Podcast: Pursue Your PassionWith Medical Aesthetics
Hi, I’m Louis the Laser Guy! Welcome to my podcast Pursue Your Passion! I’m on a mission to discover how estheticians, nurses, physicians, and complete career changers are living their dream in the booming industry of medical aesthetics! Each week we’ll dive into this life-changing industry and discover the story behind the people who work in it. If you’re interested in getting into the medical aesthetic industry then be sure to tune in each week and check out our website for more information at https://nationallaserinstitute.com!
Most Recent Episodes
Aesthetician & Career Changers
September 07, 2025
From Office Burnout to Aesthetic Passion: Hilary’s Journey Into Lasers and Skincare
In this episode of the Pursue Your Passion podcast, Louis “The Laser Guy” Silberman reconnects with Hilary, a former marketing professional who left the 9-to-5 world to pursue a more flexible and fulfilling career in medical aesthetics. After becoming a young mom, Hilary craved more balance and passion in her professional life—so she enrolled at National Laser Institute and never looked back.
Hilary shares how she overcame her fear of science and lasers to find her stride as a cosmetic laser technician. She eventually transitioned into the skincare industry, becoming an account manager for EltaMD, the #1 dermatologist-recommended sunscreen brand. Now thriving in sales, education, and product training, Hilary reflects on her journey, the power of short-term training, and how chasing her interests in beauty and skin health opened up a long-term, rewarding career path.
If you’re stuck in a job that doesn’t inspire you and dream of a career that offers flexibility, growth, and purpose—Hilary’s story will show you what’s possible when you go after it.
August 31, 2025
Overcoming Anxiety & PCOS to Thrive in Medical Aesthetics: Ellie’s Inspiring Journey
In this heartfelt episode of the Pursue Your Passion podcast, Louis “The Laser Guy” Silberman sits down with Ellie, a licensed esthetician and cosmetic laser tech who opens up about her raw and deeply personal journey—from struggling with cystic acne, PCOS, and crippling anxiety to becoming a confident and successful skincare professional in the booming $16 billion medical aesthetics industry.
Ellie shares how her early battles with mental health, facial hair, and hormone imbalances nearly derailed her life and career. At just 18, she became one of the youngest laser techs in the field—but a few years later, a sudden health scare left her unable to leave the house for months. With the help of therapy, mindfulness, and a renewed sense of purpose, Ellie not only reclaimed her life but now thrives by helping clients heal their skin and confidence too.
This powerful episode is for anyone who has ever felt like they couldn’t pursue their dreams because of health or life setbacks. Ellie is living proof that healing is possible—and passion can be your fuel.
August 23, 2025
From Corporate Beauty to Laser Tech: How Michelle Reinvented Her Career in Medical Aesthetics
In this episode of the Pursue Your Passion podcast, Louis “The Laser Guy” Silberman interviews Michelle, a former beauty industry executive who walked away from a high-travel corporate career to pursue a more meaningful, family-focused life in medical aesthetics. After two decades in the professional beauty business, Michelle found herself burned out, away from home over 180 days a year, and craving something more personal and fulfilling.
A chance encounter with laser hair removal as a client sparked her curiosity and led her to train at National Laser Institute in 2009. Since then, Michelle has found her passion as a cosmetic laser technician, helping clients improve their self-esteem through treatments that target acne scars, sun damage, skin tightening, and more.
Michelle shares how her leap of faith into the med spa world gave her not only a new career, but also a chance to help people feel more confident every day—proving it’s never too late to pivot and do what you love.
May 11, 2025
How Hilary Turned Her Passion Into a Career in Aesthetics After Leaving Corporate Life
In this episode of the Pursue Your Passion podcast, Louis “The Laser Guy” Silberman sits down with Hilary, a former corporate marketing professional who traded in her office job for a career in the booming medical aesthetics industry. Hilary shares how becoming a mom inspired her to pursue a more flexible, fulfilling career and how she discovered her passion for cosmetic lasers after enrolling at National Laser Institute over 11 years ago.
Listen as Hilary talks about her journey from the corporate world to becoming a successful laser technician and later transitioning into a thriving role as a skincare account manager at EltaMD Skincare, the #1 dermatologist-recommended sunscreen brand. She explains how the aesthetics industry has opened doors to both professional growth and personal fulfillment—proving you don’t need to be a doctor, nurse, or esthetician to thrive in this space.
If you’re looking for an inspiring story about career reinvention, flexibility, and chasing your passions, this episode is a must-listen.
May 05, 2025
From CNA to Laser Tech: How Kristen Built a Flexible, Fulfilling Career in Aesthetics
In this episode of the Pursue Your Passion podcast, Louis “The Laser Guy” Silberman talks with Kristen, a former certified nursing assistant (CNA) who transformed her career and lifestyle by becoming a cosmetic laser technician. Kristen shares how she transitioned from low-paying healthcare jobs and long hours to a rewarding, flexible career in the booming medical aesthetics industry.
Without a nursing or esthetics background, Kristen took a leap of faith, enrolled at National Laser Institute, and built a successful career working in med spas, doctor’s offices, and even alongside naturopathic physicians. Today, she enjoys a flexible work schedule that allows her to prioritize family time and support her son’s travel hockey—all while helping clients feel confident and beautiful.
Kristen’s story is a powerful example of how anyone, regardless of background, can break into the aesthetics field and create a career filled with passion, purpose, and financial freedom.
April 28, 2025
How Shelly Removed 80,000 Tattoos & Found Purpose in Medical Aesthetics
In this episode of the Pursue Your Passion podcast, Louis “The Laser Guy” Silberman sits down with Shelly, a leading tattoo removal expert and instructor at National Laser Institute, who has performed over 80,000 tattoo removal treatments throughout her career. Shelly’s journey is anything but ordinary—after spending years as a stay-at-home mom, overcoming breast cancer, and experiencing life-changing challenges, she discovered her passion in the growing field of medical aesthetics.
Starting as a receptionist at a med spa, Shelly quickly fell in love with the technology behind laser tattoo removal. She dedicated herself to learning the craft, eventually becoming one of the most experienced tattoo removal providers in the industry. Today, she shares her expertise by teaching future laser techs, career changers, and beauty professionals how to master this transformative service.
Shelly’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue meaningful, rewarding work that makes a real difference in people’s lives—whether it’s helping someone erase an unwanted tattoo or guiding students toward new career opportunities.
April 20, 2025
How Tara Turned Her Acne Struggles into a Career in Aesthetics
In this episode of the Pursue Your Passion podcast, Louis “The Laser Guy” Silberman reconnects with Tara, a licensed esthetician based in Chicago whose personal battle with acne led her to a rewarding career in medical aesthetics. After attending National Laser Institute nearly a decade ago, Tara transitioned from traditional spa treatments into advanced laser modalities—and never looked back.
Her first role at a high-volume med spa gave her hands-on experience with laser hair removal, IPL, and fractional technologies. Today, she works in the Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Department at Northwestern Medicine, where she provides corrective skincare treatments for both cosmetic and post-surgical patients. Tara shares how her training at NLI built the technical foundation that allowed her to grow into a respected provider in a clinical setting.
Now with years of experience behind her and a loyal client base, Tara continues to thrive in an industry she loves—one that blends science, empathy, and real transformation. Her journey proves that with the right education and passion, you can turn personal challenges into professional purpose.
April 14, 2025
From Preschool Teacher to Med Spa Coordinator: Sandra’s Aesthetic Career Transformation
In this episode of the Pursue Your Passion podcast, Louis “The Laser Guy” Silberman sits down with Sandra from Chicago, a former preschool teacher who reignited her passion for aesthetics and built a thriving career in the booming field of medical aesthetics. After originally studying aesthetics in 2010 while still working in education, Sandra rediscovered her love for skincare years later and took a leap by enrolling at National Laser Institute.
Despite initial fears about medical devices and laser technology, Sandra quickly found her confidence through hands-on training and a supportive learning environment. Since graduating, she has gone from part-time laser tech to spa coordinator at Suburban Healthcare MediSpa, where she now oversees an expanding team and helps clients transform their skin—and their confidence.
Sandra shares how her NLI education opened doors, connected her with lifelong peers, and gave her the tools to grow professionally in ways she never imagined. Her journey is proof that it’s never too late to pivot into a rewarding, people-focused, and fast-growing industry.
April 06, 2025
From Grief to Growth: Debbie’s Journey from Artist to Cosmetic Laser Instructor
In this heartfelt episode of the Pursue Your Passion podcast, Louis “The Laser Guy” Silberman speaks with Debbie, a former artist and full-time mom who reinvented her life and career after personal tragedy. From welding and glass blowing to becoming a thriving cosmetic laser technician, Debbie shares how she discovered the power of medical aesthetics—first as a client, then as a provider.
After losing her husband in a sudden accident, Debbie turned to laser training as a fresh start. She quickly fell in love with the industry’s blend of science, art, and healing. Now, with over 14 years of experience and thousands of treatments performed, Debbie works as a beloved instructor at National Laser Institute, guiding new students—some of whom are career changers just like she once was—into fulfilling new paths.
Debbie’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to chase something meaningful. Whether you’re in your 20s or 60s, this industry offers the opportunity to grow, heal, and thrive—personally and professionally.
March 24, 2025
From Bartender to Laser Tech: How Hannah Changed Careers & Found Her Passion
In this inspiring episode of the Pursue Your Passion podcast by National Laser Institute, host Louis “The Laser Guy” Silberman interviews Hannah from Fort Worth, Texas, who made a bold career shift from customer service and bartending to becoming a certified cosmetic laser technician.
With zero medical or aesthetics background, Hannah took a leap of faith, enrolled in National Laser Institute, and landed four interviews within two weeks of graduating—eventually securing a job at Elegant Image Med Spa. She shares her journey of overcoming fear, following her passion, and how the medical aesthetics industry transformed her life.
🎯 Highlights include:
- Hannah’s career path before joining NLI
- How she discovered the cosmetic laser industry on YouTube
- The emotional and financial risks of career change
- Why personality and persistence matter more than experience
- Services offered at her current med spa (laser hair removal, body contouring, facials, and more)
- Her long-term goal of owning her own med spa
Medical Professionals
January 30, 2020
From ER nurse to Cosmetic Nurse Injector
Today we have Danielle on the podcast! Danielle is a cosmetic nurse injector. She does everything from Botox and Filler to cosmetic laser treatments! She went from being an ER nurse to working in the Medical Aesthetics industry. We talk about her journey into this industry and how she loves working with clients and helping them build their confidence! For information on our courses for medical professionals check out our website nationallaserinstitute.com!
