We were lucky to catch up with Claire Deegan recently and have shared our conversation below.
Claire , 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.
One of the biggest risks I’ve taken in my career was deciding to launch Ella Rose Aesthetics as a solopreneur in Omaha, Nebraska. To give you the full picture, let’s rewind a bit to the backstory. For years, I worked as a Nurse Practitioner in a high-stress hospital environment. The job was incredibly rewarding—I loved helping patients through tough medical situations and seeing them recover—but it was also mentally and emotionally draining. Long shifts, constant pressure, and the emotional weight of life-and-death decisions left me feeling burned out. At the same time, I’d always harbored this lifelong dream of diving into the world of aesthetics. It wasn’t just about beauty; it was about blending the artistry of the beauty industry with the precision of professional medicine to bring real joy and confidence to people’s lives. I’d see patients light up when they felt good about themselves, and I wanted to create a space where that transformation could happen in a more positive, uplifting way. The risk really crystallized a couple of years ago when I realized I couldn’t keep putting off my passion. I was in my mid-30s, with a young family depending on me, and the stability of my hospital job was hard to walk away from—steady paycheck, benefits, and a clear career path. But the idea of regret haunted me; I knew if I didn’t at least try, I’d always wonder “what if?” So, I started small, building Ella Rose Aesthetics on the side while still working full-time. That meant late nights researching regulations for opening a MedSpa in Nebraska, sourcing equipment, learning about business operations (which was totally outside my medical wheelhouse), and networking with suppliers and potential clients. I invested my own savings into the initial setup—renting a small space, getting certified in advanced aesthetic procedures like injectables and laser treatments, and handling everything from marketing to scheduling myself. It was terrifying because if it flopped, I’d not only lose that money but also face the embarrassment of failing at something I was so passionate about. The even bigger leap came when I finally decided to leave the hospital entirely and go all-in on the business. This was about a year and a half after starting part-time, once I had a steady client base building through word-of-mouth and social media. Quitting meant no safety net—no more guaranteed income to fall back on—and suddenly, I was solely responsible for supporting my family through this venture. The timing felt right because I’d seen the demand in Omaha for personalized, high-quality aesthetic services, but it was still a gamble in a competitive market, especially as a solo operator without a team to lean on. Looking back, that risk has paid off in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Ella Rose Aesthetics is thriving now—we’ve grown to serve hundreds of clients who leave feeling empowered and beautiful. Financially, it’s become the primary support for my family, which is both empowering and a constant motivator. Sure, it’s technically more work than my hospital days; I’m wearing all the hats as owner, practitioner, and administrator. But the flexibility is a game-changer—I can schedule around my kids’ activities, take time for family vacations, and build a business that aligns with my values. Most importantly, I wake up excited every day because I truly adore what I do. It’s not without challenges, like navigating economic ups and downs or staying current with industry trends, but the fulfillment far outweighs the stress. If anything, taking that risk taught me that betting on yourself, even when it’s scary, can lead to a life that’s not just successful, but genuinely joyful.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Claire Deegan, and I’m the heart and soul behind Ella Rose Aesthetics in Omaha, Nebraska a business I proudly named after my daughter, Ella Rose, whose vibrant spirit inspires everything I do. I’m a Nurse Practitioner, a wife of 15 years, and a proud mom to three small children who keep me on my toes. My journey into aesthetics is rooted in a blend of personal passion and professional expertise. I started my career in acute care cardiac surgery, working in high-pressure hospital environments where I honed my skills in procedural medicine. While that work was fulfilling, it was also intense, and I found myself drawn to a lifelong fascination with the beauty industry. For me, aesthetics was the perfect marriage of artistry and medical precision—a way to combine my love for procedures with the joy of helping people feel confident and radiant. As someone who has personally struggled with self-confidence, I deeply connect with clients seeking that boost to feel like their best selves. That empathy drives everything I do. Ella Rose Aesthetics is my dream come to life, born out of a desire to create a space where people feel celebrated and empowered. We offer a range of aesthetic services, including injectables (like Botox and dermal fillers), laser treatments, and skin rejuvenation therapies, all tailored to enhance natural beauty. What sets us apart is our commitment to customized care. I don’t believe in chasing fleeting industry trends or pushing one-size-fits-all treatments. Instead, I work closely with each client to craft personalized aesthetic plans that align with their unique goals—whether that’s softening fine lines, enhancing facial contours, or achieving a radiant complexion. My focus is on subtle, natural-looking enhancements that amplify who you already are, not changing you to fit some external standard. One of the biggest problems I solve for my clients is the overwhelm and pressure often found in the aesthetics industry. I’m adamant about no-pressure consultations—my recommendations are always rooted in what’s safe, effective, and genuinely beneficial for each individual. I want clients to feel informed and empowered, not sold to. At Ella Rose Aesthetics, we provide an upscale, luxury experience that feels like a treat, a moment for clients to prioritize themselves in a warm, welcoming environment. My mission statement captures this ethos perfectly: At Ella Rose Aesthetics, we embrace our clients with LOVE, fostering confidence and acceptance through exceptional care. We earn TRUST with consistent safety, quality, and value. Our SERVICE transforms every treatment into an act of love, ensuring your SATISFACTION and radiance. I’m most proud of breaking away from the industry’s tendency to prioritize trends over substance. Instead, I focus exclusively on evidence-based, safe, and natural-looking treatments. Every decision I make is guided by what will deliver the best results for my clients while preserving their authenticity. I’m also incredibly proud of the atmosphere we’ve cultivated at Ella Rose Aesthetics. When clients walk through our doors, I want them to feel at home, like they’re part of a family. It’s not just about the treatments—it’s about creating a space where people feel loved, valued, and seen. To potential clients, I want you to know that Ella Rose Aesthetics is a place where your unique beauty is celebrated. We’re here to listen, to understand your goals, and to partner with you to achieve them in a way that feels authentic and uplifting. Whether you’re new to aesthetics or a seasoned client, my promise is to treat you with care, integrity, and a commitment to helping you shine. I’m so grateful to be living this dream, and I’d love to welcome you to experience the Ella Rose difference for yourself.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
Beyond training and knowledge, I believe the most critical factor for succeeding in the aesthetics field is finding a supportive community. As a solopreneur running Ella Rose Aesthetics in Omaha, Nebraska, I’ve learned that building a business in a competitive and fast-evolving industry requires more than just technical skill—it demands connection, collaboration, and guidance. Aesthetics can feel isolating, especially in what I call a “big small town” like Omaha, where local collaboration isn’t always abundant. That’s why finding a community of like-minded professionals has been a game-changer for me. I’ve leaned heavily on various platforms to build this network. I joined training groups, online forums, and Patreon accounts dedicated to aesthetics professionals, and I make it a point to travel to seminars where I can connect with business leaders in the field. Networking has opened doors to insights I’d never gain on my own. One group, in particular, has been my lifeline: InjectablesEdu. This community has been instrumental in guiding me through challenges like navigating economic shifts and staying compliant with ever-changing FDA regulations. Their support has been like a beacon, helping me stay grounded and informed. I also owe so much to my mentor, Suzanne Jager, who has been a guiding light, offering wisdom and perspective that have shaped my path. Without her mentorship and the InjectablesEdu community, I genuinely wouldn’t be where I am today. Beyond community, I’ve had to give myself what I call a “makeshift MBA” in business. Nursing school equipped me to be an exceptional Nurse Practitioner, but it didn’t prepare me for the realities of running a MedSpa. I’ve devoured entrepreneurship and business-building books and podcasts to bridge that gap. Hardly a day goes by without me listening to Diary of a CEO—it’s become my daily dose of inspiration and practical advice. Being great at injectables or aesthetic procedures is only half the battle; building a successful business requires a whole different skill set. Grit and tenacity have carried me through the areas where I lacked natural talent or formal training. In aesthetics, a love for continuous learning is non-negotiable. The industry moves at lightning speed, with new products, techniques, and trends emerging almost monthly. But success isn’t about jumping on every bandwagon—it’s about discernment, knowing what’s a fleeting trend versus what’s the next big thing. That’s where mentors and community come in, helping you navigate the noise and focus on what’s safe, effective, and aligned with your values. For me, the combination of a supportive community, relentless self-education, and a mentor’s guidance has been the foundation of my success at Ella Rose Aesthetics. It’s what keeps me thriving in an industry that’s as challenging as it is rewarding.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your firm or practice?
Funding Ella Rose Aesthetics was a journey of scrappy determination, personal sacrifice, and strategic saving, all driven by a relentless belief in my vision. When I started, I didn’t have access to big investors or a hefty bank loan, so I leaned on my personal savings and a 0% APR credit card to cover initial opening costs like equipment and supplies. As a Nurse Practitioner working full-time in a hospital, I set aside every extra penny from my paycheck, funneling it into business expenses. Keeping costs as low as possible was critical in those early days. I rented a small room in a Permanent Makeup Studio, built my own website, and used Canva templates to design my logo and business cards. I handled everything myself—marketing, scheduling, checkout, accounting—to avoid unnecessary expenses. It was grueling, but it kept the business lean while I found my footing. That first year was a whirlwind of doubt and hustle. Sleepless nights were common, filled with worry about whether I was risking my family’s financial stability or if I’d ever turn a profit. To build a client base in Omaha, I went all-in on grassroots marketing: handing out flyers door-to-door in neighborhoods, posting on bulletin boards at Panera and Starbucks, and even putting up yard signs. It felt like an uphill battle, but word-of-mouth slowly started to spread. As my mentor, Cassie Lane, wisely said, “The runway is long,” and that perspective kept me going. A pivotal turning point came when I hired my social media manager and assistant, Sarah Christianson. Sarah’s talent and perfectionist attention to detail were game-changers. Her ability to craft a compelling online presence and manage the business’s branding elevated Ella Rose Aesthetics in ways I couldn’t have achieved alone. Hiring her felt like a financial stretch at the time, but she was exponentially worth more than what she asked for. Without her, the business wouldn’t have grown to where it is today—she was essential to scaling up. Another key moment was the incredible support from Omaha-based influencer Katie Starks, whose generosity helped propel my business forward in ways I can never thank her enough for. Katie, with her strong local following and authentic connection to her audience, shared Ella Rose Aesthetics with her community, amplifying our reach and bringing in clients who trusted her endorsement. Her willingness to champion a small, growing business like mine gave us a visibility boost that was critical in those early days, turning curious followers into loyal clients. Balancing the hospital job with Ella Rose Aesthetics was brutal. For that first year, I worked every single day—hospital shifts, then evenings and weekends at the MedSpa. It took a toll on my family; my three young kids missed me, and the strain on my marriage was undeniable. It wasn’t sustainable. The moment of clarity came when I realized I was losing potential profit by staying at the hospital—my time was better spent growing the business. So, I left the hospital and went all-in on Ella Rose Aesthetics. That leap was terrifying but transformative. Once I was fully committed, I focused on strategic saving to fuel growth. Paying off that initial credit card was a huge milestone, and I reinvested every dollar of profit back into the business. Sarah’s work helped amplify word-of-mouth, which became our biggest growth driver along with social media connections and influencers. I also leaned on mentors like Suzanne Jager and communities like InjectablesEdu to navigate economic challenges and plan for expansion. Growing in a tumultuous economy requires perfect timing, and their guidance has been invaluable. Looking back, I’m proud of how I bootstrapped Ella Rose Aesthetics with minimal resources, sheer grit, and the critical support of Sarah Christianson. Those early days of flyer-handing and sleepless nights were tough, but keeping my eyes on the goal of building a business that brings confidence and joy to clients kept me grounded. Now, as I continue to save and plan for expansion, I’m grateful for the sacrifices and the team that helped make this dream a reality, especially Sarah, whose contributions were nothing short of vital.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ellaroseaesthetics.com
- Instagram: @ellaroseaesthetics402
- Facebook: ellaroseaesthetics402
- Linkedin: Claire Deegan
Image Credits
Kasie Marie Creative