Meet Trailblazer Maureen Rischard Rn CMLT

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maureen Rischard Rn CMLT.

Maureen, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I spent 12 years on the trading floor, the CBOE, in Chicago. I met my beautiful husband and was fortunate to leave the trading floor in 1991 when I had my first daughter to be home with my children. I loved being a stay at home mom with my three daughters! My husband was offered a position in Scottsdale in 1997 and loving the idea of another adventure, we moved to Desert Ridge in May of 1997. Loved it, I believe in “wouldn’t you rather know, than wonder”… no regrets here. As my children grew I realized I needed to think about the next phase of my life. I wanted something that would allow flexibility (family first), creativity and it must be important work. As I’ve gone through the years, I learned it’s about what you do with the time you’ve been given.

I talked about going back to school with my husband for nursing and he was very supportive. I was so excited!! I love school, I love learning new things and in medicine, you can be a lifelong learner if you chose to be. Win/win/win.

I earned my wings as a hospital nurse in Post Partum/women’s health and ER. I learned so much, met amazing people and was honored to care for patients. With a business background, I also saw the opportunity in aesthetics and I dove in! This was 2006 and there wasn’t much in education/training in injectables so I did my research online and looked for every educational opportunity available.

Business grew organically and eventually I had a darling medspa in Scottsdale. I loved being there, hosting events, caring for my patients and providing services for my amazing community!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Life isn’t a smooth road never mind business! My husband received a devastating diagnosis of cancer in 2013 and my focus became pinpoint. I didn’t want to be the boss anymore. I didn’t want the overhead but I had such an amazing patient base I transitioned my injection practice to a board-certified plastic surgeons office as an independent contractor. This allowed me to continue my practice and grow without the overhead and focus on my beautiful family. In 2015, just weeks after losing my husband, I received my own devastating diagnosis of breast cancer and had big decisions to make. I would do whatever it took to fight. My patients were incredibly supportive. I worked around treatments and surgeries. My business allowed me the flexibility to work/rest/heal on my time. I learned what’s most important in my life and was able to share my journey with my incredible community. There was a tremendous shift in perspective. I love to provide a safe, nurturing environment for my patients… never focusing on insecurities.

Actually, the complete opposite, the focus turned to health, strength, and beauty. Once you realize you really don’t need these procedures, you just want them, the light bulb switches on. I love those moments! Could I double my income if I focused on insecurities? Yes. Could I rest easy at night with a clear conscious with that mindset? No. I think it’s so important to make that decision of who you are in this world. That includes your personal and professional life and to always, always stay true to you and trust your gut! In my treatment room, I have a painting of three girls. I look at it and think of my three daughters. It keeps me grounded and drives me at the same time. I always know what I stand for and who I am, My priorities are in check and I move forward with my decisions from there. I’m sharing this with you because life/business is about adapting to change and challenges, meeting them head-on, taking action and moving forward. Our experiences shape us and hopefully change us for the better! It’s all about what you do with the cards you’re dealt.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am an aesthetic nurse. I am certified in lasers, skin care, chemical peels, and injectables. My focus is injectables, That’s where my time is best spent. My aesthetic is very soft and natural, think refreshed, not frozen. I love expression, it’s how we communicate! These are medical procedures and need to be treated that way. I made my mind up years ago that I was not going to compete with other providers, my only competition is myself. I’m very big on educating my patients. It’s important to me that my patients understand the “method to the madness.” Our first time together, I like to schedule additional time for education and establishing the relationship. This is missing in my industry. I understand that time is money and my patients are very busy people but I do think our initial time together is significant to establish the relationship. Follow up is so very important to me, you must own your work. In my industry, you can not have an ego. I want to hear feedback and I appreciate the opportunity to reassess the results and make sure it’s perfect! I’m very comfortable saying no to certain procedures and patients. I think it’s my trading floor background that keeps me “risk/reward” oriented. I’m not one to hop on the bandwagon, I do my own personal due diligence to determine to add a product/procedure into my practice. My decisions are based on safety, effectiveness, results and the biggest bang for my patients buck. If it’s not in your best interest, it’s not in my best interest. Get comfortable saying no. Really, it’s just about doing the right thing.

What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Great question! Know who you are, what you stand for, identify your intention and find your voice. You must surround yourself with a community who truly loves you, wants the best for you and has your back. Most importantly, always trust your gut!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.maureenrischardaesthetics.com
• Phone: 480-363-0216
• Email: maureen@maureenrischardaesthetics.com
• Instagram: @maureenrischardaesthetics
• Facebook: Maureen Dowling Rischard

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.