Mentoring when done correctly results in an intensely personal journey, consisting of both parties (mentor and mentee) creating a special bond where life experiences are shared for the betterment of both. I am writing this as an appreciation blog dedicated to Tracey Hotta, one of Canada's first RN cosmetic injectors and recognized as a leading aesthetic nurse specialist and my mentor, colleague, & friend.

“I’m proud of how many nurses are now choosing this as a career, and how many entrepreneurial medical professionals are creating and building their own successful practices today.”

— Tracey Hotta

Tracey has been instrumental in my decision to branch out on my own; her endless support in providing me with direction gave me the confidence to see my vision through. One of the most beautiful gifts that someone can give you is genuine kindness; thank you Tracey for your kind-heartedness!

Tracey is one of the most talented experts in the medical aesthetics and plastic-surgical nursing field with over 30 years of experience. Her impeccable professional portfolio, to say the least, is IMPRESSIVE! Tracey has a true passion for helping others in this industry grow. Tracey owns and operates THMA Consulting, training and mentoring nurses and physicians who wish to become efficiently skilled medical aesthetic practitioners. She has built a legacy and paved a clear path for any of us in this industry to follow.

Tracey and I met through a mutual friend in this industry about six years ago. At the time, I aspired to be a published author, I wanted guidance as to how to submit a medical article in a recognized journal. I was aware that Tracey had published several articles. I was ecstatic when she agreed to meet me for a lunch date, we immediately connected.

Through the years, I was always happy to see her at industry-related events, we would always take the time to catch up over some wine. Naturally, she was the first colleague I reached out to when I decided to open an independent practice. Somehow the stars aligned and I ended up subleasing space from her medical aesthetic clinic in Thornhill, as she was looking to retire the space. She allowed me the opportunity to get my feet wet as an entrepreneur, to understand if this was the next step that I want to take in my career before committing to a long-term commercial lease. For someone in my position, this meant the world to me! That is what a woman empowering another woman looks like ♡ Thank you, Tracey, for believing in me and my vision; I will forever be grateful for all of your support!

COMMUNITY OVER COMPETITION ♡

For experienced practitioners, THMA Consulting offers Supplementary Courses for additional knowledge and skills to expand or augment current practices. In the last year, I took and highly recommend the following courses:

· Business Ethics and Professional Standards

· Role and Responsibilities of the Medical Director/AOA

THMA Consulting raises the bar by allowing you to refresh your knowledge on a course that you have previously enrolled in through a virtual training session at no additional charge. That is a tremendous advantage! To learn more about THMA Consulting, visit https://thmaconsulting.com. Follow on Instagram @thmaconsulting.

Is there an influential person in your life that has guided you the way a mentor would? If so, show your appreciation in the comments ♡

Hi, my name is Amina Mehdi, or better known as Cosmetic Nurse Amina. I am so excited to welcome you into this realm of the website! I intend for my blogs to be a light read; to give you an insight into who I am and what my passions are. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing them!

I have dedicated the past 15+ years to the medical aesthetic industry. At the start of my career, I understood that I needed to pay my dues in order to claim that I’m an expert in this field. It was not always easy, as you need patience and determination, but I knew it was a must as I am a huge believer in quality!

Achieving the appropriate knowledge and skills was critical for two reasons: a) I have perfectionist tendencies, and b) I needed my patients to feel secure in their choice of provider. I set out to make it my mission to build a professional portfolio that I could be proud of by revolving my education solely around this industry and being particular to what positions I accepted in order to accumulate the absolute best work experience. My love and passion for what I do have allowed me to develop myself so well professionally that it finally led me to open my own clinic, Honnête Clinique.

“As your provider, I look to treat the face as a whole, I then customize a treatment plan that may include a combination of procedures, no matter what your age, for the most natural looking you.”

— Cosmetic Nurse Amina

When you think of branching out and opening your own business, the idea is exciting, the execution is nerve-wracking! I got to the point where I had reached my capacity of growth working for others. Entrepreneurship just seemed like the next natural step. I had worked so hard to be viewed upon as the consummate professional and leader, I thought to myself, “I’ve got this!”. The decision to open an independent practice was never calculated; it was not preplanned. It was a decision that happened on a whim, and I just went with it.

What was the worst that could happen?!?

Well, I leaped and decided to open Honnête Clinique shortly after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic! It was not until we were ALL in lockdown that I realized how unhappy I had been! In all honesty, trying to reach out for advice was not helpful. Everyone told me to hold off because of all the uncertainty and restrictions that were and still are in place. In my heart, I just knew it was now or never! I told myself, “Nothing is going to change in my life until I take ACTION!”. It is easier said than done, as I felt so lost and overwhelmed by this life-changing decision! I had underestimated what my struggles would be as a business owner. After going through the panic stages of losing stability, I got to the point where enough was ENOUGH!

Breathe and take a step back when you’re anxious. Important decisions in life cannot happen without a sound mind. Once I understood that I accepted that some circumstances were out of my control. I then began the process of reflecting on where my priorities should be. It was through that deep reflection that I gained the CLARITY that I needed. I remind myself daily to have patience, nothing happens overnight.

It has been less than a year since I made this decision to journey out on my own. In this short period, I have learned so much! I would like to share these valuable pieces of guidance for anyone reading this who is going through a similar reflective experience, or would like to enter the industry themselves:

• Never get comfortable; continually challenge yourself for growth to take place.

• This industry is ever-changing, do not get self-assured with how “experienced” you are, keep investing in your education to continue learning.

• Humble yourself, as it really should feel like your very first day all over again!

• Be cool, calm, collected, and confident in yourself!

• Believe in your unique craft, stay dedicated to your vision, avoid comparisons, and maintain professionalism in your practice.

• Remember to learn to be in the moment and appreciate the journey of it all. Your thought process will make a world of difference!

Your positive aura and your vision will help you build a great team that believes in you even when you’re experiencing those hurdles. Above all, have faith that all your sleepless nights will pay off! I am a firm believer that things do happen at the right time; it just works out when it is meant to be. This decision to journey out on my own has been the BIGGEST and BEST investment I’ve made; it showed me how much I believe in myself, and for that reason, I am appreciative and grateful to all of our patients and partners!

I’m looking forward to sharing with all of you, my Honnête readers, my experience in the field of cosmetic medicine, beauty & skincare tips, life hacks & advice, and my overall journey. Thank you truly for your support; I feel blessed that you are a part of our community at Honnête Clinique ♡

The Honnête Team: on the left is Ana my Social Media Manager & on the right is Vivi my Business Associate.