Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandy Tafoya.
Hi Brandy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
When I was in junior high, my mother was diagnosed with lupus and MS. This pivotal moment inspired my desire to enter the medical field to help her. In high school, I enrolled in a CNA course starting in my sophomore year. My initial work was in an Alzheimer’s lock-down unit, which today are known as memory care units. I then joined Salt Lake Regional Hospital and Community Nursing Services while working toward graduating as a junior in high school and moving into my own place. Eventually, I transitioned from home care to working full-time in Postpartum, NICU, and L&D at Salt Lake Regional Hospital, all while building a family and putting myself through nursing school. After completing my nursing education, I joined South Davis Community Hospital, where I gained extensive nursing skills. This experience led me back to Home Care and Hospice Care, allowing me to be more present for my children. In 2016, while my spouse and I were home with the flu, binge-watching medical shows, my spouse offered me his GI Bill to return to school to become a provider. I applied to and was accepted at Frontier Nursing University, the second-ranked school in the nation for Nurse Practitioners. I began my studies in 2017, earned my Master’s degree and Board certification in 2020, and subsequently opened my own clinic in Clinton, Utah. While managing my clinic, I pursued my ultimate academic goal of obtaining a Doctorate degree as a Nurse Practitioner.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Opening a clinic in 2020 during the pandemic was incredibly rewarding, though it came with its own set of challenges. Patients often requested off-label treatments, and pharmacies would deny the prescriptions. There were numerous regulations and insufficient care available for those with COVID-19. Despite these obstacles, the pandemic proved to be a rewarding time for my staff and me, allowing us to address an underserved infection. As the pandemic progressed, I began mentoring students for their clinical hours, helping them on their path to becoming nurse practitioners. Two of these students eventually joined my clinic as colleagues. However, within a year, the culture of my clinic shifted negatively, leading to staff dissatisfaction, theft, and poor performance, which resulted in heartache and hard feelings, ultimately necessitating a complete staff overhaul. Staffing has been a significant challenge for my business, representing my biggest obstacle. Additionally, external support, such as billing and credentialing, has been difficult to navigate. I aspired to give back to my community by providing integrative care for insured patients, a service traditionally available only on a cash basis. Finding honest professionals in this field has been challenging, though I am hopeful with recent developments.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
From a young age, I have been deeply involved in the creative arts, starting with playing instruments in my school bands. As I matured, I discovered a passion for painting, enjoying the process of analyzing and replicating works of art. My creativity extends to fashion, makeup, and decorating, which I have always loved exploring. When I opened my clinic, I knew I wanted to bring this creative spirit into my practice through aesthetics. I have embraced the challenge of helping individuals enhance their skin and appearance using injectables, devices, skincare, and supplements, which has truly fulfilled my artistic inclinations.
In the field of aesthetics, I am recognized for helping clients achieve a natural look. I take great pleasure in guiding each patient on their aesthetic journey, ensuring they are involved in every step of the process. My patients are my living artwork, and their satisfaction is my utmost priority. I meticulously select products that are non-reactive, made from wholesome ingredients, and always FDA-approved and certified.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Acknowledgment is certainly due: First and foremost, to my spouse, who has supported me throughout this entire journey—mentally, financially, and physically—by rearranging and building whatever was needed for the clinic, helping around the house more than any man I have ever met and assisting as my business office manager. I also extend my gratitude to my children, who sacrificed time with their mom so I could return to school. I would like to thank all the doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants at Wade Family Medicine for their mentorship and for accommodating me during the pandemic, enabling me to complete my degree and become a provider. Lastly, I want to express my appreciation to all the staff, past and present, for their support and for helping me learn and grow throughout my years in business.
Pricing:
- Tox $12 a unit
- PRF injections starting at $199
- Body Sculpting starting @ $299
- Laser Hair Removal starts @ $40
- Skin resurfacing starts @ $100
Contact Info:
- Website: https://brandymariefamilyaesthetic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandy_marie_family_aesthetic/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/care4allofus
