

Today we’d like to introduce you to NIMA
Hi NIMA, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Matt and Carrie Brinton are the visionary founders and owners of the National Institute of Medical Aesthetics (NIMA), established in July 2009 in South Jordan, Utah. Their passion for the esthetics industry, coupled with their commitment to helping individuals achieve their career aspirations, drove them to create NIMA Institute. Recognizing a gap in the market for high-quality, hands-on education and business strategy solutions required for the unique needs of the esthetics field, particularly advanced esthetics, they leveraged their extensive experience as founders of Elase Medical Spa. Their goal was to establish a training facility where students could receive specialized training in medical aesthetics, blending their retail expertise with educational innovation to provide a curriculum that empowers graduates to thrive in the growing field of aesthetics.
Matt and Carrie Brinton’s deep backgrounds in both the clinical and business sides of the medical aesthetics industry offered them unique insight into what was lacking in existing esthetics programs, which led to the creation of NIMA Institute. Under their leadership, NIMA Institute has evolved from a small idea into a nationally recognized institution known for its high standards and dedication to student success. The Institute prides itself on its state-of-the-art facilities and proprietary curriculum, created and designed to deliver the highest quality education in medical aesthetics.
In November 2019, they expanded NIMA Institute by opening a second campus in Las Vegas, Nevada. Both campuses are accredited by NACCAS. The leadership team at NIMA, which includes key executives Christina McGarvey (Vice President of Finance and Compliance), Rachel Johnstone (Vice President of Advanced Aesthetic Education and Continuing Education), and Haley Payne (Vice President of Marketing and Sales), guides the institution’s mission and growth. Additionally, 11 Directors lead various teams at NIMA Institute, further strengthening the organization. NIMA Institute employs 100 team members between both campuses and has graduated over 2,500 Master Aestheticians in South Jordan and over 700 in Las Vegas.
NIMA Institute is driven by a mission to “Create Opportunities” for the students, staff, and their clientele. We provide customized training programs that not only equip students with technical skills but also empower them with the business skills necessary for success. Our deep industry knowledge, commitment to innovation, and adherence to core values—Relationships First, Striving for Greatness, Integrity, Innovation, and Quality—have positioned NIMA Institute as a leader in esthetics education, fostering an environment where students can thrive and build successful careers.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There were some challenges we had to overcome to get where we are today including:
Keeping Up with Industry Changes: The fast pace of advancements in medical aesthetics requires us to continually update our curriculum and facilities. We address this by investing in ongoing staff training and industry research.
Regulatory Compliance: Navigating the complex and changing regulations in medical aesthetics can be challenging. We stay compliant by maintaining strong relationships with regulatory bodies and integrating compliance into our programs.
Maintaining Quality Amid Growth: As we expand, ensuring consistent quality across our campuses is crucial. We tackle this with rigorous quality control measures and a focus on staff development.
Diverse Student Needs: With students from varied backgrounds, customizing our programs to meet individual needs is a priority. We offer specialized training options and personalized support to help each student succeed.
Economic Fluctuations: Economic shifts can impact demand for esthetic services. We counter this by building strong industry connections and ensuring our programs provide significant value and career readiness.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The National Institute of Medical Aesthetics (NIMA), founded by Matt and Carrie Brinton in July 2009, is a premier institution dedicated to excellence in medical aesthetics education. With locations in South Jordan, Utah and Las Vegas, Nevada, NIMA Institute specializes in providing advanced training programs that prepare students for successful careers in the growing field of esthetics.
What We Do:
NIMA Institute offers three main programs: a 1200 and 600-hour Master Aesthetics program at our South Jordan campus and a 900-hour Advanced Aesthetics program at our Las Vegas campus. These programs are meticulously designed to blend hands-on technical training with essential business skills, ensuring that our graduates are not only proficient in advanced esthetic techniques but also well-equipped to thrive in a competitive marketplace.
What Sets Us Apart:
Comprehensive Curriculum: Our proprietary curriculum is crafted from years of experience in the industry, offering a blend of cutting-edge technical training and practical business strategies. This holistic approach equips students with the skills needed for both technical proficiency and business success.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our campuses feature the latest in technology and equipment, providing students with a modern learning environment that mirrors real-world settings.
Accreditation and Standards: Both campuses are accredited by NACCAS, underscoring our commitment to maintaining high educational standards and quality.
Experienced Leadership: Led by Matt and Carrie Brinton, along with a dedicated team of executives and directors, NIMA Institute is guided by industry leaders who bring a wealth of expertise in both clinical and business aspects of esthetics.
Pride and Achievements:
We are proud of the over 2500 Master Aestheticians who have graduated from our South Jordan campus and the more than 700 graduates from our Las Vegas campus. Our graduates are highly sought after in the industry, a testament to the quality of education and training they receive at NIMA Institute.
What We Want You to Know:
Our mission is to “Create Opportunities” for our students, staff, and clientele. This is reflected in our commitment to delivering top-tier educational programs that empower our students with both technical skills and business acumen. Our core values—Relationships First, Striving for Greatness, Integrity, Innovation, and Quality—are integral to everything we do, driving us to continuously enhance our offerings and support our students in achieving their career goals.
In addition to our educational programs, NIMA Institute operates as a full-service spa, providing a range of aesthetic treatments, including injections, laser hair removal, and skin care services. This integration of education and practical service allows us to stay at the forefront of industry trends and provide a comprehensive experience for both students and clients.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
NIMA Institute is driven by a mission to “Create Opportunities” for the students, staff and their clientele. By providing customized training programs that not only equip students with technical skills but also empower them with the business skills necessary for success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nimaspa.com
- Instagram: nimanow
- Facebook: nima