We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shemia Garner. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shemia below.

Shemia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

Raised with the strong foundation of faith in Christ and support from my parents, I learned early on the importance of standing up for what’s right. One of the most formative experiences of my childhood came when my mother defended me against a coach who made racist remarks about an opposing team during a basketball game. As an African American player, I trusted this coach, but his words hurt me deeply. My mother, recognizing the injustice, wrote a letter to the school board on my behalf, ensuring my voice was heard. This act of advocacy not only taught me the power of standing up against wrong but also instilled in me a deep sense of justice and compassion.

That lesson has profoundly shaped my career as a nurse. Just as my mother advocated for me, I now fight for my patients and their rights. I believe in empowering those under my care by encouraging them to ask questions, voice concerns, and ensure they receive the treatment they deserve. I’ve always rooted for the underdog, and in my role, I make it a priority to be an advocate for those who may feel vulnerable or unheard. Whether in the face of difficult medical decisions or moments when patients feel overwhelmed, I aim to be a steadfast voice for their well-being, just as my mother was for me.

Shemia, 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 Shemia, a God-fearing country girl rooted in family and love. My journey into the beauty and wellness industry is deeply personal, and it’s all about creating a better future for my children. As a single mom, I knew I had to make choices that would secure a bright future for my daughters. So, I decided to go back to school and pursue nursing, driven by the desire to provide for us.

During the pandemic, I witnessed an explosion of businesses offering IV hydration and aesthetic services, and something clicked for me. I knew that this was the field I wanted to dive into, combining my nursing background with my passion for beauty and wellness.

Today, I offer luxury beauty and wellness services designed for everyone. Whether it’s through aesthetic injectables, wellness treatments, or other advanced beauty services, I am dedicated to helping my clients achieve their goals, whether they’re looking for rejuvenation, relaxation, or self-care.

What sets me apart is that I’m a realist—down-to-earth, approachable, and authentic. I believe that beauty and wellness should make you feel like the best version of yourself, not a version of someone else. When you walk into my spa, it’s like walking into a space where you feel at home, where your needs and comfort come first.

I’m most proud of taking the leap of faith into this industry. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I believed in myself, and I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to make a difference in my clients’ lives.

As a brand, my mission is to provide safe and reliable services while continually learning and evolving. I’m always improving my skills, staying up-to-date with new techniques, and striving to offer the best care possible. I’m committed to making my services inclusive for people of all ethnicities and genders, and I’m excited to expand my offerings to better serve a diverse clientele.

If you’re looking for a place where you can feel comfortable and confident, where every service is tailored to you, and where you can trust that you’re in good hands, I’d love to connect. I’m here to help you look and feel your best.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that success or worth is solely determined by external validation or others’ expectations.

Growing up, I was taught that hard work, discipline, and meeting societal standards would lead to a clear path of success. That meant focusing on achievement in traditional ways, getting the degree, the job, the accolades. As a single mom, I took this mindset to heart, striving for a secure future for my daughters, believing that financial stability and external recognition were the ultimate markers of success.

But, when I pivoted to the beauty and wellness field, I quickly realized that success in this industry, and in life, isn’t just about meeting a checklist or impressing others. It’s about staying true to your purpose, serving from the heart, and finding fulfillment in the work you do.

The pandemic was a big turning point. It forced me to slow down, reflect, and focus on what truly mattered to me. I realized that my passion for helping others feel confident, empowered, and cared for wasn’t something I could measure with the traditional markers of success. It wasn’t about how many clients I had or the shiny title I could earn; it was about how I made people feel and how I showed up in my work.

I had to unlearn that deep-seated belief that only measurable success was worthwhile and embrace a new definition of success, one based on personal fulfillment, genuine connection, and impacting others positively. The more I embraced this mindset, the more I felt free to take risks, grow in my craft, and create a space where people feel safe, welcomed, and truly seen.

The lesson was hard to let go of, but in doing so, I unlocked a more authentic and rewarding path forward, both for myself and for my clients

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

Absolutely, yes. Looking back, I would still choose this profession and specialty without hesitation.

When I first decided to go back to school for nursing, it was about securing a stable future for my daughters, and I was deeply focused on finding a way to provide for us. But as my journey evolved, I realized that nursing, combined with aesthetics and wellness, wasn’t just a career; it was a passion I never expected to uncover.

What I love about this path is that it allows me to blend my medical knowledge with my love for beauty and wellness in a way that’s both fulfilling and impactful. I’m able to use my nursing background to ensure my clients receive safe, effective treatments while also providing them with the confidence boost they deserve. Seeing people leave my spa feeling rejuvenated, beautiful, and more connected to their own self-worth is incredibly rewarding.

The decision to specialize in aesthetics and wellness came naturally. During the pandemic, when I witnessed how these services were helping people feel good about themselves in a time of uncertainty, I knew this was the niche I was meant to carve out for myself. It felt like a calling rather than just a job.

If I were to go back, I wouldn’t change a thing. Each step, whether it was becoming a nurse, being a single mom, or finding my way into aesthetics, has led me to exactly where I am today. The work I do brings me joy and allows me to serve others in a deeply meaningful way, and that’s a gift I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.addisonroseaesthetics.com
• Instagram: @addisonrose_aesthetics
• Facebook: Addison Rose Aesthetics

Image Credits

29th and 11th Photography
Picman Media LLC Photography