Welcome our series that follows the journey of individuals who have attended one of our courses and how they have applied the skills and knowledge gained in their professional and personal lives. We believe that learning is a lifelong journey, and we take pride in knowing that our program has had a positive impact on the lives of our attendees.
Becky Berkan & Genea Grossen
Introducing Aesthetic Nurses Becky Berkan & Genea Grossen founders of BellaReis Med Spa who took part on Feb 28 2024 in a Customized Advanced Full Day Training with Rana.
What were you doing before you got into aesthetics?
We are both emergency room nurses in Madison, WI and continue to practice at the bedside while growing our aesthetic business. With over two decades of experience in the ED, Becky and fifteen years under Genea's belt, we felt well-equipped to a slight change in our career paths. The shift from emergency medicine to aesthetic nursing may seem unconventional, but it's a testament to the adaptability and diverse skill set that we possess and we were ready for it!
What inspired you to pursue a career in aesthetics?
Our fascination with this nursing niche has always been met with the harsh reality of challenging and, honestly, disheartening entry barriers. The competition is intense, and breaking into the scene requires starting from square one. After the emotional toll of the COVID pandemic, we found it necessary to take a slight step back from the bedside. During this time, a unique opportunity emerged—a chance to collaborate with a physician and establish a med spa in our little hometown. Despite our lack of knowledge about launching a small business, we hit the ground running, and voila! BellaReis came into existence! Having the opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients is a change from our ED background. In aesthetic nursing, we have the chance to have a positive impact on people's lives over time. It's a chance to contribute to their overall well-being in a more profound and enduring way than we have been subject to all our years in the ED and THAT is what fuels the drive!
Why did you choose The Confidence Lab's training program?
The reason that we chose The Confidence Lab is multifaceted. The first being, Rana. Rana has been an injector that we have admired and followed since beginning our aesthetic journey just 2 short years ago. She stands as a beacon of knowledge and experience in the field and comes with years of experience and a stellar reputation. Rana brings a level of expertise that is unparalleled. Her commitment to staying up-to-date on the latest advancements made us know that we would be getting the best training possible at The Confidence Lab.
Secondly, The Confidence Lab takes pride in providing a personalized and hands-on learning experience as well as a comprehensive curriculum. This is something we had not experienced before nor can you find in other training sessions. We had specific goals and The Confidence Lab understands that every professional comes with unique strengths and areas for improvement. Before our training, they called us to get our goals for the day and arranged individual models that met our needs. It was amazing. We were able to focus on what we came to learn so you felt you were getting your moneys worth every step of the way! The curriculum is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills required to excel in administering treatments that you may once struggled with, but now have confidence.
Finally, we chose The Confidence Lab for its location. Not only is Chicago a great city, but for us, it's so close! We live up in Wisconsin, so Rana and her team are only a few hours away....making it very easy to come back.
What is your favorite aspect of working in the field of aesthetics?
There are so many to list! However, our favorite is probably how aesthetics allows for a blend of science and artistry. The ability to enhance someone's natural beauty and contribute to their confidence is a form of artistic expression that brings a different kind of fulfillment. Yes, in the ED we can save your life, but it's hard to explain the joy you get out of seeing someone cry happy tears when you hand them the mirror for the first time after a procedure. Being able to give someone that boost in their self-esteem is powerful on the soul! Additionally, we have met so many new friends and rekindled relationships with old friends. Witnessing the regular presence of our patients, who have evolved from acquaintances to friends and eventually become part of our extended family, is truly remarkable. It provides us with the chance to strengthen lasting connections over time which you can't get in other areas of healthcare.
What are you doing now?
We are in the second year of operating BellaReis Med Spa and loving every minute of it. Yes, we have had the lovely ups and downs of owning a business with your best friend, but we have persisted. We continue to work 2 days a week in the ED, but the remainder of the week is spent at the spa. We have made 2024 our year of education which is how we met our friends at The Confidence Bar. We are continuing to strive to be the best aesthetic providers for our patients. Both of us are in school pursuing our nurse practitioner degrees and we have families and children we are raising. Sometimes, it seems almost impossible to have this much on a plate, but we wouldn't have it any other way!
What advice would you give to those considering a career in this field?
You do you! Do NOT get caught up on what Susie down the street is doing. Start small and get comfortable with just a few things in the beginning. Maybe Tox, then bring on various filler areas slowly. Always keep learning! You have access to so much great education online. Subscribe to a few Patreon accounts and use those fabulous injectors to teach you 365 days a year. Keep in mind, there is only so much you can learn from a computer screen, so make an effort to go to training and conferences. Might we suggest The Confidence Bar :) If you get the opportunity to be involved in entrepreneurial ventures, do it! This entrepreneurial aspect adds excitement and variety to the career, allowing YOU to shape your own professional destinies.
OH! And you don't need a laser.