In Spring 2024, QP shone a spotlight on 31 women who are going above and beyond to set high standards and foster growth within the industry. These Distinguished Women in Medical Aesthetics are not only driven to be the best, but they also strive to bring out the best in those around them and provide the best to every patient they see.

Read on for the full interviews with these incredible women, as we present them in a series of five blog articles.

Nicci Levy, Alchemy 43

Nicci Levy, a renowned entrepreneur and founder of Alchemy 43, is a visionary in the beauty industry. Her journey started as a makeup artist for brands such as Benefit, MAC and ck Calvin Klein, where she honed her skills and grew her love of beauty and cosmetics. Inspired by her own experiences and driven by a desire to make aesthetic services more accessible, Levy created Alchemy 43, an aesthetics brand specializing in microtreatments that later gained recognition for its innovative approach to “the best works goes unnoticed.” Under her leadership, the brand combines expertise with the latest treatments and excels in personally tailored cosmetic enhancements that celebrate individuality. With locations in California, New York and Texas, with more planned, Alchemy 43 distinguishes itself with an accessible and convenient option in the aesthetics space.

Q&A

• When did you begin practicing aesthetics? I've worked in medical aesthetics since 2009, getting my start as an Allergan business development manager.
• What do you love about medical aesthetics? I am deeply passionate about enhancing confidence. I believe that when you like what you see in the mirror, you feel empowered to take on life boldly.
• What obstacles have you encountered because you are a woman? I am constantly underestimated, and I love that because I love proving people wrong.
• What kinds of support have you received from other women in the industry? The women leaders in this industry are a special and unique group. We are all extremely collaborative and supportive.
• What would you change about your experience in the industry if you had the chance? I wouldn't change anything. I truly believe I have learned a tremendous amount from each obstacle and each situation. That's what has gotten me to this point.
• What advice would you give to other women in the industry? Keep on keeping on. The tough moments come and go but the industry is so resilient. If you keep at it, you'll succeed!

Nicola Lowrey, PA-C, N2 Aesthetics

Nicola Lowrey, PA-C, began specializing in cosmetic injectables in early 2004. She focuses on full face restoration, with the goal of enhancing her patients’ natural beauty in the most subtle and powerful way. With 20 years of clinical experience and a patient-focused approach, she uses an artistic and clinically safe method to achieve these results. Lowrey takes great satisfaction in helping her patients achieve their desired beauty goals. As a highly sought-after industry leader and one of the most requested industry speakers/trainers in the U.S., Lowrey is passionate about education and often travels across the country to train other injectors.

Q&A

• When did you begin practicing aesthetics? In 2004—20 years ago!
• What do you love about medical aesthetics? I love beauty, gifting confidence and using my hands in a skilled procedural way to create the beautiful outcomes that gift the confidence. I’ve always loved procedural work. But, most importantly, I love the long-term intimate relationships you can develop with your patients. I have witnessed generational history full circle. There are women who started to see me when their kids were little—I heard all about these kids growing up and got these women ready for every major event in their lifetimes—and sometimes have transitioned into seeing their kids as my patients now too. It’s a very special practice of medicine that is so unique. No one is sick. It is often a joyful experience to come in for treatment for most patients. It’s really just special.
• What obstacles have you encountered because you are a woman? I don’t believe that I have experienced many obstacles “because I am a woman.”
• What kinds of support have you received from other women in the industry? My friendships with other women in this industry are very special. I don’t have a ton of time for friendships outside of “work,” but I have found some the most genuine, generous and loyal friendships in this space.
• What would you change about your experience in the industry if you had the chance? I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve been in this specialty since its inception, and the experiences I have had, both good and bad, have provided me the foothold to become who I am today. I am pretty proud of the provider I am today. This also doesn’t mean that I have “arrived”—I am still learning every single day. I wish I would have had a greater focus on continuing education back in the earlier days of my career, but it just wasn’t as available as it is now. We are so lucky to be part of this incredible time of evidence-based information that is emerging in this specialty.
• What advice would you give to other women in the industry? Never wait for anyone to hand you anything. It’s not your boss’s responsibility to train you or make you better at what you do. Work for your personal growth. Invest in yourself—it will pay you back in major dividends in the future.

Alexa Nicholls Costa, NP, LexRx

Alexa Nicholls Costa, NP, is a board-certified nurse practitioner and co-founder/CEO of LexRx and Inject With Lex. LexRx was founded in 2015 and has scaled to five brick-and-mortar locations in Massachusetts—Beacon Hill, South Boston, Nantucket, Charlestown and a Seaport pop-up—all while remaining 100% founder-owned, cash-flow positive, and without outside investment or business loans. She has immense clinical and research experience in plastic surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital, where she trained alongside the division chief and lead nurse practitioner. Alexa is also faculty for Galderma’s GAIN Business division. In addition to many professional and academic publications, Alexa was also the recipient of the Masters of Nursing Excellence Award at Regis College—an honor awarded to one candidate each year. She has served as a nurse practitioner fellow in the prestigious Emergency Medicine Fellowship Program (EMPED) through Brown Medical School.

Q&A

• When did you begin practicing aesthetics? I have been in aesthetics for 14 years now. My journey in the aesthetic space began in early 2010 when I was working in research at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) alongside the division chief of plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Austen. I worked in research at MGH for three years before going to nurse practitioner school, and I was fortunate to complete many of my NP clinical hours at MGH in plastic surgery alongside the lead nurse practitioner, Heather Parker, NP. I began practicing immediately upon completing my NP degree in 2015, when we launched LexRx.
• What do you love about medical aesthetics? There are so many things I love about medical aesthetics. I love that this specialty has allowed me to embrace and ignite the entrepreneurial spirit I have always had while combining it with my passion for being a nurse practitioner owner-operator of a private practice. I have always loved science and fine art, and being able to curate my own path in this industry has been so fulfilling.
• What obstacles have you encountered because you are a woman? I feel really blessed that I have not encountered obstacles or challenges being a woman—in fact, I truly think it is a competitive advantage to be a fierce female entrepreneur.
• What kinds of support have you received from other women in the industry? Having entered the aesthetic space early on, I have had the true privilege to meet so many incredible women in the industry—I have gained so many incredible, life-long friendships and feel so honored to be a part of this amazing specialty, surrounded by the most brilliant and inspiring minds.
• What would you change about your experience in the industry if you had the chance? I genuinely would not change a thing—I am a serial optimist and have embraced the journey since 2015 with the mindset that everything happens for a reason, even if it takes time to learn the true reason. I try to find a silver lining in every experience and scenario, always using even the most challenging of circumstances as opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• What advice would you give to other women in the industry? Passion and purpose go hand in hand. When you discover your purpose, you will typically find it is something you are tremendously passionate about. Stay in your lane, commit to your purpose and live it passionately.

Lauren Olson, PA-C, Radiance Medical Aesthetics and Wellness

Pioneer—this word best describes Lauren Olson, PA-C. She graduated from Texas A&M when women were a minority and graduated from Baylor College of Medicine as one of the first 1,200 PAs in the country. In 2004, before the term “medical spa” was commonly used, Olson founded Radiance Medical Aesthetics and Wellness. Radiance is now in its second location with 27 employees. She speaks nationally and internationally and is a mentor to many. She was named as a “Woman of Excellence” by the Federation of Houston Professional Women and has served as president of the Women’s Business Forum, president of Aggie Women at Texas A&M, and chairman of the board of the Cypress Symphony. She has served on the Advisory Board for Allergan Medical Aesthetics and is currently an AMI national trainer and MINT PDO thread KOL and trainer.

Q&A

• When did you begin practicing aesthetics? I started focusing on dermatology and aesthetic skin care and functional medicine while I was in family practice around 2001. I opened my medical spa in 2005 doing aesthetic and anti-aging skin care and injectables.
• What do you love about medical aesthetics? I love combining the art and science of medical aesthetics and creating joy for people.
• What obstacles have you encountered because you are a woman? Three male bankers turned me down for my business loan before a female banker saw my vision and loaned me the money to start my business. In this day and time however, I think it is important to recognize that we as women have a seat at the table. Don't look at yourself as "lesser than." This is victim mentality and is self-defeating.
• What kinds of support have you received from other women in the industry? Actually, it was kind of lonely at the beginning, being a pioneer in the field. It is inspiring to see other women excel in all aspects of the field, from the business end to training and education to content creation to delivering beautiful aesthetic results.
• What would you change about your experience in the industry if you had the chance? When I started out, there was no social media, there were no formal training classes, and I did not have any business background. It would be so different now starting out. I learned from the school of hard knocks.
• What advice would you give to other women in the industry? Start by shadowing the best. Commit to learning and training. You have to be all in if you want to be great; this is not a part-time profession. When someone tells you "no," it's code for work hard, work smart and get it done.

Marria Pooya, Greenwich Medical Spa

Marria Pooya is the founder and visionary of Greenwich Medical Spa (GMS). Since launching the company as a two-person operation in 2005, she has grown it to a seven-location enterprise. GMS was recognized as one of fastest growing companies by Inc. 5000 for 2020 and 2019, and the Greenwich and Westport locations were named Best Medical Spa by readers of Greenwich Lifestyle and Westport Lifestyle magazines, respectively. Before founding GMS, Pooya had a successful career as a high-yield Analyst on Wall Street with Alex Brown & Sons Inc. and Lehman Brothers.

Q&A

• When did you begin practicing aesthetics? I opened our first location in July 2005 under the name Radiance Medspa. Shortly after our opening, we sued the franchisor and dissolved the franchise contract. I did that because it became apparent that the franchise lacked the operational expertise to support our business’s growth. This pivotal decision paved the way for our independent expansion, and today the Greenwich Medical Spa brand proudly operates across seven locations within the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut tri-state area.
• What do you love about medical aesthetics? My passion for medical aesthetics is rooted in its transformative power to enhance people's self-esteem and confidence. Simple procedures can have profound effects—for example, administering Botox to soften frown lines can change one’s appearance from stern to approachable. Similarly, a few strategically placed fillers in the cheeks not only lift and rejuvenate the skin but also offer an immediate boost in self-assurance. It's these subtle yet impactful changes that make this field incredibly rewarding for me.
• What obstacles have you encountered because you are a woman? Overcoming gender-based challenges has been a part of my journey. Initially, earning the respect of some vendors was a significant hurdle. I recall a particular incident with a sales rep, who was the territory manager, involving our negotiations for a new laser device. Despite repeated visits and discussions every Tuesday and eventually reaching an agreement, he delivered a used device instead of a new one. I was outraged. When I confronted him, his justifications were unconvincing, and I couldn't help but feel that this breach of trust was influenced by my gender. I strongly believe that had I been a male or a male physician, he would not have pulled something so deceitful.
• What kinds of support have you received from other women in the industry? The camaraderie among female leaders in our industry has been a cornerstone of my success. I've been fortunate to receive generous support in various aspects, from innovative marketing strategies to guidance on fundraising to simply having a trusted confidante for times when I needed to express my frustrations. In turn, I've reciprocated this support, sharing insights on best practices and offering advice on everything from equipment to options on marketing approaches to how best to foster a positive workplace culture. It's a mutual exchange where being available to answer questions and assist others is as rewarding as it is essential.
• What would you change about your experience in the industry if you had the chance? If I could affect change within the medical aesthetics industry, it would be to address the disparities in practitioner training and experience. Currently, the spectrum ranges widely—from medical spas employing practitioners with years of specialized experience to those assigning complex treatments to individuals fresh out of nursing school with minimal hands-on training. Furthermore, the qualifications for who can perform certain services vary significantly from state to state. I advocate for a standardized and fair training protocol that encompasses a deep understanding of anatomy and skin physiology, prioritizing patient safety above all. Establishing such uniformity would enhance the quality of care and trust across the board, a goal to which I am deeply committed.
• What advice would you give to other women in the industry? To succeed in this industry based on my personal experience, you need at least three qualities. Be passionate—your work should excite you. Love your business, immerse yourself in it and find joy in it despite the chaos. Be resilient—when faced with unexpected outcomes, don't give up. Evaluate the situation and be agile enough to adapt and innovate. A defining test of this was when our flagship store, contributing to 60% of our sales revenue and our brand identity, was destroyed by a fire amid COVID-19, right before the winter holidays. Despite the crisis, I stood firm, reassured my team, and took immediate action. We found a new location and integrated our employees into other sites, demonstrating that we could overcome adversity and maintain our business’s momentum. Bet on yourself—believe in your capacity to learn and succeed. I wasn't a born leader or expert in managing a large team, but through self-education, openness and determination, I cultivated the necessary skills. Let these tenets guide you, and remember—every obstacle is an opportunity to grow stronger and more adept.

Linette Rivera, MD, Glanz Aesthetics

Linette Rivera, MD, is a double board-certified physician in internal medicine and endocrinology and metabolism. She has extensive training in aesthetic medicine, peptide therapy and hormone replacement. She specializes in regenerative and anti-aging medicine, treating the body as a whole. Dr. Rivera has founded multiple aesthetic practices in Florida and is the founder of Glanz Aesthetics, a luxurious aesthetic clinic in Miami. She is a KOL speaker for Alma Lasers and speaks for multiple renowned aesthetic organizations at elite conferences. Her mission is to see other providers thrive, achieving great results for their patients.

Q&A

• When did you begin practicing aesthetics? I started my aesthetics journey in 2016. I left my nine-to-five job as an endocrinologist and decided to start my own medical aesthetic practice without any patients and not knowing what this field entailed. After eight years doing what I love and opening two aesthetic practices, I can say it has been one of the best decisions and experiences of my life. There have been lots of difficult moments, but the accomplishments along the way have made it all worth it.
• What do you love about medical aesthetics? What I love the most about this field is that it’s constantly evolving and giving patients new treatments that are better each year. I love how we get to learn innovative treatments all the time that help our patients improve how they look, how they feel and their self-esteem. And, of course, we can’t forget how aesthetic conferences are educational but also so much fun.
• What obstacles have you encountered because you are a woman? Luckily, this field is mostly composed of women, so I can say I have not had any bad experiences. On the other hand, in the medical field, I never thought I could own a medical practice due to the fact that I was a woman. Thankfully, I have been blessed with people around me that have supported me and changed this vision of how far I can go and what I can accomplish.
• What kinds of support have you received from other women in the industry? My girl gang has been key to me fulfilling my dreams and accomplishing so much as an entrepreneur. A few of my girlfriends are business owners and we not only support each other but also ask for advice, cry together, encourage each other when stress fills our brain, promote each other’s businesses and celebrate our accomplishments. I am truly lucky to have such amazing women in my life. You know who you are, girls!
• What would you change about your experience in the industry if you had the chance? If I could change one thing in this industry, it would be how other business owners reduce pricing on treatments just because of competition around them. We providers and entrepreneurs need to value our years of learning and hard work. We need to teach our patients that they are not paying for a product but rather are paying for quality and an expert who is giving them amazing results.
• What advice would you give to other women in the industry? I would advise other women in this field to take risks and follow their dreams. People around you will tell you that it can’t be done, but you have to be brave and break stereotypes. The best time to start is now, and you just need to show others how nothing can stop you!

Neekan Rivera, PA-C, Aère Aesthetics

Neekan Rivera, PA-C, is founder of Aère Aesthetics + Education, an aesthetics practice with a strong focus on education and an aesthetic training center with locations in both Beverly Hills, California, and Denver. She has been an Allergan Trainer for more than five years and is also a MINT PDO Threads trainer. She hosts private training courses under Aère Academy, all of which have sold out. Rivera is constantly advancing her own skills by seeking the best training programs in the world to ensure that she always delivers high-quality and effective treatments.

Q&A

• When did you begin practicing aesthetics? I started in 2014, so I’ve been in it for 10 years now. I started as a dermatology research intern for Dr. Frederic Brandt, researching effectiveness and side effects of dermal fillers.
• What do you love about medical aesthetics? It’s always evolving and we’re in the business of building confidence.
• What obstacles have you encountered because you are a woman? People assume I’m naive and don’t understand my worth and value and believe I won’t push back in negotiations.
• What kinds of support have you received from other women in the industry? Mentorship! I didn’t have strong mentors early in my career and I paid for it. After a few years, I realized how important it is and found a couple mentors with whom I strongly aligned and formed strong relationships. It made such a difference and is what motivated me to start our own mentorship program for newer injectors.
• What would you change about your experience in the industry if you had the chance? I wish my initial training period would’ve focused more on anatomy and safety first. Instead, I was being taught advanced techniques with little guidance on safety. Anatomy drives what we do and I’m so glad to see the industry focusing more on how to be safe first, then the art comes in.
• What advice would you give to other women in the industry? Don’t give up, work hard and invest in yourself. The growth period can be challenging, but just focus on your goals and do whatever it takes to get there!

Join us next week as we continue this series celebrating AmSpa’s Distinguished Women in Medical Aesthetics! Catch up with Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 & Part 5.

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