We were lucky to catch up with Sonya Reyes recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sonya, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome has been something that I have struggled with since the beginning of starting my career in nursing. Despite receiving extensive clinical training during school, this feeling of inadequacy persisted during my nursing residency and continued into my journey in aesthetics. To overcome this, I reflected on my accomplishments and skills that led me to where I am today. As difficult as it may be, we must recognize that our accomplishments are a reflection of our skills and unwavering perseverance.
Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process and setting achievable goals for skill development has really helped me overcome feeling like an imposter in my field. Seeking mentorship has also been beneficial to gain confidence and utilize constructive criticism for growth. I struggled a lot with negative self-talk. Negative self-talk due to a desire for perfection can be harmful, so it’s important to be kind to yourself. Supporting yourself like a friend and accepting that it’s okay to be a beginner is key. Instead of fearing what you don’t know, embrace the opportunity to learn and grow. Educational opportunities have been instrumental in helping me overcome imposter syndrome as a new nurse practitioner in the aesthetics field.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I started my nursing career working in a medicine intensive care unit while simultaneously earning my master’s degree in nursing. Seeking to invest in myself, I began training in aesthetics through the NeoWell program. As someone who always enjoyed helping others, aesthetic nursing provided an opportunity to make a difference on a deeper level. I saw firsthand how vulnerable it can be to seek treatment for something that makes you feel insecure, and it’s truly special to see a patient’s face light up when they see the results.
In April 2022, I founded Lisse Aesthetics, and I’ve been grateful for the success we’ve experienced. Coming from a nursing background and transitioning to being a business owner presented unique challenges, but I have an amazing support system to help guide me through it all.
Looking ahead to 2024, I’m thrilled to continue growing and expanding our services. We currently offer a range of services, including dermal fillers, neurotoxins, nutritional IVs, vitamin boosters, and a medically-guided weight loss program. Our approach to aesthetics is highly personalized, and we specialize in full facial balancing and rejuvenation using the latest and safest techniques. Our ultimate goal is to help you feel beautiful both inside and out. That’s why we provide honest advice and realistic treatment plans to ensure that you achieve the best possible outcomes.
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?
In my journey to becoming a business owner and aesthetic nurse practitioner, I discovered that one of the most impactful things was recognizing the importance of social media. Social media is a fantastic way to showcase your expertise and connect with potential clients. Emphasizing my reach and presence on social media has significantly contributed to the success of my business.
Resilience and self-motivation are essential qualities for any business owner. Although many things may go well, it’s crucial to be prepared for the emotional ups and downs that come with entrepreneurship. Resilience plays a vital role in this journey, and it’s important to remember that not everything will go according to plan. However, it’s crucial to keep moving forward. Learning how to stay motivated can be challenging, but it is achievable by setting realistic goals and holding yourself accountable.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
For a long time, I struggled with imposter syndrome and felt like I didn’t deserve to celebrate my accomplishments. But with the help of a supportive community and some self-reflection, I learned to recognize the value of my hard work and to give myself credit where credit is due. I also realized that being proud of myself doesn’t mean I have to be perfect or have everything figured out. It’s about acknowledging my efforts and progress, and finding joy in the journey of self-improvement. This newfound self-confidence has been empowering, and I’m excited to continue building on it in the years to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lisseaesthetics.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/syringesbysonya
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisseaestheticss
Image Credits
LaQuan Williams
