Meet Olivia Marino

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Olivia Marino a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Olivia, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

I owe my strong work ethic to my incredible parents, who are both small business owners and hairdressers. Throughout my life, they’ve shown me that hard work and dedication can take you far, a lesson I strive to live by every day. Fun fact: they actually met in beauty school! After graduating, they worked in salons for a few years before my dad opened their first salon on April 6, 1989, at exactly 10:00 AM (a detail my dad proudly shared with me). Over the years, they built a thriving business, employing nearly 20 people at one point. They ran the salon successfully for around 30 years and still have a passion for hairdressing to this day. Today, my parents own a small, intimate salon where it’s just the two of them. They no longer take new clients and have created a space where they can do what they love on their own terms. It’s the perfect reflection of their hard work and passion for their craft.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner with a passion for helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. My journey into aesthetics started after years of working as a Registered Nurse in the Cardiovascular ICU at Cleveland Clinic’s Main Campus. That experience taught me the importance of precision, compassion, and delivering exceptional care—values I carry with me in every treatment I perform.

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Case Western Reserve University and later completed my Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at the University of Cincinnati. While I loved my time in critical care, I found my true calling in the world of aesthetics, where I can combine my love for patient care with my creative side.

For the past 3.5 years, I’ve been proud to work at Ponsky Facial Plastic Surgery. My specialties include injectables like neuromodulators and fillers, as well as advanced treatments like microneedling, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma). I love creating customized plans for my patients that enhance their natural beauty and boost their confidence.

What I enjoy most about working in aesthetics is the connection I build with my patients. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how even small changes can make a big difference in how someone feels about themselves. I’m always learning and staying up-to-date on the latest advancements so I can provide the best care possible.

When I’m not in the office, I enjoy spending time with my fiance, Adam and my two adorable dogs Frankie and Louie! I’m truly grateful to do what I love every day and to be part of my patients’ journeys to look and feel their best!

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 having an artistic eye, strong people skills, and a passion for continuous learning.

Aesthetics is as much about art as it is about science. The ability to visualize balance, symmetry, and natural beauty has been essential in achieving great outcomes for my patients. For those starting their journey, I recommend studying facial anatomy in-depth while also exploring art or photography to train your eye for detail and proportion.

Building trust and connecting with patients is key in aesthetics. Patients are often vulnerable when discussing their appearance, so being approachable, empathetic, and a good listener helps them feel comfortable and confident in your care. For anyone looking to improve this skill, focus on active listening, clear communication, and always making your patient feel valued.

The field of aesthetics is constantly evolving with new techniques, products, and technologies. My passion for learning has kept me at the forefront of advancements and allowed me to deliver the best results. To develop this, stay curious, attend workshops, follow industry leaders, and always be open to new knowledge.

My advice for those starting out is to invest time in developing these areas, as they are the foundation for a successful and fulfilling career in aesthetics. Practice patience and consistency—growth in these skills comes over time, but the rewards are worth it!

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

Dr. Ponsky has been instrumental in shaping my success as an injector and aesthetic nurse practitioner. From the very beginning of my journey at Ponsky Facial Plastic Surgery, she has been a mentor, advocate, and constant source of support. Assisting her in surgery has given me invaluable hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of facial anatomy, which directly enhances my ability to provide precise and effective treatments.

Dr. Ponsky has always encouraged me to refine my skills and expand my knowledge. She is not only a brilliant surgeon but also an incredible teacher, taking the time to share her expertise and insights. Whether it’s perfecting a technique or navigating a challenge, she’s always there with guidance and encouragement, pushing me to be the best version of myself.

Her unwavering belief in my abilities has been a huge confidence booster. Knowing she’s my biggest advocate has motivated me to continuously improve and excel in my work. I truly credit her mentorship for shaping me into the injector and practitioner I am today, and I feel incredibly fortunate to learn from someone so talented and supportive.

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Ponsky Facial Plastic Surgery

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