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

Hi Merrill, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When you have been in the beauty/medical aesthetics industry for good while, you observe so much. I have been blessed to work for and with several providers, injectors, support staff, etc. Over time you start to think about how you would like to run things if it was your place. I honestly never had the desire to go out on my own. Maybe I lacked confidence at the time, but I just didn’t see myself as a business owner, I worked and had 3 children over the course of my career, but I kept coming back to injecting and added makeup artistry. I just love it so much and I was not fulfilled being home full time. I think it was the support of a close friend and encouragement that I could do this if I really wanted to. I knew it was going to be challenging but had no idea how much. I decided that I wanted to create a “beauty space”. A boutique business for my patients and to share my love for what I do. After all, seeing patients all those years, they really are your patients and not the patient of the medspa. I was hoping for a little more of a personal touch with my patients as the relationships with them is what keeps me doing what I do. I love my patients. 

What should our readers know about your business?
Rouge and Wright Medical Aesthetics has been in business 1 year in September and we are so thankful for the success we have had already. There is so much pressure every day to succeed, don’t fall behind, make the right or best decision, try not to make the worst decision, lol. I am proud to have a partner that I trust, and we have each other’s backs. This is so important. My nursing career took off after nursing school as I went straight into Medical Aesthetics. I have worked with Plastic Surgeons, Naturopaths, Obgyn’s, Nurse Practitioners, and some amazing RN’s. I love what I do which is why I wanted to start my own business. I wanted to create something that was mine. I wanted my place to be different than the other places where I had worked. We are proud that our patients enjoy coming here. They like the vibe in our studio and Tasha’s and my personality help give a very warm and welcoming atmosphere. We are still in the process of figuring out exactly what our brand is to be honest. We tend to lean towards “Aging beautifully never gets old” … with a combination of a glitzy glam and old Hollywood theme. That is a challenging aspect of the business, trying to make all visible through social media. We are excited to expand this in the future. I wanted to create a place for beauty where you walk in, and everything is available to you. I love to be able to offer my patients the opportunity to have whatever treatment they might need done all in one place. We are not completely there yet, but we are growing. My love for makeup is palpable. I work with a makeup artistry program called Seint @seintofficial, which has given me the confidence to pursue this aspect of my career with bridal, editorial, and event makeup. 

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Well, I am partial to Uptown Phoenix where we are located. This is my neighborhood and I have lived all over the valley. It feels like everyone is just themselves around here and free to express that. I like that. 

 Favorite spots:
Dive Bar: Swizzle Inn and Thunderbird Lounge
Restaurants: The Rokirij, El Chorro, J Bar
Cave CreeK; Blue Chip, just a cool little town to spend some time in and get the AZ feel of the west

Sports Games: We have all the sports here! Suns and Diamondbacks games downtown are so fun, our stadium for the Cardinals is impressive and a must see especially in the nicer months when the roof is open
I love Flagstaff/Munds Park area to get away from the heat and be in nature as well as Pinetop AZ 

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

My husband Ben first. There is no way I could have done this or continued to do it without his support and encouragement. I can’t sing his praises enough. We have three daughters, so our lives are busy, and he sees my potential and cares deeply for my well-being.

Gianna Negretti, my best friend, has always had my back and wouldn’t let me fall. She gave me such love and support from the beginning and has always been there for me. She also gave me the book #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso. That book was a major factor in my motivation and made me feel empowered.

Today, without the relationship I have with Tasha Wright, my partner, it would not be the same and I am not sure I would continue. To be able to work with one of your best friends and be successful is a dream that is coming true for us, and I can’t wait to see where we are headed.  

Website: RougeandWright.com

Instagram: @rougeandwright

Image Credits
@shannonleephotography Shannon Lee

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.