Today we’d like to introduce you to Matisse Giordano
Hi Matisse, 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?
Since I was little, I always dreamed of working in medicine. My favorite TV show was ER, and I imagined myself as a surgeon, drawn to the intensity and impact of emergency medicine and saving lives. Naturally, I was deeply intrigued by science. I was the kid who was excited when we got to dissect owl pellets in 4th grade. Alongside my love for medicine was a fascination with beauty and creativity that started just as early. Around the age of seven, I turned our basement into “Matisse’s Beauty Spa”, consisting of a makeshift tanning bed (don’t worry it was just a lawn chair with a lamp), a nail station, a makeup station and a reception desk. I even printed flyers for my mom to pass out, convinced my neighbors would come to my spa.
Beyond science and beauty, art has always been part of my identity. Named after the artist Henri Matisse, I grew up finding joy in creative expression whether it was drawing, writing poetry, writing songs, dance, gymnastics etc.
My passion for skin took root not long after. While most kids avoided anything “gross,” I was the one popping my brother’s, my dad’s, my friends’ pimples, extracting blackheads, and examining skin issues like I was Dr. Pimple Popper (huge influence lol). I saw beauty in the process of helping skin heal and thrive.
My journey into nursing was shaped by a deep fascination with both medicine and the human connection. By high school, I started to focus more seriously on healthcare. I took elective courses in health sciences and was able to earn my CNA license, thinking I might pursue medical school, specifically dermatology.
As part of my CNA training, I spent hours in a skilled nursing facility and rehabilitation center where I fell in love with bedside care. One patient, in particular, left an indelible mark on me. While I can’t share his full story, he taught me how much of a difference you can make by simply being present for someone during their most vulnerable moments. His resilience and spirit inspired me to focus on nursing as a career because I wanted to be that person who not only provided care but also made others feel seen and supported.
After I graduated with my BSN, I dove into labor and delivery, where I primarily worked on high-risk obstetric units and was immersed in emergent, life-changing situations.
As much as I loved being an RN, I often felt limited in what I could do for my patients. I wanted to have a greater say in their plan of care and the ability to make decisions that could truly impact their outcomes. That desire drove me to further my education and go back to school to get my masters degree and nurse practitioner license. I was determined to expand my scope, take on more responsibility, and make an even bigger difference in the lives of those I cared for.
As I advanced my career, my passion for skin never faded. While finishing my NP program, I took a position in the aesthetics field, starting with lasers. From there, I began learning about how non-surgical treatments can transform the skin. It was in these moments that I realized I had found my place.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not. Every step of the journey comes with its challenges, but I think that’s what makes it so rewarding. Nursing school was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. It tested my limits mentally, emotionally, and physically ( I think every nurse can attest to that). It was while working full-time as a nurse, that I decided to put myself through NP school without taking on any loans, which meant making sacrifices.
Nursing is a challenge I think we don’t talk about enough in general. You are caring for people in their most vulnerable moments, it can be the best or worst day of someone’s life. It means working long hours, weekends, night shifts, holidays. Theres a physical exhaustion and emotional heaviness that comes with it. I’ve shared a lot of tears with my patients and my colleagues.
Getting into the aesthetic industry was an obstacle in itself. When I started, there weren’t med spas on every corner, and it was extremely competitive, as it still is. No one wanted to hire someone without experience, which left me in a frustrating cycle: I couldn’t gain experience without a job, but I couldn’t get a job without experience. I spent hours every day emailing plastic surgery clinics, dermatology offices, and med spas, sending my resume and asking for a chance. I reached out on Instagram, dropped off resumes in person, and called as many places as I could. It was a relentless process, and for a long time I was only told “no”.
Eventually, I found a position that got my foot in the door. It gave me the opportunity to prove myself and learn. Even then, building a career in aesthetics takes an incredible amount of time, money, and effort. People often see this industry as the glitz and glamour of medicine, but what they don’t see is the hours spent training, the personal investments in education, and the hard work of building from scratch, which often means time away from your family. It’s a slow and challenging process to earn patients’ trust, build a reputation, and establish your skillset. There’s a huge struggle when it comes to trusting yourself when you’re new and finding your confidence as a provider. Imposter syndrome often creeps in and it’s easy to compare yourself to other injectors on social media who seemingly have it all.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a nurse practitioner injector, and I’ve been specializing in aesthetic medicine for the past six years. My practice focuses on non-surgical treatments like neuromodulators (Botox, Dysport), dermal fillers, biostimulators like Sculptra, skin-rejuvenating treatments and skincare education. I focus on treatments that prioritize natural-looking results. My would consider myself a natural beauty advocate where my goal is to enhance, never over power or distort.
I value personalization, education, and safety above all. Every patient has a unique face, anatomy, and aesthetic goals, and I take the time to create customized treatment plans that reflect that. I focus on transparency and honest conversations with my patients, and I’m proud to be the kind of injector who isn’t afraid to say no if I don’t believe a treatment is right for someone. I think my patients would say that’s one of the things they appreciate most about me- my commitment to their well-being over everything else. I take pride in being a picky injector. For me, it’s about honoring the medical roots of this field and always remembering that my patients’ health and happiness come first.
What I’m most proud of is the trust my patients place in me and the difference I’m making. Aesthetic medicine isn’t just about physical transformations, it’s about creating a safe space where patients feel heard, respected, and understood. I get to witness firsthand the joy and renewed confidence my patients experience after their treatments, and there’s nothing more rewarding than knowing I’ve played a role in that. Even though my patients aren’t “sick” in the traditional sense, the transformations I help create can be just as life-changing.
Practicing aesthetic medicine allows me to combine everything I’ve ever loved: medicine, science, skin, art, and beauty.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is the value of perseverance and staying true to my vision, even when the path gets difficult. Aesthetic medicine is a highly competitive and ever-evolving field, and there were many times when I doubted myself or felt overwhelmed by the challenges. But I’ve realized that success comes not from avoiding obstacles, but from facing them head-on with resilience and adaptability.
I’ve also learned the importance of humility and continuous growth. This industry requires you to always be a student—to seek out opportunities to learn from others, refine your skills, and stay up-to-date on best practices.
Perhaps the most meaningful lesson has been understanding the impact of compassion and connection. At the heart of it all, this is medicine—real people, real lives, and real outcomes. It’s not about chasing trends or doing what’s popular or even being the most “popular”; it’s about doing what’s best for the patient in front of me. I went to school to make a difference, to help people, and that’s the core of my practice. Staying grounded in that purpose, no matter how the industry shifts, has been one of the most important lessons for me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/theneedlenp
Image Credits
Morgan Wirth – @morganwirthphoto , @morganwirthbranding
