We had the good fortune of connecting with Erin Cooper and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erin, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I never really initially set out to be a buisness owner. In Spring of 2020 COVID made it necessary for the plastic surgery practice I was working in to close for a few weeks. I got nervous about how I was going to keep the clientele I had worked so hard to build over the years, so I started writing a blog about how my patients could care for their skin until we could see them back in the office. Eventually, my peers started contacting me to ask that I teach them some of the skills I talked about in the blog. That is when, after 26 years of practice, I decided teaching was the pivot I needed to make in my career. Within 6 months I had written a 500 page texbook and a full curriculum for cosmetic laser and IPL. I knew that there was a need for this type of education and that I could really make a difference in my industry by elevating the educational expectations and experience so that practitioners were able to practice safely and still get amazing results. With the help of a close friend, I wrote a comprehensive business plan, and began my journey as an accidental entrepeneur.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
When I began my career as an aesthetician 29 years ago, my professional scope and earning potential were quite limited. Determined to change how medical aestheticians navigate their career paths, I founded Med-Surg Aesthetics and Laser Academy, offering programs for licensed aestheticians and medical professionals seeking laser certification and wanting to learn specialized skills specific to medical and surgical environments.

Every single day there are new cosmetic technologies, devices, protocols, and products being introduced, but there is very little regulation surrounding the education needed to become a provider of these types of services. It is a bit of a free-for-all in most states. Many of our service offerings are looked at as the practice of medicine, but physicians and surgeons don’t have the time to perform these treatments, so there is a need for delegation to aesthetic practitioners. There are very few avenues for getting a good enough education to provide treatments safely and efficaciously. I knew I needed to streamline the process for anyone looking for responsible training.

As Med-Surg Academy grew, I realized there was more that needed to be done, so I partnered up with the Founder and CEO of Ageless Beauty and Wellness, Leslie Johnson, FNP-C to add another layer to the already robust training program making it an all-inclusive medical aesthetics curriculum.

Leslie and I met at an industry event, and we knew we were meant to work together. We shared a love of continuing education, a fearless draw to entrepreneurship, and a passion for exemplary patient care. Within a few short months, and a lot of blood, sweat, tears, and Allen wrenches later, the doors were opened to Ageless Beauty and Wellness for services, and Med-Surg Aesthetics and Laser Academy for advanced medical aesthetics education. Sharing one beautiful space allowed for the introduction of the nation’s first ever medical aesthetics internship program to take flight. Our sister companies are reinventing the standard of care in our industry from providing patients with an immersive experience unlike any other medical spa to advanced cosmetic injectables and laser training that is unparalleled.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many cool spots in the Phoenix metro area! I recently had my best friend visit from the East Coast and I was able to show her some of my favorite shops and restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale. I particularly love Old Town Gypsy. We had a really lovely lunch at The Montauk and The next day we spent an afternoon exploring The Musical Instrument Museum, which is a family favorite in my household. Since its a short drive, and such a beautiful area, we also did an overnight in Cornville/Cottonwood/Jerome area to do some wine tasting. Next time, we plan on doing a brewery tour and some boating on Lake Pleasant. There is so much to see and do!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have had the great fortune of connecting with so many incredible professionals throughout my career that have pushed me to grow as a provider, trainer, and business owner. One is my former boss, medical director, and mentor Stephen P. Beals, M.D., P.C. He is an amazing craniofacial and plastic surgeon and one of the kindest human beings I have ever met. I was so proud to work for him, and to have his support in growing my own business. He gave me the runway to take off, and I am forever grateful. Another, is Malia Oliver, who is one of my closest friends and a wizard when it comes to building, managing, and scaling businesses. She believed in me before I believed in me. She was an integral part of the process and still advises me when I need her. More recently, my business has grown into a partnership. This past year, I partnered with Leslie Johnson, FNP-C, to open a brick and mortar location for both Med-Surg Aesthetics and Laser Academy and Ageless Beauty and Wellness. Leslie is my rock! We took two small business ideas, combined them, added components, and now have a plan to become the gold standard in eduaction for medical aesthetics across the nation. Last, but certainly not least, I wouldn’t have any of this without the support of my family. My husband and children have embraced the chaos, long hours, emotional rollercoaster, and never-ending distrctions that come with business ownership. I love them with all that I am, and can never repay them for their love and encouragement.

Website: medsurgacademy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medsurgacademy/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skinguru4u/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Medsurgacademy/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/med-surg-aesthetics-and-laser-academy-scottsdale?osq=Med-Surg+Aestehtics+and+Laser+Academy

Image Credits
Michael Franco

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.