of savings to pay for certifications, start-up costs, and product! You can do both, I promise, just ask me and my other two jobs. Dreaming of a day I can cut back. 

Now go out and find an intro neurotoxin program that feels right for you. There are a lot to choose from! There are some that cost a ton of money and turn out a TON of nurse injectors every year. YES they have the experience to make you a skilled injector, but do you feel at home with the team? Will you have the support you need once you've left the class? How many of their students are running successful injection businesses? These are all questions you should be thinking of, if not asking of your future mentors.

Once you've been certified, you'll want to decide what path is right for you. Do you want to work in a med spa? Do you want to run your own business? Is there another path for you? Only you know this answer. 

I decided I wanted to work for myself. I am a perfectionist. I want my brand and my business to speak to that side of me. It's hard for me to represent another entity if I don't believe 100% in their business model, ethics, and the way they treat their clients. I knew this wouldn't be easy, but I know that it will be worth it. I can rest my head knowing I am in control of how my clients feel when they walk out of my care. 

So here's the thing; in Massachusetts, nurses are allowed to inject botox and other aesthetic injectables as long as they have their orders signed by a licensed independent practitioner (LIP) such as a doctor, or Nurse practitioner. So you may own your own business, but you must work with another clinician as well. This has many different forms.

I decided that a nurse cooperative was the best model for me right now. I have a medical director who has been incredible. I am able to shadow her when I am not busy with clients, and she's right outside of my door any time I have a question about the patient's I'm treating. It's a monthly fee that comes with 4 hours a week of studio time. This monthly fee allows me to buy my product and supplies at cost, and gets me access to NP's that can sign my orders. I have access to them if I have worries about a complication, difficult anatomy, or anything else. 

I have been extremely lucky to find a group of women who really want to help each other. I've never felt like I was competing, only cooperating. I've gotten great advice on business plans, social media posts, and strategies to build clientele that lasts. (Message me any time if you want to know where I'm at)

In addition to the logistics surrounding legally injecting Botox, you'll need a business license, platform for your clients to schedule appointments, ways to send and receive payments, and the marketing tools that will help you build a good client base. This means a website, social media, and search engine profiles. It's a lot, and a bit overwhelming, but I've found if I set aside one day a week to dedicate to my business, I can make really good progress. 

That's a pretty broad look at the checklist of things you need to get done to get into business for yourself. I would love to help in any way that I can, so don't hesitate to leave a comment, email me, or call if you want to chat. You don't need to do this all on your own.