Meet Antonia Johnston

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Antonia Johnston. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Antonia below.

Hi Antonia, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?

The alarm goes off at 4:30 AM. It’s early, but this is the only time I get just for me. The house is quiet, and for the first hour, I journal and read. Journaling clears my mind. I get everything out on paper so it’s not bouncing around in my head all day. Reading gives me something to think about beyond work or the to-do list. It’s not about being productive; it’s about starting the day with clarity and intention.

After that, I head to the gym with my husband. We lift weights, do cardio, and spend an hour together. It’s one of the only times we can truly connect, no phones, no distractions, just us. The workouts are as much for my body as they are for my mind. They help me manage my rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, and they give me the stamina to keep up with the demands of my day. I end with a yoga class, which resets me completely. It’s where I let go of tension and feel grounded.

At home, I meal prep. It’s practical, but it’s also a form of self-care. Having healthy meals ready means I don’t have to scramble later, and it keeps my body fueled for long days at work. Even little things, like getting my nails done, make a difference. They’re small acts that remind me to prioritize myself and show up feeling confident.

This routine isn’t just about feeling good it makes me better at what I do. As a nurse injector, I have to be focused, calm, and steady. If I didn’t take this time for myself, I’d be scattered and burned out. Starting my day with intention means I can give my full attention to my clients. It’s about showing up ready, not just for others, but for myself too.

Self-care isn’t optional for me. It’s how I stay effective, manage my health, and keep everything in balance.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a nurse and the owner of Cosmetic Injections by Antonia, where I focus on natural and subtle enhancements to help people look and feel their best. My work is rooted in aesthetic medicine, blending science and artistry to achieve results that empower my clients. What sets my approach apart is my commitment to creating transformations that are refined and tailored nothing overdone, just a refreshed version of you.

One of the most exciting aspects of my work is helping people build confidence. Whether it’s smoothing out fine lines, enhancing facial contours, or simply taking the time to listen to what someone needs, I see firsthand how small changes can have a big impact. My philosophy is all about delivering results with little to no downtime so my clients can go back to their lives feeling like the best version of themselves.

What’s especially unique about my practice is the technique I’ve developed to make injections virtually pain-free. I’ve also taken advanced specialty courses, particularly in lip enhancements, which is one of my favorite treatments to perform. There’s a lot of artistry in shaping lips, and I love being able to customize the results for each individual.

Beyond my work with clients, I’m passionate about education. I teach nurses how to perform injectables and am proud to contribute to raising the standard of care in the industry. It’s important to me that clients feel safe and informed when they step into my clinic, and that starts with proper training and knowledge.

I’m also about to begin an exciting new chapter as I start nurse practitioner school. This next step will expand my expertise and allow me to offer even more comprehensive care to my clients.

Right now, I’m focused on growing my practice and continuing to provide a high standard of care. I’ve recently launched a website to make booking easier and am expanding my presence online to connect with more people who can benefit from what I offer.

Ultimately, my goal is to be a trusted resource in aesthetic medicine. For me, it’s not just about the treatments it’s about building relationships and making a positive difference in someone’s life.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that had the biggest impact on my journey were resilience, a commitment to lifelong learning, and the ability to connect with others.

Resilience has been key. Balancing a career, returning to university in my 40s, and managing lupus and rheumatoid arthritis has taught me the importance of persistence. There were tough days, but I kept showing up. For anyone starting out, I’d say don’t let setbacks define you. Success is about getting back up and moving forward even when it’s hard.

Lifelong learning has shaped every step of my career. From my early days as a medical esthetician to becoming a registered nurse and now preparing to start nurse practitioner school, I’ve made education a priority. Staying curious and learning advanced techniques or new approaches has helped me build trust with my clients and remain competitive. For those early in their journey, I recommend embracing every opportunity to learn, whether it’s through formal education, mentorship, or self-study. Investing in your growth pays off in ways you can’t imagine.

Connecting with others has been transformative. Whether it’s my clients, colleagues, or students, I’ve learned the value of truly listening and understanding what people need. Building authentic relationships has helped me grow my practice and my confidence. My advice is don’t underestimate the power of relationships. Be kind, communicate clearly, and take the time to understand others. It makes all the difference in your personal and professional life.

These three qualities ,resilience, learning, and connectios, have guided me through challenges and successes alike. For anyone just starting out, my biggest piece of advice is to stay focused on what matters most to you.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Collaboration is an important part of what I do, and I’m always open to working with like-minded individuals or organizations who share my values and passion for excellence in aesthetic medicine. I’m especially interested in partnering with professionals in the health, wellness, and beauty industries to create unique opportunities that enhance client care and education.

I also welcome collaborations with local businesses, community organizations, or brands that align with my focus on empowering confidence and self-care. Whether it’s through joint events, educational workshops, or innovative projects, I believe collaboration helps everyone grow and deliver even greater value to the people we serve.

If you’re interested in connecting, you can reach me through my website at www.cosmeticinjectionsbyantonia.com or email me directly. I’m always happy to explore new ideas and see how we can work together to create something impactful.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: cosmetic_injections_by_antonia
• Other: mtaylorconsultants@gmail.com