Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique Zwelling.
Hi Monique, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey into aesthetics began after nearly a decade in nursing. I started my career in pediatric cardiovascular intensive care, where I cared for some of the most medically complex and vulnerable patients. I later worked as a travel nurse in pediatric, neonatal, and cardiovascular intensive care units before transitioning into pre-op and recovery nursing.
I have always loved taking care of my skin and have been passionate about it since I was a teenager. I eventually realized I wanted to use my passion for skin care and helping others feel their best in a way that combines anatomy, science, artistry, and the opportunity to build lasting relationships with patients. So I decided to take a leap of faith and began pursuing aesthetic nursing.
I have dedicated myself to advanced education and hands-on training in facial anatomy, injectables, regenerative treatments, and skin health. Today, I am an aesthetic nurse injector at BBUN Beauty Injectables & Wellness in North Phoenix. My approach is centered on subtle, natural-looking results that help patients feel refreshed and confident while still looking completely like themselves. I also believe that we should be putting our skin health first which in return will make any other treatment look 100x better.
This career transition has challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone, build a personal brand, and grow as both a clinician and a business-minded professional. I am still growing and learning every day, but I am incredibly proud of how far I have come and grateful to be building a career that brings together my nursing background, creativity, and passion for helping others feel their best.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I think anyone who has ever decided to switch career paths or go against the grain would say that, of course, the journey wasn’t smooth. It is not easy to learn new skills or sit with the discomfort of no longer being the go-to person everyone turns to with questions, especially when you are used to being a leader.
I am getting to a point now where I feel confident again in answering questions and mentoring others who are interested in aesthetics. This area is often described as a side hustle or the “softer” side of medicine, but when I speak with others who are interested in entering the field, they are often surprised by what I tell them.
In the decade that I have been a nurse, I can confidently say that I have completed the most continuing education as an aesthetic injector. There is not a day that goes by when I am not learning something new or seeking additional education. There have been many late nights spent studying, busy days caring for patients, hours catching up on charting, and countless opportunities to network within the community.
I feel incredibly blessed that I was open about my interest in aesthetics because it led me to some amazing friends and mentors. They have guided me throughout my journey and helped ensure that I invested my money in education that would provide me with the strongest foundation.
I love learning and growing, so I have always viewed the rocky moments as part of the process I needed to become the injector I am today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a registered nurse and aesthetic injector at BBUN Beauty Injectables & Wellness, where I specialize in natural, individualized treatments that help patients feel refreshed and confident without changing what makes them look like themselves.
My approach focuses on full-face harmony, skin health first, prevention, and thoughtful treatment planning. I’m known for subtle results, honest education, and taking the time to help each patient understand their anatomy and the reasoning behind every recommendation.
What sets me apart is the level of care I bring from my nursing background. Safety, trust, and patient education are at the center of everything I do. I never believe in a one-size-fits-all treatment or treating someone simply because we can. I have often told patients no, but I have educated them on why they are actually seeing what they are seeing and how we should treat the cause and not the problem.
Sometimes the best plan is to start slowly, support the skin, or even say no.
I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my patients and the safe space I’ve created for them to ask questions without feeling pressured or judged. I have always thought that helping someone feel more confident while still looking completely like themselves is the most rewarding part of my work. But what truly is the most rewarding is the connections I have built with my patients and the life lessons we learn from each other. My patient’s know that when they enter my room and sit in the chair that they can truly tell me anything and they’ve become family!
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
The biggest pearl that I can give other people is to find someone who you feel comfortable asking questions to, asking for help on complex cases, and you love their artistic eye when it comes to injecting. I have joined multiple communities like Syringe Society, Iron Needle, The Confidence Lab Preceptorship, and The Methode Collective to meet other injectors and to learn and grow from one another. I also have followed some of my favorite injectors on social media and have reached out to them on different platforms and then eventually met them in real life at events. I have also always believed that if you want something bad enough you will find a way to achieve it. When I was learning I made sure to put myself in rooms to learn and when I first went to educational events I didn’t quite understand everything that they were talking about but now it has all clicked and I continue to try and find one new thing to learn at each dinner or event I go to! The hardest part is putting yourself out there but it also the most rewarding because you never know who you are inspiring until you’re the person they are reaching out to.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moe_injector_bbunbeauty
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Moeinjectorbbunbeauty
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/monique-zwelling-a3734a162
- Other: https://booking.mangomint.com/gcav?staffId=17
