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.
Mary Ligad, APRN, CRNA
Introducing Mary Ligad as the newest addition to our "Where Are They Now?" series brings us great excitement. Mary took part in a Customized Hands-Training Course Mar 03 2023 with Cristina. Here is an Instagram reel from the training
What were you doing before you got into aesthetics?
I am a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologist (CRNA). I've been a critical care nurse since 2009 and worked at Duke Hospital in Durham NC. I decided to pursue my masters in anesthesia. I've worked in the operating room & labor and delivery for 5 years as a CRNA. I still give anesthesia 2 days a week.
What inspired you to pursue a career in aesthetics?
What inspired me to do aesthetics? Oh goodness... Covid, Honestly - haha! But really though, all jokes aside, after working through the height of the pandemic (while pregnant with my son) giving anesthesia to and putting breathing tubes into covid positive patients, I thought briefly, "What the heck am i doing!?" I really had no idea that I would be able to pursue anything outside of giving anesthesia as an ARNP. After seeing a couple of my friends pursue it, I thought, 'If they can do it as CRNAs, why can't I? I've always been really passionate about aesthetics and skin care and the science behind different products and how each of the toxins and fillers work. So, I did my research for the state I live in, and got good training under my belt! I also spent a lot of time in the OR working with different plastic surgeons asking questions and currently work weekly with an oculoplastic surgeon giving anesthesia to patients in his office. I think I realized that I would be able to help people in a different way outside of the OR. That really excited me and pushed me to pursue aesthetics.
Why did you choose The Confidence Lab's training program?
Honestly, I had just come off of a refresher tox training, and was looking for a filler specific training. I was struggling to find one and through a google search, I saw the confidence lab!
I saw Rana's name mentioned, and quickly realized that she was one of the names mentioned in the tox training I had just gone to as one of the best injectors/ businesses to follow! After stalking the confidence bar instagram, I saw how high caliber everyone was there. I thought to myself, " I want to be the best I can be at this new skill i've acquired, why would I not train with the best people to help me achieve my goals?" I was wary at first, thinking I wasn't good enough to be there or to be doing a customized training like I did. After I got to the confidence lab and met everyone, I felt immediately like family and my nerves melted away. I came out of training with SO much more confidence than I have in any training I've done. Best decision I made for myself for sure.
What is your favorite aspect of working in the field of aesthetics?
My favorite thing about working in aesthetics is educating patients! Really, that's my favorite thing about nursing, educating and debunking myths. I love teaching people about what neurotoxins and fillers do and how each can help them in different ways and how they can work harmoniously together. I'm a science nerd and love to know the whys and hows of things, so I think that really helps me educate people well.
What are you doing now?
I'm working as an aesthetic injector at a medspa with the oculoplastic surgeon that I work with weekly. We're just opening up and getting started, but I'm really excited about it!
What advice would you give to those considering a career in this field?
JUST DO IT! Don't be afraid to pursue something that could potentially fill your cup and overflow it. I was really really afraid at first and unsure of myself. I am so glad I just put myself out there and was afforded the opportunity that I was. Whether you own your own aesthetics practice or work at a medspa, I think the opportunities for growth and learning are endless! Plus, it's awesome to get to help people in a different way outside of the hospital or clinic.