Today we’d like to introduce you to Alessandra Chatson, DNP.
Hi Alessandra, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Dr. Alessandra R. Chatson’s journey into the aesthetics and wellness industry is a testament to her passion and dedication to her craft. Initially drawn to all things pink and girly, including makeup and nails, Dr. Chatson’s early career as a nurse did not initially align with her aesthetic interests. Despite completing some dermatology rotations, she found herself wanting more than just routine “skin care checks.”
Transitioning into women’s health, Dr. Chatson continued to explore her passion for aesthetics on the side, using neurotoxins and staying abreast of industry trends. Although life’s responsibilities initially prevented her from fully pursuing her dream of owning a clinic, she never lost sight of her goal.
As she neared the age of 50, Dr. Chatson made the bold decision to fully commit to her passion for aesthetics and wellness. Starting with side gigs, concierge work, and renting rooms in salons, she slowly built her experience and reputation in the field. With unwavering faith and determination, she trusted in divine timing for the right moment to establish her own clinic.
Dr. Chatson’s vision for her clinic went beyond traditional aesthetics, aiming to offer a comprehensive range of services for her community. In addition to facials and injectables, she incorporated holistic approaches such as IV hydration, weight loss programs, hormone therapy, and regenerative medicine for pain and mobility issues.
Through perseverance, continuous education, and a commitment to providing holistic care, Dr. Chatson’s journey exemplifies the power of following one’s passion and embracing new opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road at all. There have been several significant struggles along the way. I would imagine, like most, Life events happen; such as divorce, raising kids, caring for sick parents, moving, and dealing with personal health issues have required frequent stops and realignments, much like a car GPS recalculating a route. Additionally, despite having a business degree, understanding and developing business plans, profit and loss reports, and ROI presented considerable challenges at times. Fortunately, having a business-savvy partner and hiring a mentor provided essential support and guidance.
Financially, the journey has also been tough at times. Starting the clinic without relying on loans meant facing difficulties in securing backing and equipment leases as a new business with no history. Using my life savings for the clinic has added financial risk, making the stakes high if the venture doesn’t succeed. Nevertheless, surrounding myself with like-minded business owners and aesthetic providers has helped me grow personally and professionally, and looking back, I can see how the pieces of the journey fit together positively.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I started my career working in labor and delivery and as a new Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Women’s Health. My work involved seeing women preconception, during pregnancy, and post-delivery, which was an incredibly rewarding experience. This eventually led me to family practice, where I discovered a passion for weight loss and hormonal treatments. Having personally struggled with weight, I found that I could offer not only compassionate and moral support but also scientifically backed treatments to help others.
In addition to my background in women’s health and family practice, I have experience in internal medicine, hospitalist roles, and emergency room settings, Pain and Addiction. My diverse medical background also includes aesthetics, adding another layer of expertise to my practice.
What sets me apart is my comprehensive and empathetic approach to patient care. I understand the challenges my patients face because I’ve faced many of them myself. I am proud of my ability to combine my extensive medical knowledge with genuine compassion and support, helping my patients achieve their health & Wellness goals, as well as increase their self confidence. My multidisciplinary experience allows me to provide well-rounded and effective treatments tailored to each individual’s needs.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory would have to be traveling with my family every year to the Carolinas, where my grandparents lived. With two siblings, the road trips were always filled with laughter and antics, which I now look back on fondly. Spending summers with my grandparents was something I cherished deeply. My grandmother had a tradition of taking us shopping for school clothes and ensuring we had the latest trends.
One particularly memorable and funny incident involved my grandmother encouraging me to use “Sun-In” in my hair. It ended up bleaching my hair so much that it turned almost orange! To make matters worse, she also suggested I lighten my eyebrows, which resulted in me having no brows for a long time. I even started high school browless! Despite these mishaps, those summer trips and the time spent with my family and grandparents remain some of my most treasured memories.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.thrivekzoo.com
- Instagram: @thrivekalamazoo
