Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalia Guzman
Hi Natalia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I came to the United States from El Salvador in 2004, all by myself, seeking a new beginning. It was a tough journey, leaving behind my family and everything I knew, but I knew it was the right step. Six years later, my mom and my two younger sisters were finally able to join me. Being the oldest of three sisters, I felt a strong responsibility to pave the way and help my family adjust to life here.
In 2006, I found myself working as a front desk receptionist at a plastic surgery office. Little did I know, that would spark a passion in me that would shape my career. Watching patients transform and regain their confidence fascinated me, and I knew I wanted to be a part of that process.
It was my husband who encouraged me to take the next step. In 2011, with his unwavering support, I decided to go to nursing school. It was a challenge, balancing school, work, and family, but I was determined. After graduating, I started my nursing career in peri-operative care, which gave me a strong foundation in patient care and the surgical process.
In 2014, I became a nurse injector, and that’s when everything clicked. I had found my true calling. Injecting became my passion, and I’ve been doing it full-time ever since. It’s all I do, and I absolutely love it. Every day, I get to help people feel and look their best, and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.
My journey has been long and full of challenges, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Each step led me to where I am today, and I’m proud of the path I’ve walked.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Back in 2014, when decided to dive into the world of injectables. Back then, injectables weren’t as popular as they are today, and breaking into the industry was no easy. There were limited training opportunities for new injectors, but I was determined to succeed. The lack of resources didn’t deter me.
As if that wasn’t challenging enough, I decided to take things further by pursuing a master’s degree to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. Balancing full-time work with school was incredibly tough. There were many late nights, early mornings, and moments of exhaustion, but my drive to succeed kept me going. In 2021, I graduated as a Family Nurse Practitioner, another milestone I’m incredibly proud of.
My journey has been full of challenges, from immigrating to a different country by myself, going to nursing school, breaking into the injectable world to earning my master’s degree, but every hurdle has made me stronger. Today, injectables are my life, and I couldn’t be more passionate about what I do. It hasn’t been easy, but with determination, I’ve built the career I always dreamed of. 10 years later I am proud to reach a new milestone, I have opened my own medspa, Atelier Aesthetix.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Atelier Aesthetix is a premier med spa in the heart of Beverly Hills. Co-owned by Latina Salvadoran women, rooted in a passion for aesthetic medicine and a commitment to enhancing natural beauty. “Atelier” is a French word meaning “workshop” or “studio,” a space where artists or designers craft their masterpieces. At Atelier Aesthetix, this concept reflects our approach to personalized care, where every patient receives tailored treatments designed to bring out their unique beauty.
Our philosophy centers around creating natural results, making each patient’s individual features shine. We prioritize comprehensive assessments to ensure every treatment aligns with our clients’ goals. For us, our patients aren’t just clients—they are family. They are the heart and backbone of everything we do.
My sister, Monse Morales, and I have poured our hearts into this business, shaping it into a space that feels both professional and deeply personal. Recently, we welcomed Lisa Garcia, RN, into the Atelier Aesthetix family, further strengthening our team of experts.
We specialize in injectables, skin treatments, and laser therapies, constantly pushing ourselves to stay ahead of the curve by learning new techniques and approaches. Our dedication to education and excellence sets us apart in the aesthetic medicine field, ensuring that every patient leaves Atelier Aesthetix feeling more confident, radiant, and naturally themselves.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding a mentor and building a network in the aesthetics industry can be challenging but crucial for growth as a new nurse in aesthetics. These are some of the steps I took along my journey:
1. Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
2. Utilize Social Media to Connect
3. Join Professional Associations
Organizations such as the International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses (ISPAN) or American Med Spa Association (AmSpa) often provide networking opportunities and resources like forums or meetups where you can connect with potential mentors. Being a member also adds credibility to your resume.
4. Shadowing Opportunities
5. Work in Related Roles
If it’s difficult to find an injector willing to mentor you right away, consider working in a supporting role, such as a front desk coordinator or in peri-operative nursing within a plastic surgery practice. This will help you learn the business side of aesthetics and build relationships with industry professionals who may later become mentors.
6. Ask for Guidance, Not Just a Job
When reaching out to potential mentors, focus on learning, not employment. A message asking for advice or guidance is less likely to be turned down than a direct request for a job. Be humble, show your passion, and express your willingness to learn from their experience.
7. Follow Up and Stay in Touch
Networking and mentorship are critical in aesthetics, where reputation and relationships often drive success. Be proactive, authentic, and patient as you build connections that can support and guide you throughout your career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://atelieraesthetix.com
- Instagram: @atelieraesthetix
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/atelier-aesthetix-beverly-hills?osq=atelier+aesthetix
