Community Highlights: Meet Kelci Hunter of The Arizona Injector

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelci Hunter.

Hi Kelci, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
I am a Family Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years’ experience in the medical field. I am originally from Illinois and relocated to Arizona in 2019. I started my career in Cardiac ICU right out of high school. I graduated from Millikin University with my Bachelor’s in Science and Nursing in 2010. I was a Cardiac ICU Nurse for 5 years, where I learned how to manage complications and act quickly in critical situations. I went on to receive my Master’s in Science and Nursing from Maryville University in St. Louis. I spent 2 years working in Family Practice near Knoxville, TN. 

In 2019, I moved to Arizona and began my career in Aesthetics. I am continually investing in my own advanced training and education and have been trained by some of the world’s best educators in Aesthetics. In 2022, I launched my private training program and Medical Directorship program. I am dedicated to continuing education in this field for myself and other injectors. I also train nationally for Galderma (the makers of Dysport, Restylane, and Sculptra). 

This year, I launched my beginner injectable certification course that will allow licensed medical professionals to become trained on neurotoxins and dermal fillers. I seek to create synergistic relationships amongst injectors which serve to elevate the aesthetic industry. I am the daughter of small business owners and continue to work alongside my parents at Vida Bella Med Spa in Glendale, AZ. 

I am also a mom of a 7-year-old girl and a 4-year-old boy, and my husband is an Orthopedic Physician Assistant in Scottsdale. I enjoy training injectors of all skill levels but can empathize with feeling so “new” in this industry. I am very patient and approachable for those needing more guidance. 

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?
Transitioning into aesthetics came with its challenges. We took over an existing practice with an existing patient base, which some patients did not love. They saw me as young and inexperienced instead of a set of fresh eyes that was eager and willing to learn continuously. I never thought this field would require so much continuing education, but it is by far the most expensive field to be in. This journey has come with a lot of comparison, self-doubt, and frustration. It has come with overwhelming feelings of inadequacy at times (especially early on). 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
I am the owner of The Arizona Injector. I focus on medical directorship for other injectors and aestheticians throughout Arizona. In addition, I offer private training for injectors looking to improve their skills and/or techniques. I am known by my patients for my natural results. I strive to achieve results that are undetectable to your friends, family, and spouse. Because of this, I train others in hopes they will also be able to provide natural-looking results in their practices. I also pride myself in being approachable. Whether it be during a training, after the training, or as a medical director account, I am always available to talk through any potential issues that may arise. I am very straightforward, but I never want anyone to feel less than me just because they are newer in this space or they don’t know the best way to approach a patient, issue, or complication. 

What are your plans for the future?
I’m looking forward to growing my beginner course this year. I wanted to create a course that would not only dive into neurotoxins and fillers but also discuss business and entrepreneurship aspects of aesthetics because many people are opening their own businesses without any business training or knowledge. As the daughter of small business owners, I am an entrepreneur at heart, so I’m always looking for ways to grow my business and address voids I may find in this field. No other big changes are on the horizon just yet only looking forward a lot of growth this year for The Arizona Injector and our practice (Vida Bella Med Spa). 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thearizonainjector.com and www.vidabellamedspa.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/the.arizona.injector
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.arizona.injector

Image Credits
Lauren Peachie Photography