Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ebony Edmonds. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ebony, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you get your first job in the field that you practice in today?
My name is Ebony Edmonds, and I’m a 30-year-old licensed esthetician based in Nashville, Tennessee. I currently work at Sono Bello as a Venus Legacy Technician, where I perform post–plastic surgery recovery treatments for patients after liposuction and skin removal. Skincare and beauty have always been a passion of mine, but I’ve always been especially drawn to more advanced treatments like laser, microneedling, laser hair removal, and radio frequency because of the real, visible impact they can have on someone’s confidence.
Becoming an esthetician was always something I wanted for myself. When I was 19, I actually applied to a local aesthetics school here in Nashville, but at that time I wasn’t as mature or career-focused as I needed to be. Fast forward eight years later, at 27, I decided it was time to fully commit to my dream and enrolled at Paul Mitchell for aesthetics.
What really pushed me to go back to my roots was working at a well-known dermatology office in Green Hills for nearly four years as a cosmetic medical assistant. Being surrounded by dermatologists and nurse practitioners who treated various skin conditions opened my eyes even more to the industry. While they focused on medical skin health, I found myself fascinated by the aesthetic side — Botox, fillers, hair removal, microneedling, and other confidence-boosting treatments. Seeing how these services could truly transform the way people felt about themselves inspired me in a major way. I genuinely felt called to go to school, especially since I was already in the perfect environment to grow.
The journey wasn’t easy. I attended school part-time while working full-time, and balancing school, work, and life was overwhelming at times. But when you set your mind to something, you can accomplish it — you just have to remember why you started, especially on the days you feel discouraged.
After graduating in April 2024, I became officially licensed that July and immediately looked for opportunities to continue learning and gaining hands-on experience. Unfortunately, I was laid off from a previous position, but I truly believe everything happens for a reason. That experience ultimately led me to where I am now.
I started at Sono Bello at the front desk, which wasn’t ideal for me because I was eager to work directly in my field. However, I stayed patient, remained dedicated, and within seven months I was promoted to a full-time Venus Technician role.
I truly enjoy what I do. I love helping patients through their recovery process, hearing their life stories, and playing a part in making them feel more confident. I meet people from all walks of life, and it’s always interesting to understand what brings them in and where they are mentally and emotionally on their journey.
One of the most challenging parts of being an esthetician is the commitment to continuous learning. There are always new products, technologies, and procedures emerging, and it can be a lot to keep up with. But when you’re genuinely passionate about your work, it never really feels like a job. It feels like you’re walking in your purpose.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Ebony Edmonds, and I’m a 30-year-old licensed esthetician based in Nashville, Tennessee. I currently work at Sono Bello, a plastic surgeon’s office, as a Venus Legacy Technician, where I specialize in post–plastic surgery recovery treatments for patients after procedures such as liposuction and skin removal. I have always been passionate about skincare and all things beauty, but I am especially drawn to advanced treatments such as laser, microneedling, laser hair removal, and radio frequency because of the real, transformative impact they have on both the skin and a person’s confidence.
My journey into this industry wasn’t necessarily traditional, but it was always meant for me. When I was 19, I applied to a local esthetics school here in Nashville; however, at the time, I lacked the maturity and focus needed to fully commit to a career. Years later, everything came full circle. I spent nearly four years working at a well-known dermatology office in Green Hills as a cosmetic medical assistant, surrounded by dermatologists and nurse practitioners who treated a wide range of skin conditions. While that experience strengthened my understanding of medical skin health, I found myself increasingly fascinated by the aesthetic side of the industry — treatments like Botox, fillers, hair removal, and microneedling that help people feel more confident in their own skin.
During that time, I truly felt called to go back to school. Being in that environment confirmed that this was not just an interest, but my purpose. At 27, I enrolled at Paul Mitchell to pursue aesthetics while continuing to work full-time. Balancing school, work, and life was extremely challenging and often overwhelming, but it taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of remembering why I started. After graduating in April 2024, I became officially licensed that July and immediately sought opportunities to continue growing and gaining hands-on experience.
Like many journeys, mine came with unexpected setbacks. I was laid off from a previous role, but I believe moments like that often redirect us exactly where we’re meant to be. That experience ultimately led me to Sono Bello, where I initially started at the front desk. While it wasn’t my ideal position, I remained patient, dedicated, and committed to learning. Within seven months, I was promoted to a full-time Venus Technician role — a milestone I’m incredibly proud of because it reflects my work ethic and perseverance.
What sets me apart is the level of care and intention I bring to every patient experience. Post-surgery recovery can be a very vulnerable time for many people, both physically and emotionally, so I strive to create a space where my patients feel supported, educated, and genuinely cared for throughout their healing process. Beyond performing treatments, I take pride in listening to their stories, understanding their “why,” and helping them reconnect with their confidence.
The problems I help solve go deeper than the surface. Yes, I help reduce swelling, improve skin tightening, and support the recovery process, but I’m also helping individuals feel comfortable in their bodies again. Confidence is powerful, and being part of someone’s transformation is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.
One of the things I am most proud of is betting on myself and pursuing this path even when it wasn’t easy. Returning to school later in life, working full-time while studying, and pushing through uncertainty required faith and determination. My story is proof that it’s never too late to go after what you truly want and that setbacks don’t define your future — they often prepare you for it.
I want potential clients and anyone following my journey to know that this is more than just a career for me — it is purpose-driven work. I am deeply committed to continuous education because the aesthetics industry is always evolving, and staying informed allows me to provide the safest and most effective treatments possible. When you truly love what you do, it never feels like just a job — it feels like you are walking in your purpose.
Above all, my goal is to help people feel like the best version of themselves. When my patients leave not only looking better but standing a little taller and feeling more confident, that is when I know I am exactly where I am supposed to be.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One important lesson I’ve had to unlearn is the habit of making assumptions. Early on, I realized you can never assume what someone’s budget is or what services they may be interested in. Every person is different. I’ve learned not to be afraid to start conversations, because simply talking to people and creating a comfortable environment allows them to open up. That’s how you build genuine rapport and trust. When clients feel heard and understood, it not only strengthens the relationship but also helps you better serve their needs.
If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?
Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every challenge and setback brought me to where I’m meant to be. I love what I do, and getting to help people feel confident in their own skin is the best part of my job.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Sonobello.com
- Instagram: Missebvny
- Linkedin: Ebony Edmonds
Image Credits
Sono Bello
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