Meet Joanna Vasiliadis

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joanna Vasiliadis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Joanna with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

Hard work has been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember. Even in high school, my passion and determination shone through—often, I’d leave lunch early to work on a painting I couldn’t wait to finish. As the only medical professional in a family of entrepreneurs, I grew up inspired by their tireless dedication. My father, owner of William’s Restaurant, worked from morning to night, even checking in while we were on vacations in Greece. My grandfathers, Vasilios and Jason, were immigrants who built businesses from the ground up. My grandfather Vasilios, had multiple jobs and businesses, and was the one who originally opened William’s Restaurant. And my grandfather, Jason owned Jason’s Pizza, which was a beloved Worcester staple. They instilled in me the values of discipline, resilience, and optimism, no matter the challenge.
After 11 years as a registered nurse, I pursued a passion for aesthetics in 2021, turning what began as a “side business” into my primary career. My journey wasn’t easy—my first paycheck in aesthetics was just $67. But I stayed motivated, often juggling multiple jobs, working evenings, Saturdays, and even my “days off” to build my business. Every spare moment was spent learning new skills, attending conferences, and growing my business, Pure Bliss Aesthetics. The work ethic I inherited from my family carried me through those long days and taught me that discipline and determination can transform even the smallest beginnings into something extraordinary. As I prepare to begin my Nurse Practitioner degree in January 2025, I continue to push forward, fueled by my family’s legacy of perseverance and my passion for helping others feel confident and beautiful.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m a registered nurse of 11 years and the owner of Pure Bliss Aesthetics, a medspa located in Worcester. My journey into aesthetics began in January 2021 as a side business while I balanced multiple nursing jobs. What started as a small venture driven by passion has now grown into a thriving practice that I am immensely passionate about. At Pure Bliss Aesthetics, we specialize in enhancing natural beauty through cosmetic injectables, skin rejuvenation treatments, and wellness services, such as vitamin injections and infusions. We are proud to say that we are the only medspa in Worcester County to have Sylfirm X, a top of the line Radio Frequency Microneedling device. We also carry AlumierMD products, offering a complete approach to skin health and beauty.
What excites me most about this field is the ability to make a meaningful impact on my clients’ confidence and well-being. Every treatment we offer is personalized to help our clients feel like the best version of themselves, not just on the outside but inside as well. Whether it’s helping someone achieve radiant skin, regain confidence after years of struggling with acne or hyperpigmentation, or simply enjoy a wellness boost through IV therapy, I love seeing the transformations that occur not only physically but emotionally.
At Pure Bliss Aesthetics, what sets us apart is our commitment to building genuine relationships with our clients. We prioritize education and transparency, ensuring every client feels empowered to make decisions about their care. Our approach is rooted in my belief that beauty and wellness go hand in hand, and we aim to provide a space where clients can feel relaxed, rejuvenated, and supported on their journey.
I’m currently preparing to begin my Nurse Practitioner program in January 2025, which will allow me to expand the scope of services we can offer and continue my professional growth. I’m constantly learning and seeking ways to innovate, whether through new technology, advanced training, or adding services that align with our mission to help clients achieve natural, long-lasting results.
Pure Bliss Aesthetics is more than a medspa—it’s a space where hard work, passion, and my entrepreneurial spirit meet the science of beauty and wellness. Our goal is to be a trusted destination for anyone looking to feel more confident, healthy, and beautiful. We have plans for expansion, so stay tuned!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey have been hard work, perseverance, and believing in myself. These values are deeply rooted in my upbringing and have guided me every step of the way. Hard work has always been a given—I watched my father and grandfathers build businesses through dedication, often working long hours. Perseverance taught me to keep going, even when things were tough, like when I started my aesthetics business with zero clientele, having feelings of imposter syndrome, and questioning whether this field was right for me. Most importantly, believing in myself gave me the confidence to take risks, learn from failures, and stay focused on my goals.

For those early in their journey, here’s how you can develop and strengthen these qualities:

Hard Work:
Start by committing to small, consistent actions toward your goals every day. Hard work doesn’t mean burning yourself out; it’s about showing up, even when it’s inconvenient or challenging. Make time to learn, improve your skills, and stay disciplined. I often keep myself accountable for my small goals by having a to-do lists, that is ordered by priority.

Perseverance:
Understand that setbacks are a natural part of any journey. When challenges arise, remind yourself why you started and keep pushing forward. Break down big obstacles into manageable steps and celebrate small victories along the way. Surround yourself with supportive people who inspire you to stay the course. Perseverance isn’t about never failing—it’s about getting back up and trying again, and coming back stronger.

Believing in Yourself:
Cultivate self-belief by focusing on your strengths and celebrating your progress, no matter how small. Take time to reflect on what you’ve achieved and use those wins as motivation to keep going. Build confidence by stepping out of your comfort zone—each new challenge you face successfully reinforces your ability to tackle the next. Trust in your unique journey and remember that your passion and hard work will lead you to where you’re meant to be.

No matter where you are in your journey, remember that growth takes time. Stay committed to your vision, keep learning, and have faith in yourself, even when the road feels uncertain.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I’ve learned to pause and approach the situation with intention. Feeling overwhelmed is a natural part of pursuing big goals, but managing it effectively is key to staying productive and motivated. Some strategies I use, along with advice for anyone looking to handle overwhelm in their own life are:

1. Take a Step Back and Breathe
The first thing I do is pause and take a few deep breaths. This helps calm my mind and slows down the racing thoughts that can come with overwhelm. Even a five-minute break to focus on breathing or practice mindfulness can help me reset and approach tasks with more clarity.

2. Prioritize and Break It Down
Overwhelm often happens when too many tasks or responsibilities feel urgent. I take a moment to review everything on my to-do list, prioritize the most important or time-sensitive items. Breaking larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps makes them feel less overwhelming, and feels as though you are accomplishing more. Tackling one small piece at a time builds momentum and helps me regain control.

3. Lean on a Support System
When I feel like I’m carrying too much, I remind myself that I don’t have to do it all alone. Whether it’s asking my husband, Gary, for help or just venting to a friend about how I’m feeling-having a support system makes a big difference. Sometimes, simply talking things through helps me gain a fresh perspective.

4. Find Ways to Recharge
Self-care is essential when I’m overwhelmed. For me, that might mean going for a walk with my dogs Milo and Oliver, exercising, listening to music, relaxing in the sauna, or simply having a slow morning to enjoy a cup of coffee. Doing something I love, even for a short time, helps recharge my mental energy and puts things in perspective.

5. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that it’s okay if everything isn’t perfect. Progress is what matters. I remind myself that every step forward, no matter how small, is a win. Letting go of perfectionism has been freeing and has helped me stay focused on what truly matters.

Advice for Others:
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember to be kind to yourself. Take things one step at a time, prioritize your well-being, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Overwhelm is temporary, and with the right strategies, you can regain control and keep moving forward. Trust yourself—you’re capable of handling more than you realize.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pureblissaesthetics.com
• Instagram: pure.bliss.aesthetics
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/pureblissaesthetics

Image Credits

All image credits by Alysha Walsh Photography LLC