We were lucky to catch up with Ashley Reader recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ashley, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you get your first job in the field that you practice in today?
Like many nurses, prior to my injecting career I’ve always held multiple per diem jobs in acute settings. This led me into networking with all kinds of great practitioners from different specialties. There are so many amazing individuals I can thank for my growth and career direction. I also believe this type of multiple job “hustle” that most nurses possess ultimately lead me onto my path towards entrepreneurship. It all really started at one of my per diem jobs circulating in interventional radiology, One of the practitioners trained me on Sclerotherapy. As she witnessed my work and skill level increase, she presented an opportunity that ultimately changed the trajectory of my career forever. She passed along that a physician friend of hers was searching for a new, skilled nurse to fill the role of his single nurse injector of 7 years as she was moving. At this time many years ago, aesthetic injections were not as popular or well known. Because of this, after I was offered the job I agreed to working part time in my true, multiple job nature. In not much time at all, I learned how much I loved injecting and the impact I could make on how people feel. I believe it truly is the perfect combination of nursing, art, relationship development, creativity, science and a business mindset. I’m in awe at how much the field of injecting has grown since I started. I’m forever thankful to have found something I love so much and that I pursued something most others weren’t or were skeptical of at the time. It’s very fulfilling watching nurses begin their journey as the field is only getting safer and more advanced.
Ashley, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Hi! My name is Ashley, and I’m an aesthetic nurse injector located in San Diego. I’m also a national trainer for Botox and Juvederm through the Allergan Medical Institute. I offer full facial assessments that may lead to recommendations including filler, neuromodulators, collagen stimulators, microneedling, chemical peels and medical grade skin care in addition to other modalities. I take the most pride in my relationships with patients and the trust I build with each patient in creating treatment plans. The amount of fulfillment I gain from helping people feel their absolute best in their own skin is what pushes me to grow in my own trainings and business development. I really strive to make an impact in my community and in the field itself. Each treatment provided in my office is recommended from an ethical standpoint and scientifically supported. My number one MO is to create a safe environment where patients feel they can be themselves and know their best interests are kept in the highest regard. I do not provide a typical “quick”, stale and impersonal medspa experience. Additionally, one of the best things about my practice is who I’m partnered with. Aluma Medical and my medical director Dr. Lafkas operate with the same integrity. We believe in helping others in business and in life, and this ultimately creates a beautiful partnership and aesthetics practice. I’m forever thankful for a team who supports my ideas in patient care and dreams in injecting. Aluma is unique & unmatched, and together we are making waves.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
I’m still learning along the way, but experience and trial & error have given me insight on a few things that work for me. There are 5 major things that I believe can help others in succeeding in this field (or another field). 1. Being authentically YOU. This takes discovering what your vision is and where you want it to go. Big picture goals create smaller goals that get you there. Your clientele will choose you for you, and this has been the most rewarding and has created the best outcomes & referrals for me, personally. 2. Not delegating too quickly until you know it will be done in total alignment with your brand. But then DO delegate. This is one of the trickiest for me. It’s so important to me that my patients continue to have a personal experience, but in order to grow successfully, we all need other people. 3. Having the right people around you. Having supportive people on my team has helped me exponentially. This applies to patients, friendships and business partners/collaberations. Supporting other small, women owned businesses is a passion of mine and has led into crossing paths with talented, genuine connections. 4. Drive WILL create momentum. I’ve received a lot of helpful advice along the way, and one of those is about momentum. It is scary venturing out on your own, and in the first couple of years there will be a lot of hustle and prioritizing life events. It will get challenging at times. The advice I received was once it starts, keep the momentum ball rolling the first few years, even when you feel you’ve reached your first or even second goal level and feel safe- and that once you really get it “rolling” through hard work and dedication, it will roll on it’s own for you. That’s when you will begin your journey of creating a meaningful work/life balance. This has been challenging for me. The hustle almost becomes second nature and easy to overdo when you’re passionate about it. The tricky part is being able to shut it off and enjoy life outside of business. 5. Taking inspiration from everywhere. I continually take inspo from people and ideals outside of my own field and in everyday encounters. Yes, it’s true there are many injectors and providers I respect and look to, but I also look to real people in my life and those who I find creative, talented and pave the way in their own field and life journey. Oh and 6. sharing your knowledge with others.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Betting on myself. Once I was ready, there wasn’t anything that could hold me back. I’d joke by saying, “I’ll take my one patient with me and make it happen”, but I meant it. I also held onto my per diem job in an acute setting for almost 6 months after venturing into my own space with Aluma Medical. I told myself I would hold onto my per diem job until I absolutely could NOT. For me, hospital and service work was a deep part of me. I still had remnants of a “scarcity” mindset and inability to commit fully to one career or job. I loved the freedom I had- financially and in general. Eventually I became so busy in aesthetics that I couldn’t even work my two shift obligation a month at the hospital. Once I took a bet on myself and let that piece go, it opened up so many doors for me and gave me more freedom than I could have ever imagined. In true nursing nature, I’m now hugely improving my patients lives through how they feel about themselves. My office appointments are often therapy sessions as I see each person leave feeling lighter and unstoppable. My life changed for the good in every way when I fully jumped in and believed in myself. It led me to where I’m meant to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alumamedicalaesthetics.com/injector-directory/ashley-reader
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aestheticnurseashley/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aestheticnurseashley/
- Twitter: @aestheticnurseashley
- Other: google Aesthetic Nurse Ashley | Aluma Medical Instabio: https://aestheticnurseashley.instabio.cc
Image Credits
1. Mark Deleon Photo 2. Aluma Medical