Join Rana and Lamija in Chicago for Medspa Pro Extenders on May 2nd and 3rd! In the ever-evolving field of aesthetic medicine, continuous learning is essential. With new techniques, products, and research constantly emerging, it can feel overwhelming to keep up. That's why focused, high quality education is key. If you're looking to deepen your understanding of injection anatomy through a cadaver lab, polish your full facial assessment skills, refine your injection techniques, and better understand risk mitigation and complication management, we have an event you won't want to miss. Rana and Lamija are thrilled to be part of the Medspa Pro Extend training, a two-day immersive experience happening right here in Chicago! Join us alongside renowned experts Dr. Joseph A Russo and Dr Jason Pozner as we explore everything from anatomical fundamentals to advanced complication avoidance and management. Whether you're local or traveling in, we can't wait to welcome you to our beautiful city. Let's learn, connect, and collaborate! Buy Your Tickets Here Date: Friday May 2nd and Saturday May 3rd Location: Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, Chicago

One of the first questions I often get asked in aesthetics is: Can aesthetic practitioners inject themselves with toxins or fillers? Technically—yes. But the better question is: should they? Let’s talk about it. I’ve always been vocal about my concerns around self-injecting—both from a safety and professionalism standpoint. And, to be honest, I’ve been surprised by how much pushback I’ve received over the years—even from some people I’ve looked up to who I have considered mentors and role models.  I assumed we’d all be on the same page when it comes to prioritizing safety and clinical ethics in aesthetic medicine. But the responses I’ve heard? “I only trust myself with my face.” “I know my anatomy best.” “I’ve been injecting my own face for 20 years—no problems.” My internal reaction? “You’re a dick.” My external, online response? “I beg to differ.” It’s disheartening, honestly, to scroll through social media and see video after video of injectors—nurses, doctors, influencers—self-injecting on camera. It's one thing to self-treat behind closed doors (we’re all human), but turning it into content for likes and shares? That sends the wrong message. Especially to the public. At The Confidence Lab, we start our training with a strong foundation. That means talking openly about ethics, integrity, and the reputation of our industry. I always address the topic of self-injecting in our courses, and I always feel the room collectively nod in agreement. Is self-injecting illegal? No. Is it regulated? No. But is it safe? Is it responsible? Is it professional? That’s where we need to pause and reflect. Let’s be honest. Most people who self-inject aren’t doing it because they’re out of options—they’re doing it for convenience, vanity, or content. There’s often a belief that "if I do it on myself, it shows I’m skilled." But what it really shows, especially on social media, is a breakdown in professional boundaries. We’re not just representing ourselves when we post online—we’re representing the field of medical aesthetics as a whole. And when we glamorize self-injecting, we unintentionally tell the public: “Anyone can do this.” But what we don’t see? That nurse or doctor behind the ring light who gets sudden, searing pain mid-injection. The vision changes. The panic. Those videos don’t make it to Instagram.  Now look—I’m not being matronly here. I get it. The temptation is real. You notice a little Spock brow after hours, and your tox is sitting right there. Maybe a tiny tweak to relax that spock. It’s human nature. But do it in private. And please—don’t film it and post it.  Your face is not a marketing tool. Your social media is not a reality show. You are building a brand rooted in trust, safety, and professionalism. Don't blow it for the sake of a viral reel. If you want to show what you can do? Show your consultation process. Show how you prioritize safety. Show your patients' results—not your own injecting skills on your own face in the mirror. So thank you—genuinely—to those of you who take a stand and model what responsible, ethical aesthetics looks like. And say no to self injecting. And I find it a great responsibility to share with you on how to start right.

The newly launched Confidence Lab Preceptorship Program is here to give healthcare practitioners the strongest foundation in aesthetics while prioritizing safety, skill, collaboration, and confidence. This program is specifically designed for individuals looking to enhance their confidence and expertise, turning them into leaders in their fields. This isn’t just about learning—it’s about joining a supportive community where you’ll grow in a safe environment - with us! Based in Chicago, The Confidence Lab Preceptorship Program is an immersive 6-month journey that includes 40+ hours of video education, expert mentorship, and evidence-based training—designed for RNs, NPs, PAs, and MDs entering or advancing in aesthetic medicine. Join from anywhere in the U.S. and choose from three flexible, expert-led tracks with access to our signature tools, mentorship, and hands-on or virtual learning options. Watch the Program Overview Below: The Enrollment Process Exciting news! Enrollment for the Confidence Lab Preceptorship Program begins on April 14, 2025 . Here’s how to secure your spot: Visit Our Teachable Site : Navigate to our teachable site to get started. Choose Your Track : Select the track that best fits your learning goals: Track 1 Track 2 Track 3 Complete Your Enrollment : Fill out the required details and submit your payment to secure your spot. At this time, we do not offer payment plans. Keep in mind that spaces are limited, so act quickly to reserve your place. If you have any additional questions or would like to discuss our Preceptorship Program in more detail, please reach out to our Registered Nurse & Lab Coordinator, Julia, at info@theconfidencelab.com. We look forward to welcoming you to The Confidence Lab!

I want to start by telling you this: You’re beginning from a really good place—right here with us at The Confidence Lab. If you want this career in medical aesthetics—if you’re willing to put in the work, stay humble, and stay honest—you will be successful. I truly believe that. I’ve been in aesthetics for over 20 years. I started before Botox Cosmetic was even FDA-approved in 2002. I started injecting bovine collagen—a product called Zyplast made by Allergan. Every patient needed an allergy test before treatment. We’d test them, have them come back the next day, and if all was well, they’d get injected. Zyplast was a creamy substance that lived in the fridge and was originally FDA-approved for treating wrinkles—not for lips. But that didn’t stop collagen lip injections from exploding in popularity after the movie Beaches came out in 1988. In that film, Barbara Hershey played a character ten years younger than she actually was, with noticeably pouty, collagen-filled lips—and just like that, everyone wanted “the Beaches lips.” That moment sparked one of the first big lip enhancement trends in aesthetics—even though the product wasn’t technically meant for that area. And look where we are now—some things haven’t changed much, and yet, so much has evolved. When Restylane, the first hyaluronic acid filler, was FDA-approved in 2003—it was the Wild West. No protocols. No structured training. No conferences. It was the blind leading the blind. And in a strange way, it was kind of amazing. We didn’t think anything could go wrong. I remember treating a patient who broke out in cold sores after lip filler, and we just thought, “Oh, it’s a cold sore!” Little did we know—it was vascular compromise. That realization only came years later, in hindsight. Back then, no one had heard of Hylenex for reversing hylarounica acid filler let alone been trained in emergency protocols for adverse events. I’ll never forget when Radiesse got FDA-approved in 2006. We were taught to inject it intraorally—yes, inside the mouth. You’d stick a needle between the 4th and 5th tooth, straight into a bacteria-filled space, with no pre-cleansing, and blindly inject 1.2 ml of a non-dissolvable biostimulator directly into the cheek. Then massage it into place. That was the protocol. And we did it—because we didn’t know any better. But honestly? My gut told me it wasn’t right. I did it anyway. Now I teach: always listen to your gut. Years later, I found myself at my first-ever aesthetic conference, led by the fabulous (and fabulously overdone) Dr. Fredric Brandt—the “Botox Baron,” dermatologist to the stars, from Miami to Manhattan, treating celebrities like Madonna. If you don’t know him, go look him up. He walked in, long and graceful strides, swinging a custom Louis Vuitton bag with his name on it. He asked the room: “What’s your Botox reconstitution?” He started at 10cc. Hands went up. Then 9cc… 8cc… all the way down to 1cc. I was one of only four people in a room of 150 plus practitioners who raised their hand at 1cc.I wanted to crawl under the table. I felt like such an outlier and wanted to hide in th e herd.  I was terrible at math, and I just liked the simplicity of 1cc.The most common reconstitutions at the time were 2.5cc (on label) or 4cc. But I still remember the hands going up for 10cc and thinking—Are we serious? Imagine the golf balls of fluid and the spread of toxin into neighboring muscles at that dilution—treating the mentalis or DAO and inadvertently hitting the DLI? Ahh! But don’t worry…Back then, we weren’t even treating the lower face with Botox—we just froze the upper face and left the rest to rot. The first thing you learned with fillers? How to dental block your patients. Because hyaluronic acid burned like hell. There was no lidocaine in it. We’d block patients so hard their faces would droop. They’d walk out looking like stroke victims—slanted mouths, frozen lips, overfilled nasolabial folds—and still thank us at checkout. Now picture the look back then: A frozen forehead. Flat brows. Zero expression. Shiny glare bowling ball. Overfilled nasolabial folds so you resembled a monkey and puffy sausage filled lips. It was a look that people got addicted too and paid for, let’s say that. Then in 2009, Juvederm Ultra XC and Juvederm Ultra Plus XC were FDA-approved.The boxes had two new letters on them: XC. None of us even knew what they meant. There weren’t reps in every office like there are now. Later, we learned: XC = Extra Comfort, because the fillers were pre-mixed with lidocaine. Game changer. And everything was done with needles. Cannulas weren’t used for dermal fillers yet—they were for fat transfers. There weren’t any thin enough for aesthetic use. That brings me to another memory—when I wanted to learn how to use a cannula, I called everyone across the country looking for training. Eventually, I got in touch with a cannula company who told me: “If you want to train with the best, you’ll have to fly to Paris.” So I did. Next thing I knew, I was on a flight to Paris to train with plastic surgeon Dr. Sandrine Sebban, founder of the SoftFil® cannula technique. In Europe, her original cannula was actually placed inside the Voluma box along with a needle. I believe the gauge was 18G or 20G—but don’t quote me on that.Can you imagine using something that big today?! For reference my favoured cannula is a 25g. Fast forward to today... I created The Confidence Lab so that you could start from a place of support, safety, and structure. You don’t need to guess your way through this industry the way I did. You don’t need to fake it until you make it. You are not alone. And if I’m being honest? My greatest strength is in sharing my mistakes. It’s also my proudest truth. By being open about where I’ve messed up. But I have learned how to grow from my mistakes and I’ve helped build a culture where we all get better together. You’re entering this industry at a beautiful time. A time where evidence-based practice leads the way. Where mentorship is real. Where patient safety is a priority. You have access to research, resources, and most importantly—people who truly want to see you thrive. Lean on us. Ask questions. We are all human and we are all going to continue to make mistakes, just not big ones. If you stick your head out, you’ll find there’s a whole community waiting to help. I promise. And we’re here for you.

One of the most important—yet often overlooked—skills in aesthetics isn’t how you hold a syringe or squirt the hyaluronic acid jelly… it’s the relationship you build with your patient. Whenever I go to aesthetic conferences, the packed rooms are always the ones showing live injections. But the rooms that are empty? Those are the ones you should be sitting in—the ones teaching you how to conduct a solid consultation and how to build honest, trusting relationships with your patients. Because trust is everything. You’re not just injecting a face—you’re holding someone’s emotional and physical vulnerabilities in your hands. I’ve had a long career working for plastic surgeons, and I would always say how difficult it was for women to walk through the front door of a plastic surgeon’s office. The importance of making them feel comfortable and safe—quickly—was something I never took lightly. The surgeons didn’t always see it like that, but I did. It’s incredibly vulnerable walking into an aesthetic space – surgeons office or medspa. You imagine everyone else in there is confident, flawless, and put-together—and you feel the complete opposite. Many of our patients have spent years suppressing insecurities or emotionally eating them away. And as women, we often put everyone else first—our partners, children, work—and we come last. That’s why we often don’t meet our female patients until they’re in their late 40s or 50s. It’s not because they’ve suddenly aged—it’s because their lives have finally opened up a little space for them. The kids are out of the house, the bills are paid, and they’re finally ready to spend a little time—and some of their hard-earned money—on themselves. So when they walk through our doors, I want to greet them with my team in the most honest and kind way and most of all I value their precious time in choosing us. Because they come in with hopes, insecurities, fears—and sometimes they’re not even sure why they’re coming in but want to chat in person. And if you want any kind of longevity in this field, your patient relationships must be built on honesty, transparency, and integrity . I say this in every training I teach: Just do the right thing by people. You’d think that goes without saying, but medical aesthetics is a profitable industry—and unfortunately, there are people out there pushing syringes and units for profit instead of doing what’s ethically right. Doing the right thing starts on day one. It means having the hard conversations. Saying “no” when it’s the right thing to do. Not overpromising. Not selling a result you can’t realistically deliver. And definitely not offering something they don’t need. Let me shout this one: Rule number one—do not do anything you’re not comfortable with or that isn’t in your patient’s best interest. Hold that rule close to your heart and at the front of your mind. I actually role-play saying “no” to patients with my team all the time. There are different ways to say no—polite and courteous, or a firm hard stop. Because often, we’re saying no because the patient doesn’t need anything—yet the next med spa down the street might say yes to every single request. During your consultation, it’s your moment to share your philosophy: safe, natural, thoughtful aesthetics. It’s a time to educate—in clear, simple, and thorough language—so patients feel seen, heard, and understood. During my consults, I always ask, “Have you understood everything I’ve explained?” And if they haven’t, I offer to explain it a different way. Then I always make a point to say, “I’ve heard everything you’ve said too.”. You must be on the same page.  You build trust by listening. Really listening. By creating a space where they feel safe to ask questions. Where their concerns are never brushed off. Where they know you’re not in it to upsell or take their money—you’re in it for their journey. A journey of aging positively, together. For me, the best part of any consultation is learning the emotional driver behind why the patient has come in. I’ve heard it all—from women who feel like they’ve aged overnight and don’t recognize their own reflection, to patients whose partners are ten years younger and someone mistook them for their partner’s mother. I’ve even had women tell me their husband had been having an affair with their best friend for years.  These stories hit you deep. But when you understand the emotional driver, you gain real perspective. This isn’t just about injecting faces—it’s about supporting people emotionally. And sometimes, that support means acknowledging when aesthetics won’t fix the hurt—and referring them to a professional who can help in another way. Transparency about risks is also crucial. Especially here in the United States—it’s not just important, it’s essential. Statistics show that clinicians are most likely to get sued when patients say, “No one told me about the risks,” or “I didn’t feel heard.” Let that be a powerful lesson to you. In every consult, I talk about risk versus reward. I explain complications—I even tell them what’s happened in my chair. And I always remind them that doing nothing is a perfectly valid option. Sometimes, your job is simply to educate them. Maybe they walk away with no treatment—but with a promise to start washing off their makeup at night and wearing sunscreen. If that’s the result, you’ve still done your job. Honesty is your superpower. It’s written in bold in our staff handbook, and I emphasize it with every new team member at The Confidence Bar: We are nothing without honesty. It’s what separates the injector who gets one-time bookings from the one who builds a career on loyalty, trust, and referrals. My patients have stayed with me for years because they know I care. They know I’ll never rip them off. They know I’ll always tell them the truth—even if it’s not what they want to hear. And yes—I say no. A lot. I say it kindly. I say it with love. And always with their best interest at heart. So what does honesty in the treatment chair actually look like? It’s listening—really listening. Let your patients speak. Let them feel heard. Then, find the right language to walk them through options—without making them feel bad about how they look. Use positive language. One negative word can stick in your patient’s mind forever. Words are powerful. If you were a fly on the wall in one of our practitioner's consultations, you'd hear them use language that uplifts and empowers. We start every consult by asking, “What do you love about your face?” And sadly, some people can’t name a single thing. That’s when we see the beauty in them—and reflect it back to them. All faces are unique. All faces are beautiful. And your patients need to hear that.

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. Jennifer Faulkner Introducing Jennifer, the newest addition to our "Where Are They Now?" series brings us great excitement. Jennifer took part in a customized training with our practitioner Lisa in January, 2025. What were you doing before you got into aesthetics? I've been a nurse for sixteen years in Northern Virginia, mostly working in an acute emergency room setting. I was also a nurse educator for a large healthcare system, in charge of the emergency room fellowship and simulation programs. In 2006, I obtained my first MSN in Nursing Administration; and, in 2024, I completed a Post-Master's Certificate and became a Board-Certified FNP. What inspired you to pursue a career in aesthetics? In 2011, I sustained an injury that led to multiple complications from surgery including a hemifacial spasm. During my recovery, I was introduced to therapeutic Botox as a treatment for pain, and it truly changed my life. Botox not only helped restore my smile, but it also allowed me to see myself in the mirror again. This personal experience sparked my passion for helping others, particularly those who need Botox for pain management rather than just for cosmetic reasons. Although my patients may just be "wanting" botox or another cosmetic procedure, what I find is that I am able to connect with them on a human level. They often say that they just want to feel like themselves. I take the time to see my patients and hear them, which enables me to provide meaningful, life-changing care. Why did you choose The Confidence Lab's training program? I chose The Confidence Lab after attending multiple trainings that weren't hands-on enough for me. I often left feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated and disappointed. I was seeking a smaller group setting where I could ask questions, feel comfortable, and work with providers who genuinely focus on empowering new injectors to build confidence in their skills. I just recently attended my second private training with Lisa Rivero about two years after my first training at The Confidence Bar. This time was even more fabulous, we focused on more advanced skills including bio-stimulators, layering of RHA, and ended with a full-face Daxxify treatment. I also attended my first Confidence Circle, which was so rewarding. It was amazing to see Olivia Kirkpatrick shine as she presented to a small group of local injectors. The knowledge, expertise, personalities, and approachability of each injector at The Confidence Bar -- as well as the team supporting The Confidence Lab -- are incredible. Rana, in particular, is like a ray of sunshine -- always making sure that every detail in the practice is perfect (if you haven't seen the branding). 10/10. What is your favorite aspect of working in the field of aesthetics? I love patient consultations and education. During the initial consultation, my goal is to establish trust and develop a personalized, year-long treatment plan that ensures the best aesthetic outcomes. One tool I’ve particularly enjoyed using over the years is my Confidence Bar Anatomy Boards. I use them alongside patient photos to help explain the reasoning behind my treatment recommendations. By empowering my patients with a deeper understanding of their options, I enable them to take an active, informed role in achieving their long-term aesthetic goals. This approach is what sets me apart from my colleagues. What are you doing now? I'm searching for the right fit in a medical aesthetic practice with a more holistic approach. I often find that patients are looking for more than just aesthetic procedures and frequently ask about additional wellness services. Moreover, I envision creating a "Confidence Circle" in the Washington, DC Metro area, providing injectors and those curious about aesthetics with a local, safe, and uplifting space to network. We all need to find our local aesthetic resources that we can reach out to for advice. I want to be that resource for you. Call me anytime. What advice would you give to those considering a career in this field? This job isn’t easy; a strong foundation in patient care is essential. My experience as an RN in a trauma center taught me to connect with patients and their families, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and manage the unexpected. These experiences deepened my knowledge of anatomy, the complexity of our field, and the ongoing education necessary for evidence-based, safe practices. These experiences give me peace of mind, knowing I’m well-prepared. As an Aesthetic NP, I’m committed to elevating our profession, ensuring ethical, safe care, and continuously improving my skills.

Gina joined The Confidence Bar three years ago as our Practice Manager. She began her career in aesthetics as a hands-on licensed aesthetician. She ended up on the management side because she found her passion lay in leading and building a team. In her role as a practice manager, she can still enjoy the industry through connecting with both the team and patients, both of the things she loves within her career. Through the hiring process at The Confidence Bar, Gina was struck by the vision of the practice. She liked the warmth of The Bar; not the typical sterile medical style spa. She is proud to continue to foster our team's apparent love and care for patients rather than just financial gain. Top Five Resume Tips Have Personality! Keep your resume clean and easy to read, but also interesting! Including an aesthetic flair can keep hiring managers interested - a unique color or font can set your resume apart from the others they receive. Be Succinct! While providing details is important, having dense paragraphs of information can be off-putting to hiring managers. The resume is a starting place for the bigger explanations that you'll offer in your cover letter. Back It Up! Providing numerical values for your experience is a tangible metric that hiring managers can understand. For example, "oversaw 250 surgeries" or "managed a team of 40 nurses". Be Honest! Inflating your skillset or abilities will catch up to you quickly. Set yourself up for success by being truthful in recounting your expertise. Be YOU! If you're truly invested in a business, show up in person! Nothing stands out more than showing up, well dressed of course, handing off your resume with cover letter, and introducing yourself. Would you rather be a missed email, or a "memorable moment" that stands out to a hiring manager? What resume tips do you have for someone just starting out in aesthetics? Highlight your transferable skills . It's easy to think "I have no skills" when starting out in aesthetics. However, the majority of your background is directly applicable. Patient care, knowledge of anatomy, bedside manner, handling medical equipment, administering medications, patient consultations, blood draws, inoculations and IVs are all worth highlighting. Generally, if you work in the medical field, you have experience with high stress situations and heavy patient loads, which transfers to a busy med spa with a full schedule. With a strong clinical background and hands-on patient care skills, nurses are well-positioned to excel as aesthetic injectors. Gina's love letter to cover letters. Your time to shine! Cover letters are tremendously important. While a solid resume can give the nuts and bolts of your experience, putting that into a narrative that will win over a hiring manager is just as important. This is where you can say more about why you would be a good fit and what you can bring to a team. If you are new to aesthetics, this is where you can talk about your "why" - why you're transitioning to this field, why you're passionate about aesthetics, and why your transferable skills are perfect for aesthetics.

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. Julia Horan Introducing Julia, the newest addition to our "Where Are They Now?" series brings us great excitement. Jana took part in an Advanced Group Training with us in January, 2025. What were you doing before you got into aesthetics? I have a comprehensive background in nursing, with 14 years of experience and 8 years as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). My nursing expertise encompasses medical-surgical, neurology, telemetry, and oncology/hematology specialties. I commenced my FNP career in neurosurgery at Rhode Island Hospital, where I served as a first assist and provided care for patients with brain tumors. In 2019, I transitioned to primary care, broadening my practice further in 2021 to include the field of aesthetics. What inspired you to pursue a career in aesthetics? I transitioned into the field of aesthetics after receiving aesthetic treatments myself for many years. I sought to expand my skill set and integrate my passion for health and wellness, encompassing both physical and mental well-being for myself and my patients. Additionally, I desired an outlet for my artistic sensibilities. Why did you choose The Confidence Lab's training program? I selected The Confidence Lab after attending Rana's insightful presentation at Modern Beauty Con last summer. Her expertise, approachability, and proven track record of achieving remarkable results for her patients greatly impressed me. What is your favorite aspect of working in the field of aesthetics? I find immense fulfillment in the field of aesthetics, as it seamlessly integrates art and science. This profession allows me to refine my artistic skills while also honoring my passion for science and the intricate complexities of the human face and body. What are you doing now? Currently, I am practicing aesthetic medicine at Radiant Esthetics in Newport, RI, where I offer a wide variety of services, including neurotoxin treatment, dermal filler, weight management, laser treatments (BBL, Moxi, Halo), microneedling, RF microneedling (Morpheus8), biostimulants (Sculptra), and PRF and PRF EZ gel. In addition, I continue to provide primary care to patients in a family practice in Rhode Island. What advice would you give to those considering a career in this field? Prioritize developing your clinical skills as a healthcare provider first. Extensive experience in various medical fields significantly enhances our competence as aesthetic providers. Moreover, passion for the field is essential, as is a commitment to investing in oneself and ongoing education, given the ever-evolving nature of aesthetic medicine.

Welcome to our newest series, "Coming Full Circle: The Stories Behind Our Guest Speakers", that follows the journey of individuals who have spoken or will speak at our Confidence Circles. We believe that learning is a lifelong journey, and we take pride in being able to host experts at our Confidence Circles to help us all learn. Kate Reed How did you get started on your professional journey? When I think about how I got to where I am, it really was a series of my own plans, interrupted. I always knew I wanted to go into the field of medicine. Maybe it was my familiarity with my grandparents and their health ailments or my own health battles through childhood or adolescence that shaped my interest.  To be fair I also thought I would make a great lawyer, I do love to always be right, just ask my husband! In high school I had narrowed it down to a physician or a nurse but wanted to do them both for different reasons.  It was the 1990s and Nurse Practitioners were not well known in the Midwest, but once I found out about the profession, I knew it was for me. I attended a talk about what would become my alma mater, University of Pennsylvania, that started to shape my nursing career. They spoke about joint degrees in nursing and law and sub matriculation to master’s nurse practitioner programs. I loved the idea of not having to go to medical school but being able to provide the medical services with the nursing approach. This was the best of both worlds for me as I felt it would accomplish my plans and the life I had laid out for myself.  While in college, I was sure I would take care of adults in an ICU setting preferably. However, the plans I had were not always the best, I just was not aware of this, yet thankfully I gave in (usually with lots of tears and turmoil) and each unexpected plan has turned into an amazing nursing career.  A chance meeting with my sorority faculty advisor would turn into a summer internship in the NICU at RUSH, this led to my love of the NICU, and my desire to be a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. I loved that I would be able to manage care and perform procedures like intubation and line placement. I loved doing procedures and this love for performing with a delicate touch and tiny needles would clearly come in handy many years later when my unplanned career in Medical Aesthetics started.  What inspired your pursuit of this career path? It was another one of those unplanned turns that would shape the next chapter of my career. This turn uncovered my love for medical aesthetics, wellness, and safety in the field. I had been dabbling with neuromodulator treatments at local med spas but was never super happy with my results. I felt that every time I would call a provider for a follow-up appointment, my concerns were dismissed.  I was never educated as to why I was unhappy with my results or even how the neuromodulator was working to give me the results I desired, and I was frustrated.  At the urging of my fellow NP and friend, Mary, I accompanied her to a weekend filler and tox training in Nashville. My goal was to learn enough to safely inject her so she could inject me. That was the plan, tox at cost and a friend I trust, or so I thought. The course was not one I would recommend, and I didn’t learn much about anatomy or safety. I was taught the 5 dots on the forehead and linear lips and NLF but was intrigued in the idea of making someone feel better by improving their looks. I honestly thought lip filler would make me look like a duck and was terrified when they needed us to model. I was so nervous that I almost passed out!  The world was on the tail end of COVID and we were all starting to come out of our shells and wear real clothes and makeup again. I loved the confidence I felt when my wrinkles stopped moving but still needed to know more. I wanted to seek out education but had no plans to start a business or even treat anyone besides my friends. This seeking education turned into a passion! That story would take a book! The building and carrying out was a lot of work and continues to be more work. Some days I ask myself the question: Why work so hard to become an expert in a new field when you can just be comfortable as an expert in your current one? Some days I don't have a good answer. I do know that I developed a passion for a type of medicine I didn't know existed but one that gives me the best reward. When a patient loves their results, or compliments me on my knowledge base, it reminds me why I went into nursing. To care for people and make them feel better, whether that be physically or mentally, or both.  What impact do you hope to leave in the field of aesthetics? I hope the impact I have on the lives of my patients is one that leaves them feeling more confident on the inside and out. I hope they know that I spent endless hours seeking out education and collaboration to provide them with the safest and best care possible. I hope that my colleagues remember that safety and continuing to learn daily were the foundations for my practice. I hope that I encourage them to seek out answers and feel honored that they trust and ask me for mine. Neonatology and Aesthetic Medicine have a lot more in common when it comes to the ever-changing landscape of the fields. Neonatology has been a new branch of medicine around the world in the last 50 years and is constantly evolving with a goal of providing the safest, most effective, care with the least amount of risk. Aesthetics is similar in that regard. I am not comparing the life of a preemie to a patient getting lip filler but the everchanging research and knowledge to provide the best care to our patients does parallel. What advice would you share with newcomers to the medical aesthetics field? Never stop learning! Even if you feel like an expert, you are not! That one patient will humble you back down to earth. Use your community to learn, share, and make the field a safe place for those that seek out treatments and those that provide them. Nothing comes easy. If you have a passion, it will manifest into a career, but don’t make too many plans. They never end up just how we envision them, and that’s not a bad thing after all!   Xoxo Kate

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. Jana Magarian Introducing Jana, the newest addition to our "Where Are They Now?" series brings us great excitement. Jana took part in an Advanced Group Training with us in January, 2025. What were you doing before you got into aesthetics? I am a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of experience in providing comprehensive primary care to patients across the lifespan. I earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing in 1997 from the Thomas Jefferson University and a Master’s of Science in Nursing from the University of Rhode Island in 2014. I am certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. I worked in the hospital setting for nineteen years in medical surgical, trauma ICU, endoscopy, and cardiology before entering the primary care setting. In 2023 I became a certified menopause practitioner. What inspired you to pursue a career in aesthetics? I became interested in medical aesthetics about a decade ago, when I saw it as an opportunity to blend my clinical background with artistic treatments that lend to subtle facial balancing, with the ultimate goal to improve patient well-being. I viewed it as an opportunity to form long-term relationships with patients while helping them with their goals, improving quality of life and self-esteem during all phases of life. Why did you choose The Confidence Lab's training program? I selected The Confidence Lab after attending Rana's insightful presentation at Modern Beauty Con last summer. Her expertise, approachability, and proven track record of achieving remarkable results for her patients greatly impressed me. What is your favorite aspect of working in the field of aesthetics? One of my favorite aspects of working in aesthetic medicine is educating patients about facial anatomy and how it influences their unique beauty and treatment outcomes. The interplay of muscles, fat, bones and skin fascinates me, as each layer contributes to the structure and expression of the face. It’s incredibly rewarding to empower patients with knowledge about their own anatomy while tailoring treatments to enhance their natural features. What are you doing now? I opened Radiant Esthetics Medical Spa in 2017 in Newport, Rhode Island. My practice has grown to include four nurse practitioners and two aestheticians. We offer a variety of luxury facials, peels, injectables, and energy-based treatments. I also continue to work in the primary care setting on a part time basis. What advice would you give to those considering a career in this field? I would encourage prospective aesthetic medicine providers to build foundational skills through clinical practice, either in the hospital or outpatient setting to hone critical thinking, judgement, and hands-on competency before embarking on a career in aesthetic medicine. Gaining experience with diverse patient populations enhances a practitioner’s ability to manage expectations, communicate effectively, and ensure patient safety which are key elements in aesthetic medicine.

I get more and more questions about running a business than anything else these days. While I have so much to share and always transparent, I’ll admit—I’m no business expert. Many practitioners face a common pitfall: their skill lies in patient care, but suddenly they’re tasked with running payroll, hiring staff, navigating legal documents, and managing all the complexities of running a business. It’s a lot. That’s why I lean on mentors who’ve been in the trenches, know the ins and outs, and can help streamline the process—saving you from those panic-stricken, middle-of-the-night moments. Introducing Laura Benaroach For anyone thinking of opening a business, my best advice is to seek guidance from someone like Laura Benaroach before you even open your doors. Laura has extensive hands-on experience and a practical approach, Laura has been a game-changer for countless entrepreneurs in the aesthetic industry. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to streamline your existing business, Laura’s guidance can help you avoid common pitfalls, reduce stress, and set you up for lasting success. Her insights come from being in the trenches, understanding the challenges firsthand, and offering solutions that work. Upcoming Opportunities with Laura Free Confidence Circle: Join Laura on February 6th at 5:30 PM for a free Confidence Circle, where she’ll answer your business questions and share invaluable advice. Sign up here In-Person Course: Attend Laura’s in-person business course on March 15th, 9 AM–2 PM  to gain actionable tools for success. Use coupon code START200  to save $200!   Learn more. Online Business Course: Can’t make it in person? Laura’s online business course delivers the same transformative insights. Enroll now. Laura’s guidance has been a real game-changer for many of us—whether you’re just starting out or looking to streamline your existing business. Her hands-on, practical approach makes all the difference. Running a business is tough, its not for the faint hearted. But winners love pressure just dont let it kill you, learn how to manage it and work it for success. Laura Benaroach About Laura Laura Benaroach  is a seasoned business consultant and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in aesthetics and healthcare management. Known for her strategic thinking and hands-on approach, Laura specializes in helping aesthetic professionals build and grow successful practices by streamlining operations, improving profitability, and creating sustainable business models. Laura’s career began with a strong foundation in business and leadership, where she developed expertise in navigating the complexities of practice management. Her passion for empowering others has made her a sought-after mentor for practitioners transitioning into business ownership or looking to optimize their existing operations. As a trusted advisor, Laura breaks down complex challenges into actionable strategies, ensuring her clients feel confident and equipped to handle the demands of running a business. From hiring and payroll to legal compliance and patient management, Laura provides practical solutions that reduce stress and drive results. In addition to her consulting work, Laura is a dynamic speaker and educator, regularly hosting workshops and courses to share her insights and knowledge with others. Her commitment to helping others succeed has made her a respected leader in the aesthetics industry. When she’s not mentoring or teaching, Laura enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new ideas, and finding innovative ways to support professionals in achieving their business goals. Follow Laura here: https://www.instagram.com/laurarbena/

I'm going to tell you now, the more I know, the less comfortable I feel. People sometimes see me as a source of confidence with a high level of aesthetic experience. But I'm going to be honest here—when we have a customized training with advanced practitioners, I wrestle with imposter syndrome. I think, Oh my God, these people are traveling, leaving their businesses and families behind to learn from me and my team. I just want to deliver my best. I want it to be so valuable for them. And to this day, I still find myself questioning whether I’m saying the right thing or if I’m truly helping our attendees. Navigating Imposter Syndrome When practitioners—many of whom are already talented and skilled in their own right—choose to invest their time and trust in our training, I sometimes catch myself wondering, I hope I meet their expectations.  Imposter syndrome doesn’t discriminate, but I know I deserve to be here. I have worked hard and continue to work hard on myself and our team. I do expect excellence—and what I mean by that is not perfection but learning from mistakes, admitting them, and sharing those experiences to help and guide others. This is where my teaching is based: sharing my pitfalls in injecting and in business. For me, it’s not about doubting my injecting abilities, because I have the daily affirmations of my patients who are so pleased with their results. Trust me, they wouldn’t bullshit me. I’m honest with them, and they’re honest with me. Instead, it’s the quiet, nagging thoughts that maybe someone will leave one of our courses unhappy—and that would absolutely crush me. It’s the same as when a patient leaves unhappy despite giving it your absolute best. I founded The Confidence Lab 14 years ago. It has been brick and mortar for the past four years with only one complaint. Let me tell you about it. The practitioners were local to Chicago and new to injecting. The educator, Lamija—and by golly, she is absolutely brilliant—did not allow one of the practitioners to inject higher-risk areas because they did not have the skill or knowledge. The next day, their office manager called me very upset, saying we had not met their expectations and they were expecting A, B, and C. I politely explained that safety is paramount for us, for them, for the patient, and for the aesthetic community at large. I happily refunded their training dollars. I ended the phone call by saying that we are neighbors and one day we may need each other. Sure enough, about five months later, a patient came to us who had seen one of their practitioners. The practitioner disregarded a complication, and the patient sought help elsewhere—that was us. Ironically, the patient was sitting in our chair yesterday at this advanced training. What a small frickin' world! This patient shared her experience, taught the class, and it was another great learning opportunity. Just be nice to one another. In the aesthetics world, where we all doubt ourselves and think we have to be perfect it’s easy to feel like there’s always someone more qualified, more articulate, or more accomplished. Social media can feeds this negative thought. God help me, I swear my kids will not get phones until they are 30 years old to save them from all of this! But social media is total bullshit people! I wish I could shout out on social media about the frickin' phonies out there who many of you probably aspire to be, as I did - until you find out the truth serum. Let me tell you something—you can not deliver results that are digitally enhanced with software, apps, professional makeup applied with precision with q-tips, pink Vaseline for that perfect lip gloss, and special lighting blinding patients to look good. THe list goes on! So, what keeps me grounded? When I’m faced with moments of self-doubt—and believe me, it’s often—I remind myself why I started in aesthetics: to give women (especially my favorite—single mothers) back their confidence so they can go on to make better choices and live more happy lives and I love to feel I had a small part in that. And in our trainings, it’s not just about technical skills. They’re about building a community with a moral compass where we can light up pieces of the country with the same core values: to do the right thing by our patients, our team, and our peers, and to elevate aesthetics together. Its not about getting rich fast and screwing people over. Remember your reputation is everything and everyone talks. And what we want to be left with is natural results—that goes without saying. In our courses, we teach what you can do with less, not more. People are always astounded and it makes me feel all warm inside. That I was able to give them at least that and hopefully more. On thing I always ask is "did we meet your expectations" Im always waiting on baited breath for the answer so I can rest easy at night. Thank you to everyone that chooses to spend your valuable time with us. We put the work in because we care. Thank you Rana IG: natturally_rana