Welcome to "Where Are They Now?", a series that follows the journey of individuals who have attended one of our courses and how they have applied the skills and knowledge gained with us 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.
Brooke East, RN BSN
Introducing Brooke East as the newest addition to our "Where Are They Now?" series brings us great excitement. Brooke took part in a Combined Full Day Hands-Training Course in Oct 2020.
What were you doing before you got into aesthetics?
My interest in aesthetics began when I started receiving treatments of my own (lasers, peels, facials and toxins) in 2019.
I was working as an ER nurse in a level 1 trauma center and quite frankly busting my ass for little in return. I started seeing how important these treatments were for my self-care. I loved working in trauma/critical care, however, I often wondered how sustainable it was for me, especially if my husband and I wanted to start a family one day.
What inspired you to pursue a career in aesthetics and choose The Confidence Lab's training program?
After the 2nd big wave of Covid was when I knew I had to take charge of my career and create a new path for myself. I registered for the online novice neuromodulator course through The Confidence Lab and started doing mobile botox for Innovative MedSpa.
Finally, the day came that registration for the hands-on training for neuromodulators and fillers was announced (Fall 2020). I registered so fast you would have thought it was tickets for Lalapalooza. I can tell you this was best decision I have ever made. I was so inspired by Rana and her enthusiasm for not only aesthetics, but for building people up and creating community. Her energy was contagious. This was where I began to see what a supportive community there was in aesthetics! I was blown away at how down to earth, kind and flat-out hilarious Rana was. I was nervous but eager to learn and she created an atmosphere where everyone felt comfortable and at ease. It was just as much fun as it was educational. It opened my eyes to what a career in aesthetics could look like and I realized then that this is where I want to be. I still remember the immense high that I felt after that training and the huge grin that didn’t leave my face for days!
What is your favorite aspect of working in the field of aesthetics?
My favorite part about this job is the relationships I get to build with my patients. I love being a part of their own self-care journey. My favorite memory is when a mother of one of my patients actually came in to thank me for “helping her daughter to see her true beauty.” I always tell my patients that approval from a partner or parent is the highest compliment and this mom brought me to tears. This job allows you to help people in such a unique way and can be so rewarding.
What are you doing now?
I have since left the Emergency Department to work as a Nurse Injector full time and I absolutely love my job. I now have a 6 month old baby boy and I am so grateful for Rana and the opportunities that her training provided me. I am so glad I made this career change when I did! The Confidence Lab provided me with all the tools be a successful nurse injector and I couldn’t be more indebted to Rana and her amazing team. There is a huge sense of community and support well beyond the classroom. To see women who truly value and support each other was so refreshing and really is the foundation that Rana has built around the Confidence Lab.
What advice would you give to those considering a career in this field?
If you’re thinking about taking the leap into aesthetics, get started now. Don’t wait until you’re burnt out. Take the course, learn as much as you can, build those relationships and the rest will fall into place if you want it bad enough. You aren’t losing anything by setting yourself up now for a better career in the future.