Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Weltner.
Hi Heather, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Kansas with two sisters and a family that showed me the meaning of hard work and never giving up. My parents always allowed me to try new things and get out of my comfort zone. Because of this, I played almost every sport, was a dancer, cheer captain, lifeguard and nanny. I was involved in my community and loved meeting new people.
Regarding my passion for adventure, I went to Ole Miss for college majoring in Exercise Science. I became a Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor. Even with my passion for fitness, I knew this wasn’t the path for me.
After graduating, I worked in the ER at Kansas City’s level 1 trauma center to determine if nursing would be a better fit. I began as an admitting rep, turned nurse aide, LVN and now RN.
I knew I loved helping people. My different roles in my career led me into Aesthetics. I was a charge nurse at a nursing and rehabilitation facility, then I took a job at a Dermatology clinic. The providers specialized in rare diseases, skin cancer, Mohs surgery and psych derm. After three years, I moved to San Francisco where my sisters lived. I worked at a medical, surgical and plastics Dermatology practice. The first provider I worked with was a very detail-oriented injector. I assisted in Mohs surgeries alongside a talented provider reconstructing areas to the face, scalp, ears and neck. As their assistant, I would inject lidocaine for all the procedures in sensitive areas. My patients would always comment on how gentle I was and kept them calm in a scary situation with skin cancer removal and having an open area being worked on (this was not for everyone). At this time in my career, I fell in love with the aesthetics industry and knew this was my career path.
After completing my RN, I found my way to Austin, a place in which I feel at home and can be myself. I was so drawn to the culture, live music, weather and outdoor adventures I love so much.
Upon arriving in Austin, I worked for a pediatric surgery Hospital until I landed my first Medspa job. During COVID, when the furloughs began, I worked with a Hospice startup. I was honored to be able to help people and their families during this time.
After the city opened back up, I moved to South Austin and found my true connection with the city and surrounding areas. I worked at a new Medspa and eventually two different spas in Austin and New Braunfels. I loved my clients. At this point, I had worked in so many roles in the medical and medspa settings. To be successful, I needed to make a change for my clients and my own happiness.
Citing an eagerness to grow, I opened my own space in October 2021, partnering with Portrait. I am located in South Austin at the Marquise Salon Suite in Oak Hill. I chose this location because of the variety of where my clients reside being from Austin to San Antonio.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Any new adventure can have obstacles. Building a new business has been challenging. Clients needed to find out where I went. I needed to build new clientele, network and use social media even more than I had previously. Thankfully, I have a wonderful family and friend support system to help keep me going through the ups and downs.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I partnered with Portrait Spa in October 2021 to open my own aesthetic practice. I am the first injector in Texas to have the opportunity to expand this concept. I am thrilled to be able to give a customized experience to my patients with treatments for skin care and anti-aging at my fingertips.
I value my client relationships and being able to develop an individualized treatment plan. Previously I would see a large amount of patients daily which left me with a feeling rushed, disorganized and lacking a solid support system. I didn’t have the time or tools to help my patients the way they should be helped, but now I do!
I offer Neuromodulators, Dermal Fillers, PRF injections including hair restoration, Microneedling, Kybella, VI Peel(chemical peel), Medical grade skincare, and coming soon Sculptra and threads.
I am best known for my natural-looking lip filler, which is where #plumpedbyheather started. I love embracing what you have and am known for giving natural-looking results. I focus on having a thorough consultation and educating my patients on how skincare and treatments I offer work together. Expectations vs reality is key. My warm demeanor, empathy and gentle touch to reach optimal results is what sets me apart.
Another awesome service I get to do is events and concierge services. Who doesn’t want a Saturday night Botox party!? Corporate events, small get-togethers, bridal parties, I can tailor to your needs.
In making this transition, I have been able to be the best version of myself and give my patients the best version of themselves. I love my job and passion to help others. I am honored to be able to do what I do. My own struggles with acne, aging and pigmentation have led to my eagerness and motive in choosing this path.
The aesthetics industry is changing for the good and becoming more understood and “normal.” However, it is still slower regarding the male demographic. Once they come in, they keep coming back. It is my job to educate my patients on what good skincare is, what they do at home as well as forming an individualized treatment plan.
Portrait allows a nurse injector to have all the tools to be successful in building the practice and growth including autonomy, a customized EHR, flexibility, more income, continual training and education, a community of injectors, support team and our fabulous medical providers Dr.Patrick Blake and Dr. Sheila Barbarino. This sets us apart.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
During Covid, I wasn’t able to work in the aesthetic industry. After being furloughed, I was lucky enough to work for a startup Hospice company. It was such a difficult but wonderful experience that brought me back to my roots as a nurse. I became a provider to help people in any way that they needed. Hospice and aesthetics allowed me to help people feel their best. It also made me appreciate my relationships, family and my health even more. Lastly, it brought out my character and interests in the adventurous side of Heather as well as learning how to slow down and breathe.
Contact Info:
- Email: Plumpedbyheather@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.portraitspa.com/about
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/aestheticsbyheather_rn?r=nametag
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/austininjectorheather/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/plumpedbyheather
