We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashley Carmen FNP-C a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ashley, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Opening Aiyana Atelier Aesthetic Studio in Alexandria VA in January of 2021 was the best risk of my life. The time at home during the pandemic that afforded me the time to create the vision and strategy for my own business, and I was able to envision the ultimate patient experience that I could be proud to put my stamp on. With little money in my checking account, maxed out credit cards, a dream, and the support of my husband, I pushed forward to open the doors January 5, 2021 and haven’t looked back since.
Growth and innovation often lie beyond the boundaries of our comfort zones. I have an inherent love for new ideas and a natural inclination towards taking risks. In my career, I’ve embraced the challenges that come with creating my own business, strategic growth, and pushing the limits of what’s possible in the aesthetics field. My optimistic and philosophical nature allows me to see the potential in every opportunity, even when it involves a degree of uncertainty. I approach risks with a sense of enthusiasm and a belief in my ability to navigate the unknown. Taking calculated risks has been a driving force behind my success, whether it’s investing in my education, opening additional locations, or collaborating with other entrepreneurs and practitioners. I believe that by embracing the spirit of adventure and being willing to step outside of my comfort zone, I can continue to grow both personally and professionally, ultimately delivering better outcomes for my patients and making a lasting impact in the aesthetics industry.
Ashley, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My first experience in the aesthetic space was under the guise of breakfast. Little did I know that I was actually going for my first neurotoxin treatment. At the time I was living in Pittsburgh, PA and my best friend and now practice manager Brandon told me that we were going to have breakfast but ended up at a practice that one of our plastic surgery resident’s had opened. I was a little nervous at first, but love the experience and especially the result. When I moved to the Alexandria area, the med spa space was a very different feeling that I had imagined. I didn’t have a very comfortable vibe going in, and the cost of treatment was not really explained to me during the consultation, leaving me feel a little ‘less than’ because I couldn’t truly afford it! After obtaining my nurse practitioner certification and working in the plastic surgery and med spa space, I wanted to create my own experience that take down the barriers, mental and physical, that I personally have experienced when receiving elective aesthetic treatments. It was on this foundation that the premise of Aiyana Atelier was born.
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
I have to say that aesthetics really chose me. Working in aesthetics is not just a phase or a side hustle- this is the practice of medicine. When I started by career in healthcare, I knew that the bounds were limitless, but never did I ever dream that I would be able to marry my passion for taking care of others and entrepreneurship in the way that I do today with Aiyana Atelier. I cannot imagine doing anything differently. Any challenges that have occurred along this journey from bedside to business ownership have been opportunities for growth and learning, not regrets.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Beyond the essential foundation of training and knowledge, I believe that empathy and emotional intelligence are key factors in achieving success in the aesthetics field. Our work goes beyond just administering treatments; we are dealing with people’s self-image and confidence. Being able to connect with clients on a deeper level, understanding their motivations, fears, and aspirations, allows us to provide a truly personalized and transformative experience. It’s about creating a safe, non-judgmental space where patients feel heard, valued, and supported throughout their journey. Empathy enables us to build trust, foster long-lasting relationships, and deliver results that not only enhance physical appearance but also nurture emotional well-being. In an industry that is so intimately tied to self-perception, having a keen sense of emotional intelligence sets apart the most successful practitioners. It’s the ability to navigate sensitive conversations, offer genuine support, provide solid education and consultations, and create an environment where clients feel empowered and confident in their own skin. Combining this emotional acuity with technical expertise is the key to building a thriving and impactful practice in the aesthetics field.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.aiyanaatelier.com
- Instagram: @botoxandbourbon
Image Credits
First Image (Glamour,Gorgeous,Repeat): Photo by Mario Mineros , Second Image: Photo by Arielle Lewis.