We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kikue Misite. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kikue below.
Kikue, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
The biggest risk I’ve ever taken was letting go of getting a paycheck. Ever since my first job at 16 years old cashiering at Rubio’s, I cared so much about giving my all in exchange for that beautiful, exhilarating paycheck. I was definitely addicted. Fastforward through years and years of yearning for it every two weeks – from being a cashier, to working a desk job, to being a yoga instructor, to night shift in the hospital as a Registered Nurse. Buying whatever I wanted when it came: vacations, takeout, clothes. It was so stable and consistent. I broke my addiction at 35 years old…that’s a long time to be addicted to something, right?
I remember the exact moment I took the leap. One year ago, just before my 35th birthday, I came home from another frustrating day at work making money for one of the largest medspa chains in the country. On the outside, it looked like I had it all – a steady job as a Lead Registered Nurse, vacation time, and the ability to treat myself to whatever I wanted. But on the inside, I was unhappy with the constant exchange of my time and genuine effort for those paychecks from an employer who was so far removed from me that I felt like a pawn. I couldn’t stop self-reflecting and ruminating over all the books I had read on generating true success and happiness, and I asked myself, “if I don’t break away from this paycheck now, then when?”
It was the scariest decision I’ve ever made. I handed in my two weeks’ notice and stepped into the world of entrepreneurship with no real safety net. I was all in. No guaranteed paycheck. I went from earning a comfortable salary to absolutely nothing. The freedom was exhilarating, but it was also terrifying. There were moments of doubt, nights where I questioned everything, going back and forth about getting hired somewhere, and the weight of responsibility was heavier than I ever imagined. I took a huge risk going all in on building my own business.
But what I didn’t realize at the time was it wasn’t just about building a business, it was about building my life on my own terms. Once you realize that true freedom comes from owning your choices, the risk is always worth it. Despite the challenges, it has been one of the most rewarding risks I’ve ever taken.
Kikue, 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?
I’m Kikue, the founder of Fiora Aesthetics, a beauty clinic based in Solana Beach. While I specialize in medical aesthetics – Botox, filler, skin rejuvenation, etc. – my true specialty is tailoring treatment plans to amplify that beautiful energy you already have within. The aesthetic industry has shown me a different side of wellness where self-care and self-love is at the forefront, and I’m all about it.
At Fiora, our goal is to uplift how you feel. For example, when we treat your lips with filler, we’re not only focused on the treatment; we’re focused on how you feel inside when you smile or pose for a picture after your treatment. We want you to feel amazing during these little moments. That’s why we take extra time to get to know you by asking about your goals, concerns, and what treatments you’ve done before. We want you to leave feeling open, connected, and confident—whether you’re walking into a meeting, grabbing groceries, or coming home to your loved ones. It’s the little everyday moments when feeling good in your own skin makes a big difference.
What makes Fiora different is our honesty over profit. I’m not driven by profit—I’m driven by the result that will make you feel like the best version of yourself. And yes, I know I’m running a business! But in the end, I also know that serving others with enthusiasm and authenticity will also serve my business in the end.
I’m incredibly proud of the community we’ve built at Fiora Aesthetics. It’s not just a medical spa; it’s a place where people come to feel truly seen and cared for. I get to work with clients who trust me to help them feel more confident in their own skin, and that’s a gift. What I hope people take away from my work and my brand is that beauty isn’t about perfection—it’s about loving and expressing yourself in a way true to you. In the same way your hair stylist tailors that perfect cut and color that makes you feel refreshed, we tailor that perfect combination of treatments that make you feel refreshed. At Fiora Aesthetics, we’re here to be your partner in the journey of how you want to take care of and represent yourself.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Culture Code by Daniel Coyle is a great business book about building a great team culture and how vital it is for success. I have been in leadership 16+ years, and this is a gem that has significantly impacted my management style and entrepreneurial philosophy. Daniel Coyle highlights the importance of building a solid group culture and how to do it. He does an amazing job explaining why certain leaders and groups are successful and uses examples of his own experience consulting exceptional teams, including some in professional sports. Most of us have experienced good and bad work cultures. After reading this book, you can spot both from a mile away, but more importantly, understand why some teams fail while others succeed. This has shaped my entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy building a beautiful culture at Fiora Aesthetics with my clientele and business partners.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
Aside from training and knowledge, having the right attitude is essential. In nursing school, they say you need 3 things to become a successful nurse – knowledge, skills, and attitude. The great Earl Nightengale also says attitude is the number one thing you need for success in his famous quote, “Our attitude towards life determines life’s attitude towards us.” To run a successful medspa (and business in general), I believe a steadfast, positive attitude is everything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fioraaesthetics.com/
- Instagram: @fiora_aesthetics
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557184814275&mibextid=LQQJ4d&mibextid=LQQJ4d