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. Mindy Choi Introducing Mindy Choi the newest addition to our "Where Are They Now?" series brings us great excitement. Mindi took part in a Combined Full Day Hands-On Training Course with Rana in November 2020. What were you doing before you got into aesthetics? I was working as a cardiac nurse on a medsurg unit at a busy university hospital in the chicagoland area. What inspired you to pursue a career in aesthetics? I was looking for something that would fulfill my passion and interests in both health & beauty. I used to do freelance makeup and in doing so I would always love the feeling it gave me. I had the opportunity to unleash my creativity and help others feel more beautiful in their skin. That was such an amazing and powerful feeling for me but I did that on the side and never fully pursued being a makeup artist because I didn’t want to “waste” my nursing skills. I never even knew as a nurse I could get into this field or that aesthetic medicine even existed because in mind all I’d ever known is plastic surgery, never the non-surgical realm. So I talked to the only friend I knew who was an aesthetic nurse and she gave me some tips on how to become one. After taking the first step and getting more information I was hooked. I wanted to learn everything I possibly could know about aesthetics. Why did you choose The Confidence Lab's training program? I had attended a different training course that didn’t involve as much guidance as I had hoped for, so when this one was highly recommended from another friend I decided I’d give it shot. This entire training course was exactly what I needed. It was the hands on learning in an intimate safe atmosphere for me. What I heavily appreciated was completing the online portion prior to the all day hands-on clinical portion. The online portion was in depth and set the foundation for exactly what to expect during the hands-on training. It also gave me the confidence I needed and the ability to inject with that confidence during the hand-on session. The energy, the empowerment, and the sense of community I gained with the confidence lab is forever invaluable. What is your favorite aspect of working in the field of aesthetics? My favorite aspect is the gratification you will have from treating your patients and the work life balance. In aesthetic medicine it is forever evolving and you’ll never get bored of it. You will gain new lifelong connections. Nothing will ever feel too basic or routine. You will always be hungry for more and constantly questioning yourself. I am a student by heart always hungry for learning. Whether it’s learning about my patient, about new products, about new technology and devices, or learning new techniques to improve safety for my patient. This year I became a new mother and find that in the world of aesthetics you can create a schedule that works well for you and your lifestyle while still maintaining what you love to do. It is just endless possibilities and truly rewarding to work in Aesthetics. What are you doing now? I actually moved away from Chicago and live in the Denver area working as an aesthetic provider at Aère Aesthetics for @thebeautypaI love it because I can credit Rana for being one of the big reasons why I continued my journey in aesthetics. When I was back at home in Chicago I was finding it difficult to find work in aesthetics due to no injecting experience. Rana would refer me places she knew were hiring but at the time I decided to move to Colorado. The stars aligned somehow placing me in the right place at the right time fast forwarding now to working for an amazing mentor and leading aesthetic provider/educator, Neekan Rivera (Owner and founder of Aère Aesthetics) What advice would you give to those considering a career in this field? Find your niche - figure out what it is that you really want to focus on getting good at? If it’s everything you can get too overwhelmed. Is it botox? Is it lip filler? Do you want to specialize in undereyes? Will you become the go-to skin specialist for patients with hyperpigmentation? Find yourself a mentor if you can. Remember the only thing that is stopping you is you.

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. Justin Jacobson Introducing Justin Jacobson the newest addition to our "Where Are They Now?" series brings us great excitement. Justin took part in a Introduction To Aesthetics Two-Day Program (With Hands-On) in 2023. What were you doing before you got into aesthetics? As a teenager, I looked like Pig Pen from Charlie Brown indulging in the artistry of auto-body repair where the level of detail and complexity is a true work of art and quickly made honest by that fine glass (clear coat) that is applied to the paint. This is where the sharpest eye is made honest and humbled to any imperfection. I absolutely loved this challenge and still can be found dabbling in the industry at my brothers’ collision center. Fast forward several years later, my compassion for people gained through CNA and EMT careers would meet my passion for perfectionism as a physician assistant in orthopedics where I have practiced for the past ten years. Still employed as a sports medicine PA, I enjoy the challenges of restoring the ability for people to compete in sports and return to their daily activity after severe injuries. Arthroscopy, joint reconstruction, and fracture fixation has been a humbling experience and have pushed me to excel in a field which requires constant attention to detail. What inspired you to pursue a career in aesthetics? Aesthetics is a field that requires constant attention to detail and challenges the provider to always be on the cutting edge of new technology and technique. The transition from orthopedics to aesthetics is a new challenge where I can continue to grow, push the boundaries of detail, and help promote both inner and outer beauty with compassion. There’s nothing more rewarding that watching the expression, tears, and smiles when a patient looks in the mirror following treatment. I live for this feeling. Why did you choose The Confidence Lab's training program? Something that resonates anytime I’ve started a new career, lined up at a track meet, trained for a competition, or even the way I approach life is, “Life is like a box of chocolates… “ Actually, it was “In order to be the best, you need to train with the best!” Rana and her team are simply the best, most detail oriented, and patient aesthetic educators in the field. When deciding to enter a complete new field of medicine where my patients and peers expect top tier results and the most detailed assessment, just view the Confidence Lab web page for 10 minutes and you do know what your “gonna get.” You get compassion, patience, hands on training, and Rana! You get F ing Rana! You don’t get Rana anywhere else! Her level of detail, smiles, laughs and enthusiasm invite you to come train and learn at the caliber my patients deserve. What is your favorite aspect of working in the field of aesthetics? The FREEDOMMMMMMM…. (Insert Mel Gibson Here!) I love the freedom. Did I mention, FREEDOM? Aesthetics provides the opportunity to practice medicine the way I choose to practice medicine while delivering the highest level of detail and quality of care that I can possibly deliver. I am challenged every single day to maintain an artistic eye, deliver the highest level of care, provide attention to detail, and enhance my skills. What are you doing now? II launched Invigorate Aesthetics & Wellness in December, 2023. I spent approximately a year and a half training, learning the ins and outs of running and business, and took the jump! I have never looked back! Okay, maybe I did look back a few times, but didn’t like what I saw back there one bit!  I love the freedom of spending as much time with patients as I enjoy, the ability to call patients first hand, and practice true medicine while serving those who enter my clinic with an experience like no other. What advice would you give to those considering a career in this field? Shia LaBeouf "Just Do It" Motivational Speech (Original Video by LaBeouf, Rönkkö & Turner) This is video is exactly how I feel about anyone considering a career in this field, anyone who has a dream, vision, or who has set goals for themselves. JUST DO IT!!!

Models are essential to the success of our training programs, ensuring that participants gain hands-on experience in a supportive and supervised environment. We are delighted to highlight a testimonial from Jessica, a patient at The Confidence Bar who has also graciously served as a model at The Confidence Lab. "This was my first experience being a model for the Confidence Lab. I was excited for this opportunity as I wanted to try lip filler. I have been a patient of Lisa’s in the past and I admire her sincere opinion/expertise in this field. So with her blessing, I applied for this treatment option. I was not disappointed with this experience either! I was able to meet Nusha and her group of students. I am not always the best patient as I get pretty nervous with any medical procedure. However, each provider was skilled with their technique and really worked to understand the procedure while also making me feel comfortable the entire time. Not only do the results make you feel amazing, but there is an extra level of comfort when you receive your treatments from the Confidence Lab. Every member of the staff treated me in a way that felt as if I have known them for years. The staff genuinely cares about your specific skin/beauty goals while educating you on how to achieve your desired outcomes. It never feels as if I am being “sold” anything or if I was just another person who wanted larger lips! Thank you Confidence Lab!" To become a model for a Confidence Lab training, click here to start the process of enrolling in our Be a Model program.

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. Triana Jordan Introducing Triana Jordan who took part in a Customized Full Day Advanced Hands-On Training with Christina. What were you doing before you got into aesthetics? Prior to getting into aesthetics, I worked in various settings. Home Health Care, Long Term Care, Urgent Care, and even as a Nursing Clinical Instructor. What inspired you to pursue a career in aesthetics? I have had a love for aesthetics for a long time. Working in the home health care setting you come across a lot of different people. In this setting I found so many people that were so internally beautiful but did not feel that way on the outside which was such a shame. I have personally delt with insecurities, so I most definitely relate to these feelings. I wanted to help people see what me and so many other people seen in them, aesthetics was a way to do that. Why did you choose The Confidence Lab's training program? I researched many training programs before choosing The Confidence Lab. I spoke with many people on the phone and when I spoke with the staff at The Confidence Lab they were by far the most informative and personable. I wanted to train where I would gain the most knowledge, build lasting relationships, and be treated as an individual. The Confidence Lab delivered just that! What is your favorite aspect of working in the field of aesthetics? My favorite aspect of working in the field of aesthetics is meeting different people, hearing their stories, and restoring their confidence. There is nothing better than watching your client come to tears of joy! What are you doing now? I own a boutique Medspa called Unmasked Aesthetics. My slogan is “Unmasking Beauty and Confidence!” I am still training as I will always be a student and hope to come back to The Confidence lab soon! What advice would you give to those considering a career in this field? Know your limitations, never stop training, and find a mentor.  Build a community not competition!

In the spirit of growth and connection, The Confidence Circle is now launched with our new in-house cinema. We are thrilled to invite you to a bi-monthly complimentary event in the comfort of our work home.  It's an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, share stories, and learn from each other in a supportive and uplifting environment. Plus we just love to hang out with our aesthetic peers . Our very own Nusha, will lead our inaugural session diving into the world of tox - hear how we do it at the Lab, from what to choose, how to recon and whether talk units or zone pricing with your patients. Plus, there'll be a journal article to spark our discussions! But it's not just about the learning; it's about laughing together and building a community. To our aesthetic providers we welcome you to join us, share your wisdom, experiences, or just stop in for a good laugh to our circle sanctuary while enjoying some bubbles and nibbles. Don't miss out on the fun - we can't wait to see you April 18th. Register Now below.

It is our passion to provide exceptional training experiences, we are thrilled to announce the completion of a new look at The Confidence Lab. The renovation still carries through the essence of a welcoming atmosphere mixed with Ranas unique style. But we are still dedicated to a personalized, and collaborative learning environment for all our guests. Here's is where we started and where we landed three years later. A New Era of Customized Learning At The Confidence Lab, our mission is to foster a nurturing community that emphasizes the importance of safe aesthetic practices. Our training goes beyond just teaching techniques; it's about collaboration and being in a space that feels safe. Recognizing the diverse needs of our attendees we've always sought ways to tailor our training sessions more closely to individual requirements. With the addition of an open space feel and dedicated training rooms, we've taken a giant step in this direction. We are so proud of our new learning sanctuary. Why This Matters The learning environment is a reflection of our philosophy that 'everyone belongs'. Our approach to training and community building embraces this concept wholeheartedly. We have created learning spaces that cater to varied learning styles and preferences, we're able to offer more effective, enjoyable, and impactful training sessions. Looking Ahead We have some more exciting news. We will be introducing the completion of our cinema in the coming weeks —a creative space where both new and returning attendees can gather for journal groups, coffee chats, and all things aesthetic and social activities. Rana has decorated the space with an eclectic mix of items discovered on her worldwide travels, ensuring there's always something intriguing to capture the aesthetic eye, from nipple plates to bold neon signs. We welcome and invite you to stay tuned to our newsletter for announcements on upcoming free events. Learn and grow with us by booking a training at The Confidence Lab! See you soon.

We have some more exciting news our new cinema room is complete. The room is creative space where both new and returning attendees can gather for journal groups, coffee chats, and all things aesthetic and social activities. Rana has decorated the space with an eclectic mix of items discovered on her worldwide travels, ensuring there's always something intriguing to capture the aesthetic eye, from nipple plates to bold neon signs. We welcome and invite you to stay tuned to our newsletter for announcements on upcoming free events. Learn and grow with us by booking a training at The Confidence Lab! See you soon.

When Nurse Practitioners approach The Confidence Lab, we often hear the following questions. I have no experience. How do I get into Aesthetics? Congratulations on your interest in getting into the growing Aesthetics industry. One of the first steps to getting into Aesthetics is getting training so you’re certainly on the right track. Even after aesthetics training with Confidence Lab, breaking into the industry can be challenging. Unlike many areas of healthcare, many more people want a job in aesthetics than there are roles at this time. Starting your own retail clinic is expensive, and likely not the best path if you are just getting started. Getting a job with minimal experience is competitive. So, we can’t say it is easy but getting training with Confidence Lab is certainly the right place to start. The primary paths are getting a job at a medical spa, opening your own medical spa, or joining a platform like Pinch’s Mobile Med Spa. What do I do after I have had my first training? One important piece of a career in aesthetics is that you should always keep learning. From Botox to Filler to Chemical peels and more, there are so many treatments and techniques to learn. You should certainly keep training and keep up with continuing education. It is also important to find a way to get out there and start building your reputation as a go-to provider. After training with Confidence Lab, what are my career options? Given the expense of opening a clinic and the competitiveness of getting a job at a local medical spa, one attractive path we recommend at Confidence Lab is to consider becoming an aesthetics entrepreneur. For Illinois based practitioners one of our recommendation is Pinch. Pinch is a Chicago med spa that specifically helps Nurse Practitioners become healthcare entrepreneurs. Pinch Providers are all Nurse Practitioners with superb bedside manner, clinical training from programs like Confidence Lab, and an entrepreneurial drive to treat clients. Pinch provides everything Nurse Practitioners need to get started, including Medical Collaboration, insurance, back-office support, marketing resources, and more. As a Confidence Lab attendee, you’ll even get bumped to the top of the list of their interview process. Once you complete Confidence Lab training, you should apply for an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner Opportunity with Pinch. Pinch is an amazing way to run a mobile aesthetics business, treating clients you know without the overhead of opening a retail location. What else should I know about Pinch? As a Confidence Lab graduate, you’ll be bumped to the top of the interview process at Pinch. Following an interview, if offered an opportunity you’ll go through digital onboarding and training from the comfort of your own home or office. Once deemed ready, you’ll have the opportunity to treat clients in your network with Botox, Filler, Chemical Peels, IV Therapy, and more, depending on what you’ve trained to do with Confidence Lab and Pinch. Once you’ve built the requisite reps, you’ll become a Pinch Provider and be able to offer Medical Spa treatments on your own schedule, to your community as well as to Pinch clients who book you on their platform. Why get a job at a med spa when you can be your own boss with Pinch?

Dr. Huang and I have been having customized aesthetic training together for the past 15 years, where does the time go! Dr. Huang has her own concierge practice focusing on weight loss, hormones, and internal medicine and wellness. I'm always grateful when she contacts me for another aesthetic training, we talk shop, inject models together and I also get to treat her. Our training was focused on a well-contoured jawline and chin.  As we age, the mandible recedes, and the chin becomes more anterior and shorter …. this leads to the formation of those pesky jowls! Dr. Huang @mdspeaking meticulously brought back the definition that aging and gravity stole.  Using Hyaluronic acid filler, needle & cannula to reduce the depth of the mental crease, add chin projection with square in mind,  filling the prejowl region which was a game changer, deep subcutaneous injection for a more defined jawline. Oh, plus we gave him some sharper lateral cheek to pair up with his new jawline. His reaction is simply ‘wow’. I love these instant reaction first looks. Nothing is better than this confidence boost Contact The Confidence Lab now to schedule a customized training BEFORE AND AFTER RESULTS

Rana was the keynote speaker at the Injectables Education Summit in Orlando, Florida last weekend. She gave personal insights of business mishaps and successes. The conference was founded by Cassie Lane and Suzanne Jagger, who are aesthetic gurus and business owners and have been there and done it all. They have a passion to share and give others a better start in business than they had. Rana highly recommends The Injectables EDU Summit because it was a down-to-earth and collaborative event where people shared insights on starting or scaling their businesses. The venue was exceptional, exceeding expectations, and attendees formed many new friendships with like-minded individuals who share a passion for a fresh career start or building upon it. Whether you're interested in hands-on Botox training, launching and growing your business, or gaining advanced marketing and compliance insights, this summit provided a successful and collaborative way to learn and grow in the aesthetics industry. Next year, they hope to have the summit at the same venue, but their maybe a  date might change. Watch for it.

In Chicago, where healthcare professionals are looking to break into the aesthetic industry, two companies are working hard to make that possible. The Confidence Lab is proud to partner with Pinch Med Spa to help Nurse Practitioners launch businesses in the aesthetics industry. Pinch, a new Chicago med spa, is empowering Nurse Practitioners with the most flexible path to getting into the industry. Pinch will now prioritize accepting Nurse Practitioners who have completed training with The Confidence Lab. Confidence Lab will also offer advanced aesthetics training to active Pinch Providers. Why Pinch Is A Unique Opportunity For Nurse Practitioners Who Train With Confidence Lab Pinch Providers are all Nurse Practitioners trained in aesthetics, working when and where they want, running their own mobile medical spa with support from Pinch. Pinch Providers can offer Botox, Filler, Chemical Peels, IV Therapy, and more all in the comfort of their client’s own home. The Confidence Lab is excited about Pinch because there are more trainees in Chicago than roles in retail medical spas. Pinch will play a key role as an onramp for entrepreneurial Nurse Practitioners who want to build part-time in the aesthetics industry. Pinch Providers get everything from medical collaboration and insurance to products, supplies, technology, and marketing support to establish their aesthetics businesses, without the burden of upfront costs or geographical constraints that come with a physical studio. With the flexibility to set their schedules and determine service areas, Pinch Providers unlock flexible earning potential without giving up their day job. The Confidence Lab’s Partnership with Pinch The Confidence Lab has partnered with Pinch to allow Nurse Practitioners to take their skills to the next level. The Confidence Lab shares Pinch's vision of empowering aesthetic professionals with the necessary tools and training to succeed in the rapidly growing industry, with an emphasis on safety, community, and ethics. Nurse Practitioners on Pinch’s platform also get access to advanced training with The Confidence Lab as they seek additional training and certifications to refine their skills to be best-in-class in aesthetics. The Confidence Lab doesn't just impart knowledge; it cultivates a vibrant community of practitioners who support, learn, and grow together. By partnering Pinch and The Confidence Lab is creating a space where those entering the aesthetics industry can thrive. Apply To be an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner at Pinch: If you are a Nurse Practitioner looking to get started in aesthetics with flexible hours, uncapped pay, and a community to learn and grow with then Pinch is for you. Curious about what makes the most successful “Pinch Providers”? Strong fundamental skills in medical aesthetics Magnetic bedside manner with a passion for the industry Entrepreneurial drive to scale their own business Nurse Practitioners with training from Confidence Lab are welcome to apply for Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner opportunities at Pinch today. Empowering Expertise: A Glimpse into Our Recent Training with Confidence Lab and Pinch Med Spa Nurse Practitioners

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. Rebecca Kaechele, MSN, FNP-BC Introducing Rebecca Kaechele who took part in a Customized Full Day Advanced Training with Cristina on Dec 11 2023, and has also been a subscriber to Rana patreon since Oct 2023. What were you doing before you got into aesthetics? Prior to getting into aesthetics, I was a Nurse Practitioner in Functional Medicine. As a nurse, I spent many years in ICU, ER, and oncology and was searching for a better way to help people. This led me to the world of functional medicine where root cause approach was used rather than prescribing the pill for the ailment. I finally started to enjoy medicine again, and loved the constant learning that came with this field. What inspired you to pursue a career in aesthetics? As I grew in my functional medicine role, I loved helping people feel good, but felt something was missing for me and my patients. I had long enjoyed the hands-on aspect of medicine during my nursing years and was missing using my skills and techniques with patients. I also felt that functional medicine and aesthetics paired well together, as you could make someone look as good as they feel on the inside. A lot of patients journey in the functional space takes quite some-time and they get hyper focused on the “negatives” of their body, both internal and external. This occurred to me during my years of child-bearing and post-partum, as I had multiple extra health issues during this time. I lost a sense of me for quite some time, and it took me a while to feel “good” again. Shortly after this, I received my first two aesthetic treatments.  I knew then I wanted to devote my career to enhancing a women’s appearance, not for just the external view, but for the internal effects it has mentally and emotionally. Why did you choose The Confidence Lab's training program? As I began venturing into aesthetics, I did a lot of research on where I wanted to train and who I wanted to learn from. Rana and The Confidence Lab kept popping up. I had also been given their name as a recommendation from a fellow local injector. The philosophy of safe, natural aesthetic treatments spoke to me and the goals I had for my learning and my future patients. The welcoming vibe on the website and social media was exactly what I received the day of, and I couldn’t have been happier with my training experience!  I liked it so much I went twice in 3 months! What is your favorite aspect of working in the field of aesthetics? My favorite aspect of working in aesthetics is the relationships you make with the patients. The patients are not only trusting you with enhancing their features, but many times are being super vulnerable discussing things they may be insecure about. Having someone feel comfortable enough to voice those concerns with you, and feel you’ve provided a safe space to do so is such an honor. As time progresses, I have many patients who feel like friends, or old friends who have come to see me, making the workday feel like a day with girlfriends. I absolutely love what I do and don’t feel like I am ever at work! What are you doing now? I opened my own Practice in December of 2023. It’s funny how things work, because this wasn’t my full initial plan, but things sort of fell into place and here I am. I currently own Cahaba Aesthetics based in northern Illinois. I am continuing to grow in my aesthetic knowledge, learning to be a business owner, and finishing my doctoral degree. What advice would you give to those considering a career in this field? My best advice to anyone wanting to get into aesthetics is to invest in yourself and your education. While it is daunting in the beginning, investing in the RIGHT education will pay off. You want to have a solid foundation and know that your teachers are invested in the safety of you and the patient. These injectors will become resources to you and they are a great team to have behind you! Combining hands-on courses with continued knowledge from patreon has helped quite a bit to continue to learn in-between hands-on sessions.