Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Cooper.
Hi Shelby, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I started as an aesthetic nurse a few years back in a small medical spa in Utah. It was a great space for me to learn my skills and also what not to do as an injector and to my new employees. I was a bright-eyed nurse eager to get into this highly competitive field so I took the first offer presented to me. I actually pushed my way into this position, they weren’t even hiring at the time but I made an effort and was persistent. I showed up every day ready to learn. I shadowed injectors there for 3 months before they ever offered me a job or let me practice on patients.
Fast forward to the end of last year, I was now ahead of the game offering more services and procedures than any of the other nurses there. I was eager to learn and to keep expanding. I began feeling taken advantage of, especially once I heard how much some of my colleagues were making at other neighboring med spas. Countless times I brought up my wages and each time I was turned down and told I was being selfish. I quickly realized that anytime someone stuck up for themselves, they faced retaliation and an awkward work environment, so I got quiet. Two things happened in a matter of months that pushed me to go out on my own. I met a colleague in the industry for lunch, her jaw dropped when I told her the things that were going on and what I was being paid. I was so stressed and ready to give up, I was even planning to drop out of my last semester of NP school so I could get another job to support myself. She kept telling me that I was worth more and that I needed to get out of there. Then I started training a nursing student, she was completing her capstone hours to finish up her degree and she wanted to specialize in aesthetic nursing. Over the course of 2 months, we became very close and when my then-boss offered her a job at her spa, I knew I had to give her a better option.
I saw myself in her, this young and eager nurse desperate to get her foot in the industry. So I spoke to some friends and within a matter of 2 weeks, I had set up my own medical spa. I called her and asked her “what if I could give you another option? Would you take a chance on a start-up?” and she did. She now works for me and we are building this business together. Fast forward 3 months after opening, I am feeling more like myself and happier than ever. It’s hard, and with every profit I made I’ve put back into the business and into my employee. But word has already gotten out, I’ve stayed busy, and injectors from all over Utah have sent in inquiries to come and train with me, a lot are interested in working for me. I love my job, and I love creating a space where injectors feel empowered and valued and get compensated fairly.
My mission is to create transparency in this industry. Not only with all of the shady things that are going on behind the scenes, but get non-compete contracts abolished in the state of Utah and hopefully the rest of America. To create awareness about these med spas enslaving these young eager nurses, a colleague of mine and myself just started a new podcast called Behind the Syringe. Even though we have not launched our first episode yet, it has already gained a lot of traction, a lot of people are following and watching, waiting for the tea if you will. So many other injectors have reached out to me with stories to share on the podcast (kept anonymous of course) and so many have suggested topics to touch on. I want newer injectors to know that there are options out there, they don’t need to pay thousands of dollars for training, and they don’t need to sign those contracts that enslave them.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There of course have been challenges both with my new business and emotionally. I was close with the people I worked with at the spa in Lehi, some bridges were burned in the process. Not because I wanted to burn them, but because my old boss knew no other way to deal with a loss, and it’s sad. I wish I could still reach out to her.
Owning a business has been quite an adventure, but I love it. I get to be creative and do things how I want to do them. I have learned a lot along the way though, like taxes, and payroll, and business licensing, insurance, it’s not like they give you a how-to manual for these things! I joke with my husband that “I shouldn’t have to do these things, I’m the talent!” but it has been so rewarding for me. One of the biggest challenges was starting this business without any business loans or credit and no help from family, just our savings and betting on this dream. Just last week, the building power was out for who knows how long and I get in to find all of the product in my fridge, about 12k worth, was warm to the touch and ruined.
Luckily I have some pretty awesome reps that replaced it but you can imagine the horror on my face at that realization. I’ve learned to laugh at these things though because if I didn’t I would cry. I can’t change these things and stressing about it doesn’t help either. It’s all small stuff in the grand scheme of things and a learning experience. One thing I have made the effort to do is journal every day for the first year in business all highs, lows, and emotions. I hope to look back in October and laugh!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Glam Rx Aesthetics?
Shelby Cooper, passionate injector and founder of Glam Rx Aesthetics, is thrilled to celebrate her nominations and continued recognition of her services in the aesthetic beauty space. Shelby shares that the nominations are special because they show that she is moving in the right direction. She describes getting recognition from her clients and peers as a massive honor that reaffirms her dedication to cosmetic care.
Echoing her commitment to client care, Shelby shares that Glam Rx Aesthetics was founded to ensure that each person who walks through the medical spa’s doors leaves feeling their best. With this as its mission, Glam Rx Aesthetics has quickly become a recognized Utah county med spa for injectable treatments, skin rejuvenation, and other skincare treatments. In addition to providing stellar care, the med spa is also dedicated to the community, making it a local favorite in the county.
Glam Rx Aesthetics allows people to embark on unique skin rejuvenation journeys that feature non-invasive treatments. This means that patients have little to no downtime and can enjoy the results of their procedures almost immediately. The team at Glam Rx Aesthetics, led by Shelby, works in tandem to create unique, integrative rejuvenation programs for patients. These programs are built on the team’s thirst for knowledge to provide insight and empowerment to patients through experience and expertise.
During her time in the industry, Shelby has observed that aesthetic treatments have increasingly become transactional. As more clinics pop up and demand for anti-aging and skin rejuvenation treatments grows, specialists don’t take time to educate their patients on aesthetic procedures. Shelby set up her med spa to offer personalized anti-aging treatments that provide a 360-degree overview of the procedure, expected results, recovery, care tips, and more. Through this approach, Glam Rx Aesthetics has continuously guaranteed safe, consistent, and natural-looking results from Botox and other skin treatments.
“Our cosmetic providers understand that everyone’s facial anatomies and goals are unique, so they personalize all treatment plans to address your specific needs.”
As the founder of Glam Rx Aesthetics and trailblazer in the injector community, Shelby strives to keep learning, leveraging cutting-edge technologies, and offering the best care to her clients. One of the areas she is changing through her med spa is transparency in the industry. She believes aspiring injectors should have access to information and speaks up against unethical non-compete contracts holding back injectors.
Fueled by her passion for sharing knowledge to better patient outcomes, increase safety during procedures, and transform the cosmetic industry, Shelby co-founded a Podcast with two of her colleagues, “Behind the Syringe.” The podcast shares open and honest conversations about the injector industry. Shelby shares that the goal is to improve professionalism, education, safety, and luxury in the aesthetic space.
With growing recognition for her work, Shelby is all set to lead the industry’s transformation. Catch her on her podcast @syringepodcast or social media @snatchedby.shelby, or visit Glam Rx Aesthetics to learn more.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Utah is rad, I moved here from California 8 years ago after meeting my now husband on a whim in Tahoe. He was visiting with his dad and the rest is history. I have loved living in Utah and can’t ever see myself moving back to California. I love Utah county, it is the greatest place to raise kids someday. It is a little bit slower of a pace, everyone is so friendly, and our community is great. I will say I am not a fan of the snow this year, it feels colder than normal and I am not okay.
Utah is also one of the top 3 per capita states for medical spas. I have clients from out of state coming to see me for treatments often. One thing I dislike about Utah is the lack of transparency with medical aesthetic procedures. The majority of women in Utah have had botox or dermal fillers but never admit to it. Why not? We all know anyway haha. I’d like to see Utah normalize these procedures more, there is nothing wrong with wanting to age gracefully.
Pricing:
- Transparent pricing can be found on our website at www.glamrxaesthetics.com
- Botox $10/unit
- Dermal fillers and threads require a consultation first.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.glamrxaesthetics.com
- Instagram: @snatchedby.shelby
