We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cherlonda WestleyHenry. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cherlonda below.
Cherlonda, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.
Growing up in Louisiana, I was always complimented by my structured cheekbones and beautiful skin. These early affirmations sparked a lifelong passion for health, wellness, and natural beauty, particularly anti-aging. My journey began with a deep-seated desire to help others feel confident and radiant. With twenty-six years of experience in healthcare and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from William Carey College, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing from Prairie View A&M University, I built a solid foundation in patient care. As a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner, I have always been dedicated to enhancing patient well-being. A few years ago, I decided to venture into the world of aesthetics. I applied for positions as a Nurse Injector, but med spa directors only sought candidates with two or more years of experience in the field. Undeterred, I sought out training opportunities to build my expertise. I attended numerous workshops and courses, learning the latest techniques in aesthetic treatments. I accumulated substantial training experience and a robust knowledge base through persistence and dedication. This journey honed my skills and solidified my vision for the future. When I felt confident in my abilities, I realized I wanted to create something of my own. Today, I am the proud owner of Creole Contour Aesthetics, specializing in health, wellness, and beauty from the inside out. My extensive medical expertise and passion for aesthetics allow me to provide exceptional care and transformative results to my clients. Being an active member of prestigious organizations like the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the Obesity Medicine Association, I stay at the forefront of my field. Additionally, I am board-certified by the American Academy of Procedural Medicine and am currently a candidate for board certification by the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M). At Creole Contour Aesthetics, I am dedicated to helping others achieve their beauty and wellness goals, ensuring they feel as confident and beautiful as they deserve.
My journey into aesthetics was far from easy and marked by several challenges and setbacks. I began by forming a partnership offering weight loss and hormone-balancing services. This venture was my first step into the business side of healthcare, and while it was a necessary learning experience, it ultimately did not work out. The failure of this initial partnership was a significant struggle. It was disheartening to see my first attempt at merging my medical expertise with business ambitions fall short. However, this experience was invaluable. It taught me critical lessons about the intricacies of running a healthcare business, including patient management, operational logistics, and the importance of resilience. Despite the setbacks, this experience fueled my determination and bravery to pursue my own venture. The knowledge and skills I gained from this partnership laid the foundation for my eventual success with Creole Contour Aesthetics. Without this challenging period, I might not have had the courage or insight to start my own business. It was through these struggles that I discovered my true passion for aesthetics and solidified my commitment to helping others achieve their beauty and wellness goals.
Creole Contour Aesthetics is a boutique-style clinic dedicated to enhancing your health, wellness, and beauty from the inside out. At Creole Contour Aesthetics, we offer a range of specialized services provided by me, Cherlonda Westley-Henry, a skilled board-certified Nurse Practitioner with over twenty-six years of healthcare experience. Our clinic is known for delivering natural-enhancing results through a customized, holistic, and comprehensive approach. Our brand is built on professionalism, personalized care, and a deep commitment to helping clients look and feel their best. We pride ourselves on our boutique-style service, differentiating us from larger, less personalized aesthetic centers. This intimate approach ensures that each client receives tailored treatments designed to meet their unique needs and goals. Creole Contour Aesthetics specializes in various services, including Botox, fillers, microneedling, chemical peels, PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin), weight loss, and hormone replacement therapy. These treatments are all designed to promote health, wellness, and natural beauty. One of the aspects I am most proud of is creating a business that not only provides exceptional care but also represents my heritage and legacy. Connecting my Creole background to this endeavor allows me to build something meaningful for my family and future generations. Tagline: “Your Path to Timeless Beauty, Health and Wellness.” Mission Statement: At Creole Contour Aesthetics, our mission is to provide professional, customized aesthetic treatments that enhance natural beauty and promote holistic wellness. We are committed to helping our clients achieve their health and beauty goals through personalized care and cutting-edge treatments. Our readers should know that at Creole Contour Aesthetics, we are passionate about making you feel confident and radiant inside and out. We invite you to experience the unique, boutique-style care that sets us apart and helps you achieve the best version of yourself.Education and Training: My journey began with extensive education and training. With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing, I built a solid medical foundation. To specialize in aesthetics, I attended numerous workshops and courses to master the latest techniques.
Business Planning and Preparation: Starting my own practice required meticulous business planning and preparation. I developed a comprehensive business plan, including market research, financial projections, and operational strategies. This planning phase was crucial for understanding the market needs and aligning my services accordingly.
Key Challenges: One of the primary challenges was gaining credibility in the aesthetics field. Despite my extensive medical background, I needed specific experience in aesthetics, which made it difficult to secure initial positions. Additionally, the failure of my first partnership was a significant setback, but it taught me valuable lessons about business operations and resilience.
Mentorship: Pairing myself with mentors was invaluable. Experienced professionals guided me through the complexities of starting and running a healthcare business. Their insights and support were crucial in navigating challenges and making informed decisions.
What I Would Do Differently: Knowing what I know now, I would have started on my own rather than entering a partnership. While partnerships can provide support and shared responsibilities, they can also lead to conflicts and disagreements. My initial partnership’s failure taught me the importance of having full control and clarity over my business vision and operations.
Advice for Young Professionals: For young professionals considering starting their own practice, my advice is to prioritize education and business planning. Invest time in acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge in your field. Develop a detailed business plan that outlines your goals, strategies, and financial planning. Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and support throughout your journey. Most importantly, believe in yourself and your vision. Challenges are inevitable, but they are also opportunities for growth and learning. Embrace them with resilience and determination.
In conclusion, the journey to establishing Creole Contour Aesthetics was filled with learning experiences, challenges, and invaluable lessons. Through dedication, proper planning, and the support of mentors, I successfully created a practice that reflects my passion and expertise. For aspiring professionals, I emphasize the importance of education, meticulous planning, and seeking guidance from experienced mentors. Starting on your own can provide the autonomy and clarity needed to build a successful and fulfilling practice.
Cherlonda, 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?
Board Certified Nurse Practitioner with twenty-three years of healthcare experience. She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from William Carey College and a Master of Science in Nursing from Prairie View A & M University. She is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Sigma Theta Tau International Honors Society, Texas Nurse Practitioners Association, National Nurses Business Association, and Obesity Medicine Association.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
My journey into aesthetics was far from easy and marked by several challenges and setbacks. I began by forming a partnership offering weight loss and hormone-balancing services. This venture was my first step into the business side of healthcare, and while it was a necessary learning experience, it ultimately did not work out. The failure of this initial partnership was a significant struggle. It was disheartening to see my first attempt at merging my medical expertise with business ambitions fall short. However, this experience was invaluable. It taught me critical lessons about the intricacies of running a healthcare business, including patient management, operational logistics, and the importance of resilience. Despite the setbacks, this experience fueled my determination and bravery to pursue my own venture. The knowledge and skills I gained from this partnership laid the foundation for my eventual success with Creole Contour Aesthetics. Without this challenging period, I might not have had the courage or insight to start my own business. It was through these struggles that I discovered my true passion for aesthetics and solidified my commitment to helping others achieve their beauty and wellness goals.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
Yes, most definitely! Being a Registered Nurse and now a Family Nurse Practitioner has been an incredibly rewarding career. The journey has been filled with opportunities for growth, both professionally and personally. I have had the privilege of constantly expanding my knowledge, learning new things, and gaining invaluable experiences. Each day in this profession brings something new, whether it’s a new challenge, a new skill to master, or a new way to help someone in need.
My passion is helping others, and this career has allowed me to do just that in so many profound ways. From providing compassionate patient care to making critical decisions in complex medical situations, I have been able to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. The sense of fulfillment and purpose that comes from knowing you’ve positively impacted someone’s health and well-being is unparalleled.
I am deeply grateful for the path I chose and the incredible experiences it has brought me. The constant evolution of the healthcare field keeps me engaged and motivated to continue learning and improving. If given the chance to choose my profession again, I would undoubtedly choose the same path. The rewards of being a healthcare professional are endless, and the opportunity to help others achieve better health and well-being is a privilege I cherish every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.creolecontouraesthetics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creolecontouraesthetics?igsh=a3QxaHQ2aWI2cnNu
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Creole-Contour-Aesthetics-100080368432805/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherlonda-westley-henry-499026220/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZSduwmgXybP4MNalDhzEtQ
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/creole-contour-aesthetics-tomball-2