Today we’d like to introduce you to Christal Parker.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
After being an ER nurse for 10yrs and becoming a Nurse Practitioner, I suffered from major burnout. I started my first business as an escape from having to pick up extra shifts in the ED. My first business Self Care RX is a products business offering self care products to nurses while inspiring and encouraging nurses to put themselves first through self care. After that, I caught the entrepreneurial bug. I began looking at doing things that made me happy which has always been making women look and feel their best.
I always wanted to get into aesthetics, but didn’t see many or any black women who looked like me doing it. I started my concierge med spa with IV hydration and met my medical director. A black women doing aesthetics!! She showed me that this was something I could do because she was. She taught me what I needed to get started and has been one of my biggest supporters. I am now in a brick and mortar location doing aesthetics encouraging black women that these treatments are for us and that we deserve beauty and wellness just like everyone else!
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
Fortunately, life has been good and I can’t complain. The main challenges regarding being an entrepreneur is the mindset that this is something I can do. Stepping out on my own outside the hospital was major. Most nurses think they can only make money in the hospital and we have somehow been brainwashed that we are JUST nurses when we are so much more and much smarter than that.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
There aren’t many black nurse injectors especially where I live. I specialize in botox, fillers, IV hydration and skincare. I educate and promote these services for women of ALL ethnicities. My patients want to come to me because of my excellent customer service, the way I educate them about the services and the fact that for my African American patients I look like them which makes them able to trust me more.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
Just do it! Don’t think about it. Everything you need is within you already. Also, get a coach! Someone who is where you want to be and can show you the way. It saves a lot of time and wasted money.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
Success is when everyone around me is set and when I have freedom to live the life I want, not having to beg for time off or to make it to my kids events. Success is making my money work for me vs me working for my money.
What’s next for you?
I want to expand my coaching business and become a trainer for one of the pharmaceutical companies like Allergan or Galderma so other black women aspiring to enter into this field see a face like theirs they can relate to and know it’s possible.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
The best way is on IG @christalpbeautynp or my website www.savvybeautyandwellness.com
