Women in Aesthetics: Nicci Levy

HOW AND WHEN DID YOU START IN THE AESTHETICS FIELD?

I started my career in retail cosmetics and skincare, and I began in medical aesthetics in 2009 as a business development manager for Allergan Aesthetics, covering the Beverly Hills/90210 territory. I learned early on that my life's work would be rooted in inspiring confidence in others. Fundamentally, I believe that when you like what you see in the mirror, you will live a bolder and more fulfilling life. 

WHO ARE SOME MENTORS WHO HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR CAREER?

There are so many people who I admire and have been lucky enough to learn from.

To name a few:

• Toni Ko, founder of NYX Cosmetics, for her integrity, grit, and drive. And her unstoppable work ethic.
• Vanessa Lee, founder of The Things We Do, for her passion and dedication to her craft and her unwavering commitment to the category.
• Carrie Strom, former president of Allergan Aesthetics, for her thoughtful, global perspective and how she builds up those around her.
• Trina Spear, CEO of Figs, for her vision, passion, and bravery. She just goes for it full-force and is so inspiring. 
• Lynn Hublein, CEO and founder of SkinSpirit, for her business acumen, focus, and drive. 

WHAT DO SUCCESSFUL PRACTICES NEED TO DO NOW TO THRIVE IN THIS COMPETITIVE MARKET? 

Patient experience is absolutely mission critical. To truly compete in this space, practices and providers need to be laser-focused on delivering best-in-class results and best-in-class experiences. This starts with being curious and really listening to your patients. I think it's about delivering more than what is expected, anticipating needs, and truly guiding the aesthetics journey. Make it seamless and easy for the patient. Make them feel seen and heard. Ensure providers are constantly building on their knowledge base and give them opportunities to keep learning. 

WHAT SAGE ADVICE CAN YOU OFFER WOMEN WHO ARE RISING STARS IN AESTHETICS?

Surround yourself with your village, people who have your back and can help light the way for you. Reward them for their support, not necessarily financially but with gratitude and paying it forward. There will be challenges; if it were easy, more people would do it. But if you stay focused and grounded in your vision for what you are building, you will get there.

WHERE IS THE FIELD OF MEDICAL AESTHETICS GOING IN THE SHORT AND LONG TERM?

The category is growing and evolving rapidly. There is a lot of newness and innovation, and I think we'll see more and more advances on the regenerative side with biostimulators, exosomes, etc. I think we will also have more treatments and services rooted in that, as well as more branded concepts coming to market. We are seeing a lot of consolidation of single units and smaller multi-units, and that, I think, will continue as well. It is definitely an exciting time in aesthetics. 

WHAT OTHER TIPS CAN YOU ADD ABOUT PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE?

My advice is to stay active on social media channels to see what is circulating. Make sure that you are equipped with science and data to address whatever might be trending on social channels. 

Continue to stay curious and ask lots of open-ended questions with your customers and colleagues. Those learnings, coupled with your industry knowledge and instincts, should inform your path forward. 

I'm rooting for you!