At The Confidence Lab, we take pride in fostering not just skill, but success. Our training programs are designed to empower professionals to thrive in the aesthetics industry—and we love hearing about the journeys our attendees embark on after they leave our training sessions. That’s why we created the “ Where Are They Now ” blog series: a dedicated space to celebrate their achievements, growth, and ongoing impact in the field. What Is “Where Are They Now”? This special section of our blog is a collection of inspiring stories written by our past attendees. These entries give you a glimpse into the incredible transformations that take place after completing our training programs. From launching thriving practices to achieving significant career milestones, these stories shine a light on their dedication and success. Why We Highlight Attendee Stories Our mission extends beyond teaching technical skills; we’re here to build a supportive community that celebrates every step of your journey. By sharing these stories, we aim to: Inspire Others : See what’s possible through the words of those who’ve been there. Celebrate Success : Acknowledge the hard work and passion of our alumni. Stay Connected : Strengthen our network and provide ongoing support for our community. Get Inspired Whether you're a prospective student considering a course or a fellow practitioner seeking motivation, the “Where Are They Now” series offers invaluable insights. These blog posts are proof that the knowledge and confidence gained at The Confidence Lab  can open doors to incredible opportunities. Share Your Story! If you’re a past attendee of our training programs, we’d love to hear from you! Writing your “Where Are They Now” entry is not just a way to celebrate your journey—it’s a chance to inspire others who are just starting theirs. Contact us at info@theconfidencelab.com if you are ready to share your story. Ready to dive into the success stories? Explore the series here , and let these real-life journeys fuel your ambition. We’re proud to be part of our attendees’ journeys and look forward to watching their continued success. Let’s grow and shine together! 🌟

Bringing a new injector onto an established team is exciting but delicate. Team reactions can range from enthusiasm to a hint of jealousy. Creating a cohesive, supportive environment is crucial for getting everyone on board with a new hire and maintaining morale. When I add a new injector, I start planning months in advance— i think about six months, in this case. I once interviewed a candidate for nine months but lost her in the end, which still stings me!!! . Moving too slowly can sometimes backfire. A retired friend, a self-made zillionaire, always tells me to hire fast and fire faster if it doesn’t work out. I get where he’s coming from; people can interview well and fall short in the workplace, while hidden gems might not interview strongly but shine on the job. But I prefer a slower, more thorough process, even if my friend Brian, who’s all business and no emotional strings, would handle it differently and shakes his head at me. I’m fortunate that we receive resumes through our website portal 'join our team '. IF you are a business owner and dont have this on your website, add it today! I disregard the AI-generated applications or the ones where candidates clearly haven’t researched us. Kristin , our new injector, approached me personally and applied online. I did a phone interview and got straight down to business - she was very honest. I brought her in for an interview with the two of us first and a working interview, where she offered to bring her own model and product, which saved me some work and showed she had initiative. During the working interview, she handled her model’s constant praise—"I only trust Kristin with my face"—with grace, even though her face was going red with a gushing model.Next was introducing her to the team as an “assistant” during two different training sessions to see how she interacted. The team immediately responded, saying things like, “I love her,” and “She’s really good and helpful.” By then, she was scoring real points and my important feedback was from our administration team is equally as important. I also put Kristin on the spot and asked her how we could improve in trainings and she was very professional and had great suggestions. Any new hire should be able to contribute to improving and they are a great assets with a fresh perspective. In another one-on-one interview, (yes another) going late into the night, Kristin opened up about some personal matters, and when I asked her why she shared those in an interview she said “I feel safe here.” I respected that she felt she could trust me—like every patient, I am a vault. The goal in interviews is not just to gauge skills and personality but to get them really bloody comfortable to see if they align with our mission and values and if they are a real human with kindness. The last step was the offer. It was a sunny day out of the office and she made me cry (and people I don't cry during an interview process) saying why the day was significant due to a personal matter. The stars had really aligned and it felt right. My friend Brian would be shaking his head at me at this point. Once a new injector joins, team dynamics shift. Many team members are excited about learning from someone new, but others, understandably, feel protective of their space. We have a team member who is our team “guard dog,” she doesn’t let anyone get close to the team without vetting them first with all her sniffing! Shes very protective and very funny. Its one of her many positive attributes. Naturally, new additions spark feelings of comparison, particularly when the skill level is high. I let those feelings play out but also organize team-building activities, like spa days, to foster collaboration.  When you hire right, the team notices the value themselves quickly or eventually. My role is to do constant check in with the new hire and the existing team are doing their own vetting and check ins with each other. Remember as a business owner you are the LAST to find out the whispers and most likely you will never hear even hear them. But at the end of the day you know you made the right decision for not you, but with your team in mind and the business values. You can welcome Kristin here: IG @confidencebykristin

Welcome to "Where Are They Now?", a series that follows the journey of individuals who have attended one of our courses and how they have applied the skills and knowledge gained with us in their professional and personal lives. We believe that learning is a lifelong journey, and we take pride in knowing that our program has had a positive impact on the lives of our attendees. Sarah Marsh Introducing Sarah Marsh, the newest addition to our "Where Are They Now?" series brings us great excitement. Sarah has been to multiple trainings with us at The Confidence Lab in 2024 & we look forward to seeing her each & every time! What were you doing before you got into aesthetics? My background before entering into the aesthetic world has been 20 years in a small, rural community hospital where I started as a CNA, then RN in 2009, then BSN and ultimately in 2017, MSN-FNP. I have been in the ER the majority of my time at the hospital, with a few years on telemetry as an RN and then a few years as a hospitalist after obtaining my NP before I came back to the ER in 2019. What inspired you to pursue a career in aesthetics? The primary driver to dive into the world of aesthetics was a determination to make people feel as good as their souls look to me, along with an admitted smidge of ER burnout. There is nothing better than watching your patients eyes change over treatment times, and I’m not talking about the PRP you place, the results you achieve with filler, tox or peels and microneedling. It is an honor to care for patients in a different realm. Why did you choose The Confidence Lab's training program? The decision to be educated by the team at The Confidence Lab has, thus far, been the easiest decision along this continuum of transitioning careers. There are countless options in this space, but what helped guide me to The Confidence Lab was their small class size, their extensive training, and their quality of education. They are knowledgeable beyond measure, compassionate and authentic souls, with mentorship full of every ounce of wisdom you seek to become a success. They answer questions before you can conjure a question. They know their anatomy inside and out, and they teach in a delicate yet firm and direct manner and make the teaching experience reachable for any personality type. The entire team has an ethos that is self evident upon walking up the beautiful, loved, wooden Chicago staircase. Rana and her team are second to none, and her clout is well earned and not a coincidence. What is your favorite aspect of working in the field of aesthetics? My favorite aspect of working in aesthetics is helping my patients rediscover that sparkle, that vitality, that love - which is reignited in themselves. That is the sole reason I finally made this leap. We all come from backgrounds of wanting to help others, and this is another avenue to pursue the same goal. I also really enjoy science and how things work, why you custom dose and place every single needle in a certain tissue plane, location and so forth. What are you doing now? I am the solo NP provider at Effervescent Esthetics inside of Elite Design Team in Freeport, IL (for everyone that’s not from this town... so all of you - it’s halfway between Rockford and Galena, off of business 20) I opened in April of 2024 after a long awaited FPA license. I offer microneedling with biosomes, medical grade chemical peels, PRP, tox (full face but also microtox, hyperhidrosis treatments), filler and weight loss management. As of December 1, 2024, I will be full time at Effervescent Esthetics and working ER 2-3 days per month, which has been a very welcomed change with my family. While in many ways it doesn’t just feel like, but is, starting over, I have no doubt this is exactly what I’m meant to be doing. What advice would you give to those considering a career in this field? Be authentic, don’t say yes to everything you're asked to do. I’ve found that sometimes, your patient doesn’t need or want any services, what they need is a hug. Is that a way to make you millions? No, but it will help you rest easy at night knowing you’re in this for the right reasons. Make sure you do a consultation and manage expectations and treatment plans. All of my appointments are booked for an hour (without plans to change this), and especially starting out, this is helpful. Over educate yourself to the best of your ability, go to every class as often as you can, invest in your education as your patients are entrusting you and depending on this. Imposter syndrome is real, and something we battle at times. You’ll have good and bad days, but that will happen with any career. The good news is, you’re still above ground and if it was a hard day or not a great outcome, use it as a catalyst to further understand how you can improve moving forward. Keep moving forward, don’t give up, and keep your chin up. Watch Sarahs commitment and philosophy to her patients

Sculptra may be one of my favorite treatments to receive and to perform! Why? Sculptra results have a very natural look and are long lasting. After many training sessions I have complied some of the best pearls for aesthetic practitioners. Sculptra is a biodegradable and biocompatible injectable made with poly-l-lactic-acid (PLLA) and can trigger your body’s own collagen production. Benefits of this treatment include improved skin tightness, skin brightness, reduced fine lines and wrinkles in cheeks, and restores skin volume. From my experience, most practitioners fail at providing a detailed consultation. Sculptra is best for the patient, patient. Sculptra results typically notice subtle improvements in their skins appearance within 8-12 weeks of their first treatment session, Patients need to be educated Sculptra requires a series of treatments (generally 3), 1-2 vials each time. Also, Sculptra results can vary based on several factors including age, skin condition, and lifestyle. The next four tips are from my own experience: 1. Setting Realistic Expectations I prepare patients to expect no visible results at the 8-week follow-up, setting realistic expectations is key at this stage. It’s important for patients to understand that they may not see visible volume restoration or the results at this early stage. 2. My Got to Method You don’t need fancy equipment when mixing Sculptra. From my experience, there’s no need for special tricks. I’ve used bottle shakers, heat packs, and even reconstituted vials in advance, but I haven’t noticed any difference in terms of clogging with any of these methods. My preferred method for reconstitution follows the "rule of threes": First, add 3ml of BSSW, shake, then add another 3ml of BSSW and shake again. After that, add 2ml of BSSW and 1ml of 2% lidocaine, shake, and let the vial sit upside down while you prep the patient 3. Technique Matters Be familiar with using cannula and needle. I am comfortable using both, and the choice between the two depends on factors such as the patient’s goals, the area being treated, skin quality, and any previous aesthetic procedures that may have affected collagen thickness. For patients with acne scars, I typically prefer using a needle to subcise the area first before injecting the product. For treating the temples, I always opt for a cannula and use a fanning technique, as it is safer than the one-up, one-over method. 4. Understanding the Patient’s Timeline Sculptra does not replace HA fillers. During the consult if the patient is looking for quick, visible volume and wrinkle reduction, HA fillers are the better choice. However, if they are aiming for long-term, natural-looking improvement in skin thickness and volume, Sculptra might be a good option, but it won't give the same immediate results that HA fillers can. Having this discussion during the consult helps the patient understand that while both options have their benefits, they are suited for different goals. Follow Lauren here: https://www.instagram.com/confidencebylauren/

Welcome to "Where Are They Now?", a series that follows the journey of individuals who have attended one of our courses and how they have applied the skills and knowledge gained with us in their professional and personal lives. We believe that learning is a lifelong journey, and we take pride in knowing that our program has had a positive impact on the lives of our attendees. Jackie Rabaya Introducing Jackie Rabaya, the newest addition to our "Where Are They Now?" series brings us great excitement. Jackie has been to multiple trainings with us at The Confidence Lab in 2023 & 2024! What were you doing before you got into aesthetics? When I accepted a position with IVme before I became an aesthetic injector, I also accepted a float position at UI Health at the same time. Before that, I had been an ER nurse for 9 years. What inspired you to pursue a career in aesthetics? In high school I watched a lot of makeup tutorials on YouTube and I felt like my makeup could be better if I had better skin care. I soon became known as the skin care girlie at work before learning that nurses could be injectors too!   Why did you choose The Confidence Lab's training program? I chose The Confidence Lab for advanced training because their philosophy of positivity, empowerment, and community over competition really resonated with me. What is your favorite aspect of working in the field of aesthetics? I love the discovery conversations with my patients about why they are seeking treatment, especially if it's their first time. Patients are vulnerable when they sit in the chair and I’m happy to create a safe space for them. Even though I’m no longer “saving lives,” I truly believe patients leave with mental and emotional healing.  What are you doing now? I am a nurse injector at IVme Wellness + Aesthetics and work at both Chicago locations (River North + Old Town.) I recently transitioned to working in aesthetics full time after 3 years of treating it as a side hustle. I still work part-time as a float nurse because I still enjoy bedside nursing! What advice would you give to those considering a career in this field? Aesthetics is not easy and there is a long learning curve. Taking a course is just the first step. Continue to seek education by taking more courses (with different educators also), talking to your reps, seeking out mentors, and networking. Don’t compare yourself to others, especially when you are first starting out. Commit to showing up even when you have zero patients. Focus on yourself, your skills and your community during your first few years and the clients will come, I promise.

In the fast-evolving world of aesthetics, where dedication and expertise are key to success, finding the right mentor and training program can make all the difference. Whether you're starting your journey in aesthetics or looking to build on existing skills, The Confidence Lab is here to help you elevate and expand your practice. Meet Rana, 14 Years of Excellence in Aesthetics Training, Award-Winning Educator, and Advocate for Patient Safety Rana founded The Confidence Lab 14 years ago and is a respected leader in the aesthetics industry. Known for her honest, down-to-earth approach and commitment to patient safety, she brings unparalleled expertise to every training. Recently recognized as Best Presenter at the NeedlArt3 conference—one of the most respected gatherings in the aesthetics field, organized by Dr. Subbio—Rana’s knowledge and teaching style have left a lasting impression on her peers. Her ability to simplify complex techniques and deliver practical, actionable knowledge ensures attendees leave with the skills and confidence to implement new, safe practices. Why The Confidence Lab? 1. Comprehensive, Hands-On Training Training at The Confidence Lab emphasizes practical experience, covering foundational and advanced injection techniques, safety protocols, and facial anatomy. The goal is to ensure you leave with the confidence and expertise to thrive in real-world practice and feel safe.  2. CME and CE Accreditation Our programs are jointly accredited for Continuing Medical Education (CME) and Continuing Education (CE) credits, helping you meet professional licensing requirements while expanding your knowledge. 3. Personalized Mentorship Rana and her team of aesthetic educators bring a wealth of knowledge to every session, giving 110% to ensure skills and knowledge will keep you safe in your practice so you dont wake up in the middle of the night panicked! Attendees benefit from an unmatched student-to-educator ratio, receiving individualized attention and personalized guidance. When we say we want to stay connected and we care we really mean it.  4. Industry-Relevant Curriculum The Confidence Lab is committed to staying ahead in the fast-paced aesthetics field. You’ll often find Rana and her team in the front row at conferences, taking detailed notes, striving to be their best for their patients, themselves and also YOU. They value storytelling, non-biased transparency, and even sharing their own challenges and mishaps, offering valuable insights that shape best practices. Why Choose The Confidence Lab? Investing in high-quality training is an investment in your future. At The Confidence Lab, you gain more than just skills—you join a community dedicated to excellence in aesthetics. It’s not just about a single day of training; it’s about staying connected, forming supportive friendships, and elevating aesthetic medicine together to improve outcomes and striving for the best outcomes. Together, we make the difference! Ready to Start? Take the next step in your aesthetics journey with The Confidence Lab. We are human on the other side of the phone, give us a call and we can talk about your goals. PH: (312) 632-0503

Firstly, a big thank you to Dr. Joseph Russo for organizing this spectacular Medical Aesthetic Professionals Meeting ( MAP ). With over 60 faculty members and countless hours of valuable sessions, it’s truly an incredible feat to put these huge conferences on and I am always impressed. I am humbled to have been chosen as a speaker for this event, which brings together some of the brightest minds in aesthetics. But last night, during the first nibbles and drinkies mingle after a day filled with learning about cadaver dissection, lasers, and weight loss strategies, I was approached by two amazing professionals seeking constructive feedback on their upcoming presentations this weekend. Sandy Hunt, AGACNP-C, will present on Male vs. Female Facial Balancing  and perform live injections on stage—a bold and courageous move! So proud of you girl!. And Jenn Plescia, DNP, APN, FENP, will discuss The Benefits of IV Vitamin Therapy for Aesthetic Patients , sharing her expertise in this growing area of practice and boys she passionate about it.  I’m genuinely flattered to be asked for my input. These moments remind me that people view me as a mentor, valuing my perspective because they know I’ll offer honest, constructive, and thoughtful feedback. This trust is something I am touched by. Constructive criticism (feedback is the softer word) is vital—not just to improve content and delivery, but also to ensure the speaker connects meaningfully with their audience. It’s about amplifying strengths, delivering knowledge that everyone understands, and delivering it in a way that leaves a lasting impact and skills to take home to their own practice.  Public speaking is a powerful platform to share your truth, your experiences, and your real knowledge. People want to hear what you really do in your practice, the real behind the scenes. It’s an opportunity to connect authentically with your audience, to educate, and to inspire positive change. It requires courage, preparation, and a willingness to be vulnerable and before every talk I am nervous but I am also prepared. You audience can see whether you put in the work or NOT!   When we speak with authenticity and purpose, we not only educate but also build trust and people actually remember what you said.  If you’re in Arizona this weekend, I highly recommend attending Sandy and Jenn’s presentations on Saturday. I’ll be there, pen in hand, ready to take notes and offer my feedback. I’m certain they’ll extend the same kindness to me in return, and I look forward to learning from their insights and expertise. Let’s continue to uplift one another as we share our truths and grow together in aesthetic medicine and ask for each others help.  Thank you ladies!  You can follow Jenn and Sandy below Click to follow Jenn Plescia, APN Click to follow Sandy Hunt, AGACNP-C

Cristina Herman an educator and injector at The Confidence Lab, shares her story that reflects the evolving landscape of the aesthetics industry, where becoming a Nurse Practitioner is increasingly encouraged for those entering the field. From her early start under a supportive plastic surgeon to completing her master’s as a Family Nurse Practitioner, Cristina’s journey has been shaped by a commitment to lifelong learning. She shares insights into balancing a demanding education with family and career, and celebrates a community of fellow practitioners pursuing their own paths. Cristina’s story is not just about personal achievement; it's about building a network of passionate, skilled providers who inspire each other to raise the bar in aesthetic care. My journey in the aesthetics field has evolved significantly since my early days as a nurse. I was fortunate to begin working in aesthetics early in my career under the umbrella of a plastic surgeon who gave me a remarkable level of autonomy right from the start. Whenever I share this, I often hear how lucky I was to have entered the field so quickly. However, I have great admiration for peers who have a strong clinical background before transitioning into aesthetics. As a new nurse and an aesthetic provider, I had a steep learning curve and had to adapt quickly. Over the past few years in this field, I’ve experienced substantial growth, both professionally and personally. One of my guiding principles for this growth is the promise I made to myself that my journey is ongoing—I am committed to being a lifelong student. This past February, I marked one of my biggest accomplishments yet: completing a master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Looking back on the last two years of school, here’s the advice I received and would like to share with you: Time is going to continue on, so you might as well do something meaningful with it. A master’s program is not easy by any means; however, when you focus on the tasks at hand and take it day by day, a two-year program will fly by before you even know it. Build a community to support you along the way. I was fortunate to have a supportive family as we were growing our own little family and, more importantly, the flexibility I needed with my work schedule. There will be days when it feels easier to just quit or take a break. On these days, I want you to remember: the journey may be challenging, but the rewards are worth the effort. As you submit your application to enter Nurse Practitioner school, count me as part of your community. Congratulations to the aesthetic practitioners who have decided to continue their education: Jonelle Studdard, Becky Berkan, Angelika Walos, Haley Chiluck, Bree Smith, Silvia Britton, Angela Anderson, and the many others embarking on or continuing their journeys through Nurse Practitoner school. Without hesitation, I will gladly offer help to any of you along the way. Recently, a fellow provider asked me what I am most proud of. I have to admit, I think of finishing my master’s program as a checkmark on my list, quickly moving on to the next tasks and goals I’ve set for myself. However, one thing I can confidently say I am proud of is growing the network of healthcare providers who have come through our training course at The Confidence Lab. I am thrilled to witness your growth, seeing you continue your education, and seeing how you’ve evolved from novice injectors into confident professionals passionate about their work. Sharing the journey with other providers reminds me why I love what I do. It’s not just about individual success but about fostering a community of skilled providers dedicated to making a difference in the aesthetics field. Being part of your journeys inspires me to continue my own growth and commitment to education. Cheers to growth! Cristina celebrates with her family after graduating with her master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Dedication isn’t always glamorous! 😴 Click below to see Cristinas journey to becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner, it wasn’t easy, but every tired moment was worth it!

@CamaExpo invited us to share insights in a workshop on how to build a team that feels like family—a strong, ironclad unit. Essential, it’s about fostering leadership and choosing people who genuinely care, not just about their own growth but about lifting others up, whether it’s colleagues, clients, or strangers they meet. A team is more than just individuals; it’s an ecosystem of support, learning, and shared energy. At The Confidence Lab and The Confidence Bar, I've been lucky to bring together people who thrive on collaboration and support. Our team is all about staying at the forefront, taking copious notes in the front row, and sharing genuine laughter along the way. That positive energy becomes contagious, creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to succeed and inspire each other. I rely on my instincts to build this team, and it’s humbling to see the magic that happens when the right people come together. To my incredible Confidence Lab family—you truly are the best! Thank you for embodying the values of community and strength. Let’s keep raising each other up, learning, laughing, and leading the way.

We are excited to announce that Rana Kennelly, the founder of The Confidence Lab and The Confidence Bar, and a leading Aesthetics Speaker has been invited to share her expertise as a speaker at four upcoming aesthetic conferences over the next two months. With her vast experience in medical aesthetics, patient consultations, and business growth, Rana is set to provide valuable insights for professionals looking to elevate their practice. Canadian Aesthetic Expo - The Largest Medical Aesthetics Conference in Canada Location: Toronto Date: October 18 - 20, 2024 At this significant gathering , Rana will be speaking on two areas at the conference; The significance of customized consultations for individuals at all stages, whether they are new or experienced patients. Since consultations play a crucial role in establishing trust and enduring connections, her presentation will concentrate on ways to personalize the patient journey to enhance retention built around trust and natural results. Rana's second presentation will dive into the importance of natural aesthetics and why they sometimes results in distortion rather than enhancement. Shell explore the pillow face phenomena, offering insights on how to avoid these pitfalls and how to manage them when they present. 2024 AAFPRS Annual Meeting Location: New Orleans Date: October 23 - 26, 2024 This meeting has been carefully curated to meet the educational needs of facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons at all stages of their careers. Additionally, the program includes comprehensive content to enhance the skills of nurse injectors, physician assistants, patient care coordinators, front office staff, and marketing/social media managers. Rana will be on the panel and speaking on an Aesthetics Injector Boot Camp on October 24. This training session is designed for nurse injectors, physicians-extenders, and/or young physicians who want to gain insight and get in-depth instruction on business strategies, novel techniques, therapies, and technologies. NeedleArt 3: The Final Needle Location: Philadelphia Date: November 7 - 10, 2024 This is the last year of Dr. Subbio’s NeedleArt Conference —unless we convince him otherwise. Subbio’s previous conferences have sold out, and this year, it offers a virtual ticket for those who didn’t grab their seats fast enough. NeedleArt stands out by providing insights into the real world of aesthetics, encouraging critical thinking and active debate among international clinical experts. The conference includes lectures, debates, and also covers digital art, social media strategy, and creating engaging content to help professionals build their online presence. 2024 Medical Aesthetics Professionals (MAP 2024) Location: Scottsdale, Arizona Date: November 13 -16, 2024 At the Arizona conference , Rana will deliver two talks at MAP this November following successful session last year. She has been invited to speak on the business track, rana will, in her signature style, share her personal missteps in managing and building a business. Her second talk in the clinical track with emphasize the importance of delivering natural, safe outcomes and avoidided the dreaded "overdone" look or unnatural look. Why You Should Attend Rana’s sessions are perfect for aesthetic practitioners, business owners, and medspa managers who are looking to grow their businesses and improve patient satisfaction. Whether you're looking to optimize consultations, build a strong team, or keep up with the latest trends, these conferences offer the perfect opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s leading professionals. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights that could transform your practice. Be sure to catch Rana Kennelly at one of these upcoming events!

At The Confidence Lab, we're proud to welcome attendees from across the United States to our aesthetics injectables and training courses. Our reach extends far beyond local participants—professionals from nearly every state join us to refine their skills and expand their knowledge. As shown in the map below, states like Illinois , Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio and Indiana  lead the way, but we also see significant interest from places like California , Florida , Texas, Washington , Maryland, Colorado, Arizona and New York . Even smaller states such as Delaware  and Connecticut are represented, underscoring the nationwide demand for quality training. Our programs, offering Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits and Continuing Hours (CE) , draw a diverse group of health professionals united by a passion for aesthetics excellence. We’re excited to be a trusted resource for injectors nationwide, from coast to coast. It’s not just the quality of education that brings professionals to The Confidence Lab, but also our prime location. We are located in the heart of the West Loop of Chicago , one of the most vibrant and trendy neighborhoods in the United States. From world-class restaurants to exciting cultural experiences, your time here is not just about learning but also enjoying everything this incredible area has to offer. Join The Confidence Lab—your national community for aesthetics training , set in the heart of Chicago’s dynamic West Loop! To reserve your spot for the upcoming trainings, please click here .

Welcome to "Where Are They Now?", a series that follows the journey of individuals who have attended one of our courses and how they have applied the skills and knowledge gained with us in their professional and personal lives. We believe that learning is a lifelong journey, and we take pride in knowing that our program has had a positive impact on the lives of our attendees. Lizzie Mauro Introducing Lizzie Mauro , the newest addition to our "Where Are They Now?" series brings us great excitement. Lizzie has taken part in multiple trainings at The Confidence Lab throughout 2023 and 2024. What were you doing before you got into aesthetics? The majority of my background has been in OB/GYN. I love women's healthcare! I also was a school nurse for a while and loved that as well. I had recently gone back to school for my MSN as a Clinical Nurse Specialist at Indiana University.  What inspired you to pursue a career in aesthetics? I wanted my career to move in a direction where I was in control of my time and had potential to constantly evolve. I was drawn to the positivity and enjoyment that aesthetic providers have in their practice. While we all have hard days, the grind of the hospital/clinic had simply become very monotonous for me and I was craving a change where I could integrate beauty and wellness into the science of nursing itself. Additionally, aesthetics has finally given me the work/life balance I have been looking for in nursing all along! Why did you choose The Confidence Lab's training program? I originally chose The Confidence Lab due to a referral from an injector friend who had been telling me I should get into aesthetics for quite some time. I researched it and followed several of the team on IG and was really impressed by the way they educate! It was interactive and easy to understand and I liked that there was a virtual option for the didactic portion for those of us who had a hard time taking 2 days off work.  What is your favorite aspect of working in the field of aesthetics?  I love the combination of science and beauty coming together to elevate confidence in an individual! As nurses, we strive to help people feel better. Aesthetics is no different, and the atmosphere is a lot more fun! There is room for glamour and joy in aesthetics, while also encouraging constant learning and growth! What are you doing now? I am the sole injector at VCI Medspa in Tinley Park ! I offer full face tox, fillers, RF microneedling and IV vitamin therapy. Soon I will incorporate PRP and biostimulators into my practice. I am lucky that this small little medpsa found me because it is a small team that is very supportive. We also have a fabulous licensed esthetician that offers facials, laser hair removal, laser treatments and Emsculpt. I am enjoying the teamwork aspect and the fact that I am getting to develop my skills every day! What advice would you give to those considering a career in this field? Don't be intimidated by injectors that seem to "have it all", you can too! It's a lot of time and investment to get started, but once you get your foot in the door and commit to working hard, you too can be successful. I am still growing and have many long term plans to continue to grow, but as a Clinical Nurse Specialist I have a drive to mentor other nurses. That will continue as I grow my career in aesthetics, and encourage anyone wanting to get into it to find a mentor to guide you and encourage you when you do feel down or discouraged.