Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Monica Cole. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Monica , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
FINDING MY PURPOSE
My journey to finding my purpose began with a simple yet life-changing phone conversation with my sister-in-law, Dr. Britten Cole. At the time, I was passionate about makeup and considered becoming a professional makeup artist. But during our conversation, she broadened my understanding of aesthetics and encouraged me to pursue a career as an esthetician. That conversation shifted my perspective, leading me to enroll in an esthetics program, where I quickly fell in love with skincare. What started as an interest in beauty evolved into a deep passion for skin health, and from there, my career took off. I became fully booked during school, secured a position at Perfect Touch Med Spa, and within a month, stepped into a leadership role. Today, I am proud to be the COO of Famous AF, Dr. Britten Cole’s skincare line, where I continue to educate and empower others through skincare. It has been an incredible journey, and my love for this industry is endless.
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’ve been in the aesthetics industry for eight years, and my passion for skincare continues to grow. Whether it’s reading the latest research, following dermatologist, or listening to skincare podcasts, I’m always looking to expand my knowledge. At Perfect Touch Med Spa, I’ve had the opportunity to grow as an esthetician, introduced advanced treatments, and help clients achieve their best skin.
My journey took another exciting turn when Dr. Britten Cole invited me to join Famous AF Skincare as COO. Having know her my entire life, our conversations always led back to skincare. As a physician with her own skincare concerns, she created Famous AF to provide real, effective solutions. Being part of this brand has deepened my understanding of skincare ingredients, empowering me to educate clients on what truly works. Since I personally use and trust these products, it’s been seamless to introduce them to clients at the med spa.
Beyond skincare, I emphasize overall wellness-exercise, nutrition, hydration, and supplements all play a role in skin health. I educate my clients on how lifestyle affects their skin, especially when addressing concerns like melasma, acne, and rosacea. Treating hyperpigmentation, particularly melasma, has become a professional focus for me, as I work closely with clients to manage and minimize flare-ups.
Skincare isn’t just a job- its my passion. I could talk about it all day, and sometimes I even joke that I should have become a dermatologist. But I love where I am, helping people feel confident in their skin, and continuously growing in this even-evolving industry.
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, I believe three key areas of knowledge played the most impactful role in my journey:
1. Medical Background & Understanding the Body-Before becoming an esthetician, I spent 16 years as a medical assistant, working across specialties like cardiology, neurology, and oncology. This gave me a unique advantage-I already understood the body’s systems, how diseases affect the skin, and how certain conditions impact a person’s overall health. When treating clients, I confidently assess their medical history and tailor skincare treatments based on their individual needs. This depth of knowledge goes beyond what’s typically taught in esthetics school and has allowed me to provide safer, more effective treatments.
1. In-Depth Knowledge of Skin Conditions & Ingredients-Knowing skin disease, conditions, and how different ingredients interact with the skin has been a game-changer. Many estheticians focus solely on treatments, but I take a holistic approach, educating clients on what doesn’t based on their specific concerns. Through my role as COO of Famous AF Skincare, I’ve deepened my understanding of skincare formulations, helping clients choose products that truly benefit their skin rather than just following trends.
3. Continuous Learning & Growth Mindset-One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that education doesn’t stop after esthetics school. Many estheticians limit themselves to what they were initially taught-whether it’s facials, waxing, or lashes-but the skincare industry is always evolving. Staying ahead means constantly reaching, reading, and seeking advanced education. I always tell new estheticians: don’t stop a the basics. Invest in additional training, shadow experienced professionals, and never stop learning. The more you know, the more confident and successful you’ll be in this field.
For those starting out in the aesthetics industry, my biggest advice is to expand your knowledge beyond the classroom. Learn about the body, dive deep into ingredients and treatments, and always stay curious. Your success will come from how much you continue to grow.
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
I believe that in this industry, we can’t afford to guess what the customer may need. While playing to our strengths is important, being well-rounded and investing in advanced education is what truly builds confidence and expertise when treating clients.
When I first started my career, I only knew what was taught in books about laser treatments. But real-life application is so much more complex—especially when it comes to treating concerns like dark spots and hyperpigmentation. I quickly realized that not all devices work the same for every skin tone, and that a deeper understanding was necessary to achieve safe and effective results.
That’s why I took advanced courses to expand my knowledge. Learning which treatments and technologies work best for different skin types gave me the confidence to provide customized solutions, rather than guessing or taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
In our industry, being well-rounded isn’t just a bonus—it’s a necessity. Clients trust us with their skin, and staying educated ensures we can always offer the best possible care.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://famousafskin.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skincare_by_iammcole/
Image Credits
The image with the brown dress and lab coat was taken by Darryl Edwards with @jandkphotographyandmediallc
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
