Community Highlights: Meet Nicole Sandoval of Skin Gratitude Medical Aesthetics

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Sandoval.

Hi nicole, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began my career in medicine because I truly felt called to live a life of service. I was naturally strong in science, but more than anything, I wanted a career where I could use that strength to help people.

Health, fitness, and beauty have always been important to me, and I’ve always believed that feeling good in those areas will positively impact how you show up in your life. During a plastic surgery rotation in PA school, I was introduced to aesthetic medicine and immediately fell in love with it. It felt like this unexpected intersection of everything I was passionate about — medicine, anatomy, artistry, confidence, and patient care.

At the time, aesthetics still carried a stigma of being somewhat superficial, and I wanted to make sure I was using my medical training to its fullest. I started my career working in family medicine and urgent care while also gaining experience in aesthetics. After two years of working relentlessly — and paying down my student loans — I reached a point where I needed to focus my energy on one path, and I chose aesthetics.

The deeper I got into the field, the more I realized how much true medicine is involved: anatomy, pharmacology, patient selection, complication management, continuing education, and an enormous responsibility to keep patients safe. At the same time, the industry was evolving rapidly, and I knew I had found the field I wanted to grow in.

After eight years working full-time in aesthetics, I opened Skin Gratitude Medical Aesthetics, a small practice of my own. I wanted to create a space where I could practice medicine in a way that felt personal, thoughtful, and aligned with my values — while also having the flexibility to keep my family and my children at the center of my life.

Building a practice has required a tremendous amount of hard work, education, sacrifice, and investment, but it has been incredibly rewarding. I get to help people feel more confident and cared for while building a career that still allows me to be the mom I want to be.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I definitely wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth road. I think when you’re a mom of little kids and starting a business, every day comes with its own challenge.

One of the craziest moments was when we were in the middle of moving and preparing for open houses at our home, while I was also getting ready for my business open house — and both of my babysitters happened to be out of state at the same time. I had to lug my poor kids around with me that whole week and they were not having it. That was probably the icing on the cake!

Another challenge has been learning who I work best with and where I can find genuine support within the industry. Aesthetics can be incredibly collaborative, but it can also be competitive, and I’ve learned that not every professional connection is going to be the right fit, and even good intentions aren’t always communicated or interpreted the way you expect them to be. That has been a hard lesson and one I’ve had to learn to make peace with. Sometimes you have to accept that not every situation will have the resolution you hoped for, and simply respect that and move forward. If anything, the experience has made me more thoughtful about the relationships I build and more appreciative of the people who show up with honesty, support, and mutual respect.

Through all of it, there always seems to be some sort of hurdle, especially while also helping my four-year-old adjust to starting school for the first time. I’ve had to give myself grace and accept that there is no “right” way to make it all work. You do your best, take it one day at a time, and have faith that God will carry you through to where you’re supposed to be. Every season of growth comes with challenges, but I try to trust that it will ultimately work out for my good and just do the best I can each day.

As you know, we’re big fans of Skin Gratitude Medical Aesthetics. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Skin Gratitude Medical Aesthetics is a mom-owned medical aesthetics practice built around the idea that aesthetic care should feel personal, thoughtful, and never rushed. I specialize in natural-looking aesthetic treatments, including injectables, skin rejuvenation, microneedling, radiofrequency microneedling, and regenerative treatments, with the goal of helping men and women feel refreshed and confident while still looking like themselves.

One thing that really sets my practice apart is the experience itself. Because I work out of a private suite, I’m able to take my time with each appointment, really listen to what someone is hoping to achieve, and create a treatment plan that makes sense for them as an individual. I never want someone to feel pressured into doing more than they’re comfortable with. I try to meet people where they are, educate them honestly, and care for the whole person rather than focusing only on a single treatment or concern.

I’m also very proud to be a mom-owned business and, very genuinely, a girls’ girl. I love supporting other women, whether that’s my patients, fellow small-business owners, or women who are trying to grow within the aesthetics industry. At the same time, I want Skin Gratitude to feel welcoming to everyone — a place where people can feel comfortable asking questions, being honest about their insecurities, and knowing they’re going to be treated with kindness rather than judgment.
My Christian faith is also an important part of the values behind the business. I try to reflect that in the name itself and through the way I show up for people and my community. Whether it’s allowing future providers to shadow and learn, sponsoring local events, collaborating with other small businesses, or participating in giveaways and events for moms and families, I want the business to be something that gives back as it grows.

What I’m probably most proud of brand-wise is that Skin Gratitude has become an extension of the kind of practice I always wanted to create — one that combines medical knowledge and aesthetics with warmth, gratitude, honesty, and genuine care for the person sitting in front of me.

How do you think about luck?
By now, you can probably tell that I believe a little more in divine intervention than luck. I’ve absolutely poured a lot of blood, sweat, tears, money, and time into growing as a provider and building my business responsibly, but I also know I didn’t get here by myself.

So many people, from past professional relationships to new connections, have played a part in where I am today. I’ve been genuinely taken aback by the kindness people have shown me and the doors that have opened through referrals and relationships. I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who has supported me, referred patients to me, collaborated with me, or simply offered guidance along the way.

Even the timing of opening Skin Gratitude felt bigger than me. I had to get the business up and running much sooner than I felt ready for so I could participate in the open house for the building where my suite is located—all while moving our home, raising two little ones, and juggling everything else life was throwing at us. Somehow, I was connected with so many of the right people at exactly the right time. People went out of their way to squeeze me in, answer questions, and help me get my space and business set up in time. Looking back, I have a hard time calling that luck. They truly felt like God-sends.
I think my journey has been a combination of being willing to work hard and take opportunities when they come, while having faith that God is orchestrating the right people and opening the right doors at the right time.

Pricing:

• New Patient Botox: $9.99/unit
• New Patient Weight Loss Package: $299/mo
• Microneedling: starting at $350
• Vitamin Shots: starting at $20
• Chemical Peels: starting at $250

Contact Info:

• Website: https://skingratitudemedical.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skin.gratitude/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577451574005&locale=sv_SE#
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/skin-gratitude-brea-2

Image Credits
Alyssa Vorick
Jennifer Ngo