After seven years in Melbourne, nurse Elysia has returned to open her own cosmetic and skin practice.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now? I grew up in Blackmans Bay, which is where I currently live. I moved back from Melbourne this year after seven years.

Tell us a little about your work? I’m the cosmetic nurse and founder of Butter Cosmetic + Skin Clinic. I also work part time as a Covid@Home nurse.

Was nursing something you always wanted to do? I first decided I was going to pursue nursing in high school. I remember being torn between nursing and psychology. I’ve always loved the idea of opening my own business, but I never imagined I would open my own cosmetic clinic. That’s the great thing about nursing, it can take you in so many directions.

What led you to open your own business in Hobart and what do you hope to achieve with Butter? For the past four years, I worked as a Senior Clinical Specialist at a market leading medical aesthetics company. I was respon­sible for training Registered Nurses, Cosmetic Physicians, Plastic Surgeons and Dermatologists across Australia on the safe and effective use of cosmetic injectable treatments. I spent a lot of time observing how other practitioners ran their clinics which helped me realise what I did (and didn’t) aspire to when planning my own clinic. I also spoke to countless patients, friends and family members about their experiences at cosmetic clinics and what was important to them when seeking treatments.

Patients want more than just a treatment to enhance a feature, they want to form a connection with a practitioner they can trust and have a unique in-clinic experi­ence. Although I love Melbourne, Hobart has always been home to me and I was excited to reimagine the way cosmetic treatments are experienced here with the opening of Butter Cosmetic + Skin Clinic. I have a minimalist approach to aesthetics and offer anti-wrinkle, dermal filler and bio-remodelling treatments at Butter. I’m also launching an exciting new skin offering soon too. It’s the small details that make the Butter experience special. It’s lovely to see this being reflected in my google reviews already. My greatest mission is to ignite confidence in the patients I treat, and support a deeper and more loving connection to self.

You mention the term ‘cosmetic beauty’ on your website and social media. What does this concept mean, and how does it shape your approach to cosmetic treatments at Butter? Cosmetic beauty simply refers to the aesthetic outcome achieved through a cosmetic treatment (in this case, cosmetic injectable treatments). Many patients believe that cosmetic beauty is about following aesthetic trends, such as having fuller lips or more defined cheekbones. The issue is, following these trends doesn’t always translate into a positive aesthetic outcome.

There are many things to consider when helping patients form an appropriate aesthetic goal, such as their age, gender, ethnicity and individual facial features. To me, cosmetic beauty is about maintaining facial harmony and balance. I often ask my patients to think about the message they would like their face to send, when they aren’t actually saying anything. Some patients may feel more aligned to looking happy, healthy and rested. Others may want to enhance their natural beauty or achieve a more contoured, feminine or masculine aesthetic outcome. There is also a deeper meaning to cosmetic beauty, which is why patients seek cosmetic injectable treatments in the first place. When we experience the early signs of ageing, a significant life event, or progres­sively feel more insecure about a feature, we can start to lose touch with what makes us feel beautiful. Cosmetic inject­able treatments aren’t for everyone, but they can help patients feel more confident, connected to self and empowered to live their best life. Clinical research suggests that this increase in confidence can even lead to an improvement in quality of life, or the way we are perceived socially. I have personally experienced many of these outcomes when seeking cosmetic injectables.

Are you seeing any trends in the aes­thetic industry at the moment? What do you see in the future for skincare and cosmetic procedures? There is some interesting research emerging on the future of aesthetic trends. Firstly, there is an emphasis on diverse individuality. People of all ethnicities are seeking out aesthetic treatments and they want to see themselves reflected and represented.

There is also a shift towards gender inclusive beauty and a rise in the demand for aesthetic treatments for the modern man. Beauty is no longer rigidly defined and patients are exploring creative new ways of expressing who they are through cosmetic treatments. Patients are seeking immersive experiences at cosmetic clinics that deliver engagement at every touch­point. Patients, regulatory bodies and the general public are now holding aesthetic practitioners and their practices to a higher standard, leading to an increased focus on ‘aes-ethics’. Lastly, the global aesthetic market continues to grow, driven by patients seeking treatment at a younger age, an increase in digital communication (changing the way patients perceive them­selves) and cosmetic treatments being widely more understood and accepted.

What do you love doing outside work? I am a big foodie. I love to visit new res­taurants or spend a night in with a glass of red and a Julia Ostro recipe. Besides this, I enjoy weekends away at the shack with my partner and our cute little Staffy Norman.

Who do you admire? I’m inspired by women in business. Jessica Sepel is the perfect balance of boss bitch and authen­ticity. I was lucky enough to spend a day cooking with her a few years back. I hope I can inspire others to reconnect with themselves in the same way she does. In the aesthetic industry, I look up to Dr Cara McDonald, a leading dermatologist who is originally from Hobart.

Favourite podcast or tv show? Below Deck is my guilty pleasure. Seriously, just watch it.

Secret vice? An almond brewed chai.

What are you reading now? You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. I’m a sucker for a good self-help book.

What gets your goat? When people judge others based on their appearance (or what they do to maintain this). Whether it’s their makeup, the clothes they wear or the cosmetic treatments they have… if it makes them feel beautiful, let them do their thing.

What was your first job? I was a Banjo’s girl!

What are your daily news/social media habits? I spend more time scrolling on Instagram than I’d like to admit. I love to keep up with @jessica_nguyen_ and @melissagotstyle.

Your favourite place for…

Breakfast: Ginger Brown or Pigeon Hole Cafe.

Lunch: Pigeon Whole Bakers.

Dinner: Templo (with a pre-drink at Sonny).

Favourite team? My partner would not be happy if I didn’t say Richmond Football Club.

Favourite Hobart secret? Next time you go to Mona, look for the toilet with the mirror on the back of the door. You’re welcome.

What’s your top skin tip? Wear SPF all day every day and remember skin care stops at your boobs…don’t forget your neck and décolletage.

Parting words? If you think about it every day, it’s probably worth pursuing. Oh…and spread love + butter.

You can follow Butter on Instagram @buttercosmeticandskin or find out more at buttercosmeticandskin.com.au.