Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Ng
Hi Jennifer, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up, I knew I always wanted to help people. Learning Chinese Medicine changed my perspective on what helping people really meant. Prior to being an acupuncturist, I worked in aesthetics. I was obsessed with skincare and constantly was doing my own research on what products or treatments were better for different skin types. I loved helping people feel more confident and beautiful in their own skin. Chinese Medicine showed me that confidence and beauty had much more depth to just looking and feeling beautiful. It was about embracing and understanding your unique, authentic self, and pursuing your physical, mental and spiritual health with a growth mindset.
During the pandemic, I had just given birth to my first child and needed to figure out how to work safely under the conditions during the time. I was eager to get back into my practice so that I could maintain my technique. It all started with one patient-Lisa Allen-who was a dear friend of mine. I did a house call for her, and finally got to do a cosmetic acupuncture treatment which was the direction I always wanted to go in, but didn’t get to do when I was working in a clinic setting.
Doing house calls was a game changer because it provided the flexibility to be a full-time mom and keep up with my practice. One house call became five house calls, and then eventually I was doing 10-15 house calls a week across NJ and NY. Then one day, I had the opportunity to do cosmetic acupuncture for Arden Cho while she was filming in NY and she introduced me to some of her friends in LA. Soon, I was asked to go to LA to do treatments out there and timing just happened to work out with my schedule. I went back once every other month to see patients and I went from doing 20 treatments in the span of 4 days, to 50 treatments in the same timeframe by my last LA trip. At that point, it started to make sense to move to LA. My husband and I were already thinking about moving to a bigger home because we wanted to expand our family, and LA seemed like a perfect opportunity. After we moved, I got pregnant with my second child and opened my practice in a shared office space in Eagle Rock. When I was treating patients in Eagle Rock, I realized how important the healing environment impacted the patient’s ability to relax, and how important it was for my own growth to have a space to call my own. Over the next 1.5 years, I worked hard to grow my business and improve my technique so I could manifest the healing environment I always envisioned. Now, I have my dream office space in Pasadena. It’s been an incredible journey and I’m so grateful for everything that happened to be here.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been smooth and rocky simultaneously. I think every small business goes through that though. After I started to apply methods that worked to my strengths, instead of what the average small business approach was, it became a lot smoother. Most people would probably have a website, a business plan and an office space to work from the start. They wouldn’t find house calls and referral-only scheduling to be the start to their success, but it worked for me at that moment in time. Instead of prioritizing the business side of things, I doubled down on my ability to perfect my craft and engage in more connection with patients.
One of the main reasons I was drawn to acupuncture was for the work-life balance it offered. I wanted a career that allowed me to prioritize my family just as much as helping others. It’s not easy juggling a new business, a toddler, and newborn in a new city. It’s tiring, but it’s also fulfilling knowing that I did it. I’ve learned that once you understand your purpose, set your priorities, and surround yourself with good people who truly support you, good luck tends to find you.
We’ve been impressed with Acu By Jen, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m a solo practitioner specializing in cosmetic facial acupuncture. Although my specialty is in cosmetics, I treat a wide range of conditions using acupuncture including internal imbalances such as issues with sleep/digestion, pain, autoimmune conditions, scar therapy, mental health and more. My style integrates face reading, acupuncture, gua sha, cupping, and facial massage techniques to provide a holistic approach on health and skincare. Cosmetic facial acupuncture is a natural, holistic method to treat the root problem of skin concerns by addressing the imbalances in the body first. When you are healthy, your skin glows from within. Cosmetic acupuncture also stimulates collagen production, reduces inflammation, calms the mind, and increases circulation of energy, blood and fluids. My specialty is in lifting and sculpting the skin. You can think of it as nature’s alternative to mainstream beauty solutions like lasers, botox and fillers.
My office embodies a relaxed, friendly atmosphere because I believe that building a connection with my patients is essential. The work I do requires vulnerability and openness, and I find that traditional clinic settings often create a sterile environment that can lead to anxiety, like “White-Coat Syndrome.” To avoid this, I strive to make my office feel like home. I want it to be a safe space where patients can feel comfortable and receptive to treatment.
What sets my protocols apart from other facial acupuncture treatments is my focus on the mental and physical health factors that influence skin issues. Unlike many western approaches to skin and healthcare, I take my time with each patient to listen to their concerns and approach each treatment with an open mind, an open heart, and a sense of curiosity. Our stories are written on our face because our emotions influence the way our skin wrinkles and how circulation flows through the skin. My job is to make sure that your face reflects the most authentic and confident version of you. My techniques combine my studies with various leaders in the field, including teachers from New York, New Jersey, Virginia, and Beijing, along with a decade of experience in acupressure facial massage. This unique blend allows my treatments to last about two weeks between sessions when others typically require more frequent follow-up visits.
What does success mean to you?
To me, success is being able to do what you love comfortably with the underlying sense of achieving peace. It’s when stress isn’t what pushes you to do more and achieve. My idea of success is following your passions and genuinely enjoying what you do—so much that it doesn’t even feel like work. It’s also about finding that sweet spot of work-life balance, so you can really enjoy the life you’ve worked hard to build.
Pricing:
- Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture (Initial Visit) – $250
- Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture (Follow-up Visit) – $230
- Acupuncture (Initial Visit)- $130
- Acupuncture (Follow-up) – $100
- Gua Sha & Cupping Facial – $85
Contact Info:
- Website: https://scheduleacubyjen.as.me/schedule/7ce5e388
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acu.by.jen/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D
Image Credits
Lindy Lin, Michelle Kim
