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.
Introducing Lisa Pena the newest addition to our "Where Are They Now?" series brings us great excitement. Lisa took part in multiple trainings at The Confidence Lab in 2024, with her latest training being a 1-1 Customized Day with Lamija!
What were you doing before you got into aesthetics?
I started my career in nursing in 2014 as a pediatric nurse at Loyola Medical Center. Over my five years of working there, I completed my masters to become a FNP in 2018.
What inspired you to pursue a career in aesthetics?
Truthfully, my own personal interest and a push from a very respected NP in the aesthetic industry inspired me to pursue a career in aesthetics. In 2019, Brittany Crosadell was injecting my lips, and she said to me something like, “Why aren’t you injecting?! You’re a nurse practitioner!” At the time, I was so focused on the family medicine side of my practice that it never dawned on me to purse aesthetics as well. Shortly after, I took a basics training course and the rest is history.
Why did you choose The Confidence Lab's training program?
I chose The Confidence Lab’s training program because of their welcoming energy, strong sense of community over competition, as well as their experience and expertise in training hundreds and hundreds of injectors. I have trained at The Confidence Lab on three different occasions. At each training, I have felt welcomed, empowered to ask questions, and comfortable sharing concerns or a lack of understanding on certain topics. The ability to customize my training sessions to my needs leaves me feeling fulfilled and more confident to deliver improved results to my patients. All trainings at
The Confidence Lab have provided me with significant hands on opportunities, which is amazing! The Confidence Lab injectors also align with my ideology of providing natural enhancements.
What is your favorite aspect of working in the field of aesthetics?
My favorite aspects of working in aesthetics are helping people to feel more confident in their own skin. I’ve learned that small changes make a big impact. To see a patient with a beaming smile after seeing their results gives me immense affirmation. I also enjoy connecting with my patients and getting to know them over the long term. I try to take time with them, and jot down things about them unrelated to aesthetics. Personal touches and genuine connection go a long way.
What are you doing now?
Right now, I am practicing family and aesthetic medicine, and I work at two different practices. I work full time at Peña Clinic, our family-owned family medicine office where I work with my dad. He has been a family physician for 37 years and allowed me to bring aesthetics into our practice 5 years ago. From managing patients with diabetes and high blood pressure, to giving joint injections and performing all things aesthetics, I am thankful that I am maximizing the scope of my practice as a nurse practitioner. I also work part time at Kiss Aesthetics by Kim Burke. In 2021, I took one of Kim’s
trainings and she offered me a position to join the team part time. It was the opportunity of a lifetime for me. Having been a solo injector at Peña Clinic, it was very scary for me at times seeing patients on my own without a consistent mentor to turn to. My skillset improved dramatically once I joined the Kiss team in 2021, and I am forever grateful to Kim for giving me this opportunity.
What advice would you give to those considering a career in this field?
1. Try not to let the industry intimidate you. Educate yourself, invest in trainings, and stay focused as everyone has their own unique path to success. Stay focused and you will get there! 2. Use social media as a tool, but don’t let it consume you. Your interactions with your current patients are more valuable than how many likes a post has or how many followers you have. 3. Make friends in the aesthetic community and be sure to have a mentor/friend who you can call with questions. We all need to remember to support each other and lift each other up!