Today we’d like to introduce you to Iris Taylor.
Hi Iris, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
At age 18, I had no idea what I wanted to study in college. I knew that whatever I was going to do for a living for the next 40 or so years needed to be something I was passionate about. But I barely knew myself, much less my passions.
After four years and four majors, I decided that maybe a change of scenery would inspire me. I moved to Austin.
Soon after, my hormones went haywire. I developed acute cystic nodular acne. It was painful, both emotionally and physically.
I could not afford to go to a dermatologist. So, I started experimenting with masks, peels; all the at-home, so-called remedies. Nothing worked. My condition was too severe. A friend of mine mentioned that I should explore Esthetician school.
Esthetician school was great. It did not fix my acne, but it got me in the door of the medical aesthetic industry.
After finally giving in and seeing a dermatologist for help with my acne, I realized that I wanted to be involved with more of the medical side of skin and beauty. I learned through experience that something more serious than a facial was necessary for many people.
I started my career in 2001 working for a Plastic Surgeon doing the basics: Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peels and Dermaplaning. I was also taking courses in Laser technology and safety which soon advanced me into more of a ‘medical’ Esthetician role. From there, the obvious natural progression was injectables: Botox, dermal fillers. The opportunities literally just kept falling into my lap!
I am extremely lucky. I love what I do. My passion for helping others feel confident in their own skin is still as strong as it was 20 years ago.
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?
During the first five years of my career I moved out of state two times. Starting over with clientele was scary and risky. Each time I moved I took a step back in my position but then quickly, I was always able to take two steps forward. I finally found my home, Austin, TX. And I found the best employer. She is truly the ‘hidden gem’.
As you know, we are big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an Aesthetic Injector with 20 years of experience in the Medical Aesthetic industry. I administer cosmetic injectables such as BOTOX and dermal fillers. I am employed by BODY TONIC MEDICAL SPA and I have been with them for 9+ years. We are a small boutique med spa with a personal and intimate approach to medical aesthetics. Our team is made up of 7 of the most amazing women you could ever dream of working side by side with. The owner is literally the strongest, most generous, kindest human being on the planet. I am filled with gratitude daily.
My approach to cosmetic injectables is simple, natural-looking results. There is an art and science to creating a tasteful enhancement while preserving the natural features of the face. Product choice, technique, and experience are all especially important to achieving this goal.
I am most proud of how far I have come compared to where I began. This industry evolves amazingly fast. This makes advanced training an ongoing, never-ending part of my career. Education and keeping up with the latest techniques are non-negotiable for me. I always say that I am a better injector today than I was yesterday. I refuse to become stagnant.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love the energy of our city. There aren’t many US cities where you can dine, sleep and be physically active downtown. I love the urban progressiveness that downtown has to offer. Couple that with the fact that you can drive 15 minutes to a natural waterhole and dive right in, go paddle-boarding in the heart of our city at Lady Bird Lake, or drive west to see gorgeous hill country views and hike the canyons. I also love the art culture in Austin. From music to murals, this city is overflowing with talent and creativity.
What do I like least? The pre-covid traffic was really annoying. I am not looking forward to that again.
Contact Info:
- Email: iris@bodytonic.com
- Website: www.mybodytonic.com
- Instagram: @irisbodytonic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BodyTonicMedSpa
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/bodytonicmedspa
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/Mybodytonic
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/body-tonic-med-spa-austin
Image Credits
Kim Francois (professional headshots)
