From Nurse to CEO: 5 Steps to Open Your Own Med Spa Without Burning Out

From Nurse to CEO: 5 Steps to Open Your Own Med Spa Without Burning Out

How to turn your clinical experience into a compliant, profitable, and passion-fueled business

If you're a nurse, PA, or clinician dreaming of opening your own med spa, you’re not alone and you’re not crazy. The aesthetic industry is booming, but too often, providers jump in without a roadmap and burn out before they ever build momentum. I recently worked with a nurse who was having trouble with understanding taxes for the management services corporation of the medical spa and she said, “If you ask me about Botox I can tell you, but I am having a hard time understanding why the form 2553 for the IRS is and why it is needed. Can you please explain it again?” Of course, that is why I am here to help guide you through this process.

Here’s the truth: your medical background gives you a major edge, but only if you know how to leverage it properly. Without structure, mentorship, and clarity, your passion can quickly turn into overwhelm.

That’s why I created the 5 Part Framework. It’s a simple, powerful guide that walks you through the essentials of launching your own med spa with purpose and power.

Let’s dive in.

🏡 1. Place: Build Where You’re Rooted

Everyone wants to open in Beverly Hills or a luxe shopping center, but here’s my advice:
Start where people already trust you.

  • The most successful injectors and spa owners I coach are those who open near their kids’ schools, old hospitals, or within their existing social circles. Fellow moms are very powerful! Tap into your neighborhood groups in person and online.

  • When I opened my spa in 2018, most of my early clients were my former coworkers — nurses, residents, and staff who already knew me. It was easy for me to grow in circles where I had already spend years building rapport and trust.

  • Trust is the currency in aesthetics. Why throw away the relationships you’ve spent years building?

You don’t need to be in a "posh" zip code. You need to be where your people are. I help you figure out where that is. If you have a hard time identifying it, you may want to spend some time investing in local groups such as wellness clubs, gyms, business organizations and chamber of commerce. 

🔥 2. Purpose: Know Why You’re Doing This

It’s easy to be excited about opening a med spa. But after the honeymoon phase fades,
you’ll need a deeper reason to keep going.

Ask yourself:

  • Have you received aesthetic treatments that changed how you felt about yourself?

  • Do you want to help other women feel more confident, empowered, or seen?

  • What problem are you trying to solve?

Your purpose is your fuel. You’ll need it on the long nights, slow months, and uphill climbs.

🎯 3. Position: Stand Out in a Crowded Market

Between 2021 and 2024, the U.S. medical spa industry more than doubled. It went from $8.7 billion to over $18 billion. This means the market is growing fast and getting more competitive every day.

To thrive, you need more than Botox and filler. You need a clear reason why someone should choose you.

Consider:

  • Are you obsessed with postpartum care or perimenopause skincare?

  • Do you want to create a mental health-meets-beauty space for moms?

  • Is your aesthetic deeply tied to natural results, science-backed products, or concierge service?

The more you niche down, the easier it becomes to define your branding, decor, pricing, and services.

✍️ 4. Practice: Become a Student Again

You can’t sell results without skill. So if you haven’t already, start training now and keep going.

  • Take a reputable aesthetics course if you haven’t yet

  • Watch anatomy tutorials, case studies, and live injection demos

  • Commit to training at least once per quarter as a new injector to stay sharp and confident

🤝 5. Partner: Don’t Build Alone

This is where burnout happens. Too many clinicians try to figure everything out on their own and miss crucial steps like setting up the right business entity or securing proper medical supervision.

Here’s how to avoid costly mistakes:

  • Hire a consultant or coach who understands med spa compliance

  • Work with an experienced aesthetic attorney and accountant

  • Join networks and attend events with other injectors and spa owners for support and strategy

Opening a med spa is launching a medical practice. You need a team who knows what they’re doing. Book a 1:1 Call with Dr. Lunderville HERE

✨ Ready to Start Your CEO Era?

This isn’t just about injections. It’s about building something that lasts.
If you’re ready to turn your nursing degree into a thriving med spa without the burnout, I’d love to help.

Book a clarity call with Dr. C or explore our full training and mentorship offerings at Elev Institute

Your dream deserves a strategy. Let’s build it together.





Katie Flores