Local Med Spa Celebrates Grand Opening

By Misty Cryer

Epitome of Youth Wellness and Aesthetics has operated in Carlsbad for close to six years. To celebrate its move to 110 S. Halagueno Street, Suite 1, a grand opening and ribbon-cutting will be held at the med spa at noon on May 2. The owner invites the community to stop by, check out the place, and get to know her. Refreshments will be available, along with giveaways.

Amber Bojorquez, CNP, owns and operates Epitome of Youth Wellness and Aesthetics. "A med spa isn't just about beauty; it's about feeling good in your own skin, restoring confidence, and investing in your long-term wellness," she said.

While Bojorquez specializes in aesthetics, she said that as a nurse practitioner, she is able to do more. "I do wellness as well," she said.

The business currently offers Botox, dermal fillers, laser hair removal, and IV therapy. "As I grow, I'm hoping to bring a lot more services," said Bojorquez.

Working with patients is something Bojorquez said she loves. She said she does a complete assessment. "We talk about aging. We talk about treatments. We talk about assessing wellness from the inside out. Doing homework."

Bojorquez said from the feedback she gets from patients, "They leave feeling so confident."

When asked what sets her apart, Bojorquez highlighted her commitment to safety, compliance, national certification, continuous education, and helping people feel good.

"I'm really big on HIPAA compliance," she said, listing safety and HIPAA compliance as her No. 1. "I feel like we're a smaller town, and not everybody wants people knowing their business. I'm big on following the rules," she said, acknowledging there are laws for a reason.

"One important thing going on in this industry is so many practicing without the qualifications. People are getting hurt and even dying," said Bojorquez. "So many states are proposing bills to enforce licensed medical professionals have to have the specialized certifications, experience hours, and training," she said.

"All medical spas need to enforce compliance and laws, so we don't lose the autonomy we have as injectors who are actually capable and able to safely operate," she said.

She compared aesthetics to the Wild Wild West, saying, "Everybody's injecting. Just because they're a nurse or doctor, doesn't mean they have the specialized knowledge and education to do it, so that could be harmful for patients."

Noting that she is nationally certified, Bojorquez said national certification requires 3,000 hours of clinical experience. "I know there's only a few people in Carlsbad that are actually able by law to do it, and you have so many people that offer these services. I'm sure in time, that's going to cease," she said.

"Patients should know they can ask about the provider's education and expertise before getting care. Safety is key," said Bojorquez.

"I really indulge in education. I try to go to several conferences every year," said Bojorquez, mentioning one-on-one training and cadaver courses, where students get to actually do hands-on work on cadavers. "I know that sounds barbaric, but it's really a neat experience because I'm able to see what's underneath each layer of the skin; that way, I can prevent errors," she said, noting that she has been to three trainings already this year.

About her clients, Bojorquez said, "I want them to be able to trust me—that I know what I'm doing. If a complication arises, I know how to fix it."

Bojorquez has been in Carlsbad for about 35 years and has worked as a nurse in the emergency room and as a school nurse. She said she started as a CNA and advanced her career becoming an LPN, then an RN. "I ended up having a medical emergency. I could not use the right side of my leg, and I had to go in for surgery on my back," she said.

After healing from the surgery, Bojorquez said she went back to work. Due to the pain and nerve damage, she said, "I knew my career would have to change a bit."

When injuring her back again, Bojorquez said she had three different opinions. "They told me I was disabled, and I would no longer be able to be a bedside nurse," she said.

Bojorquez said she definitely believes this is God's plan for her. With 20-plus years in nursing, she said, "That's what I know; that's what I love. I was at my lowest and just praying for God to lead me in the right direction. That led me back to school to become a nurse practitioner, and it also led me into aesthetics."

In addition to her education, background, and passion for aesthetics, Bojorquez said, "I truly believe in what I'm doing, and I believe I can make a difference."