We’re looking forward to introducing you to Audrey Knodell MSN, APRN, FNP-C. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Audrey, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
This is such a timely question, because lately I’ve been working on truly balancing my everyday life with my career goals. Lately, I’ve been finding joy in learning to truly enjoy the everyday moments, rather than always focusing on what’s next. I have a habit of feeling restless or unsettled wherever I am, but in the past couple of years, I’ve made a conscious effort to take life day by day, slow down, and appreciate the present. I read more, journal, connect or reconnect with friends, and get out to further explore the city that’s been my permanent home for the last few years. Letting go of the constant rush of “what’s next” has brought me a lot of peace, calm, and a deeper sense of fulfillment, plus energized me when it is time to look towards the future.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a nurse practitioner with nearly a decade of experience in nursing, my foundation being rooted in the highest level of neonatal care before transitioning into aesthetic medicine, business ownership, and plastic surgery. My practice focuses on delivering exceptional non-surgical facial and body rejuvenation while maintaining a strong commitment to patient safety, education, and medical integrity. What distinguishes my work is a highly intentional, patient-centered approach: I take the time to educate patients thoroughly, explain the reasoning behind each treatment plan, personally follow up, and consider the many details that influence outcomes beyond the injection itself. I consider aesthetics to be chronic care, not acute care, and I tailor my approach as such. This thoughtful, long-term approach allows me to prioritize trust, safety, and natural results. As my practice continues to evolve, I am expanding into formal education for nursing students, new injectors, and aspiring aesthetic providers, with a focus on keeping the field medical, legally sound, and grounded in strong clinical foundations.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed I wasn’t a leader. I was strong-willed and independent, but in group settings I struggled with anxiety and imposter syndrome, often shrinking back even when others saw leadership potential in me. I was frequently encouraged to step into leadership roles, yet I turned them down, convinced I wasn’t ready or capable. These days, that belief has completely shifted. It took time, experience, some exceptionally low lows, and an exceptional amount of self-trust to find my voice, but especially in the last few years, I’ve developed an unshakable confidence in myself, my knowledge, and my skill set. Now, I rarely say no to leadership roles or chances to step up, but I also know inherently that a formal role isn’t required to be a leader; showing competence, consistency, kindness, and integrity is leadership, with or without a title.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Resilience. The hardest experiences in my life forced me to slow down, adapt, and keep moving forward even when the outcome was uncertain. Because of this, I carry a sense of calm and preparedness that isn’t easily shaken. I’ve learned how to sit with discomfort, think clearly under pressure, and let go of control when things don’t go as planned. I couldn’t have learned those things without some adversity along the way.
I also learned that struggle can be unexpectedly generous. Some of my most difficult seasons brought some of the most impactful people into my life who offered perspective, encouragement, and wisdom at exactly the right moment. One of those people once told me that in life, you never truly lose; you either win or you learn. I carry that mindset with me daily, and I share it with others when they’re going through difficult moments, because it’s true. Tough times taught me how to grow and now I have the perspective to help others do the same.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
Longevity and evidence are my filters. I’m intentionally not a first-mover or early-adopter. I wait for meaningful data and real-world validation. Fads tend to emerge quickly and just as quickly expose negative outcomes or limitations. Foundational shifts endure, demonstrating long-term safety, effectiveness, and the ability to create sustained value.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I tend to read people deeply and quickly, often at a level they don’t fully articulate themselves. I’m highly attuned to motivations, emotions, and unspoken needs, which has been a defining strength throughout my nursing career, from the hospital setting to aesthetics. This ability allows me to build trust quickly and create a genuine sense of psychological safety. In my current career and ventures, it translates into an experience where individuals feel truly seen, heard, and respected rather than feeling rushed or treated transactionally. In a fast-paced world that often overlooks connection, I see this depth of understanding as foundational to strong leadership and exceptional client outcomes.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @authentic_injector
- Other: To book: Call 512-371-8817
Or
Email: audrey@restoraaustin.com
Image Credits
MK Ferguson
https://www.mkferg.com/
