I’m excited to welcome all the new faces here! My name is Aubry, I’m a Nurse Practitioner, Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist, and the owner of Thistle Medical Aesthetics here in Stafford, Virginia. I was recently a guest on the FXBG Neighbors Podcast and I thought it was the perfect time to reintroduce myself! You can listen to the podcast below.
Thistle was born from the desire to create something different in the aesthetics industry. Think of us as your “girl-next-door” approach to aesthetics. I wanted the everyday woman to know that healthy, glowing skin was attainable and not just for the “rich and famous”. My goal was to create an experience that felt personal and empowering and I didn’t want clients to feel like just another appointment on a packed schedule. I wanted a space that felt elevated, yet fun, and rooted in trust. It started small, just me and a vision, and slowly grew into what it is today: a team of 8 talented and amazing women and a community I feel lucky to be a part of every day.
Individualized Approach
Our team takes a thoughtful, individualized approach to help each client feel confident, radiant, and truly like themselves but better. With expertise across skincare, injectables, microneedling, custom facials and peels, laser treatments, and more, we help our clients by creating personalized treatment plans. Whether you’re navigating signs of aging, acne, sun damage, or simply looking to refresh and rejuvenate, we combine the art and science of aesthetics to deliver results that feel natural, empowering, and tailored to your goals.
About Me
I began my nursing career as an Army Nurse at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. on a medical-surgical unit caring for wounded soldiers and veterans. I am proud to have served my country! After my time as an army nurse, I switched fields and joined aesthetics in 2005 and have had the honor of boosting confidence as a nurse injector for over 18 years! I had originally studied at the Art Institute of Portland, so I’ve always had an eye for detail and creativity. When I transitioned into aesthetics, it felt like the perfect blend of my two worlds which were art and medicine. Opening Thistle was my creative outlet. I wanted to build a space that felt warm, welcoming, and a place where women of all ages felt seen, listened to, and truly cared for.
When I’m not at the studio, I’m wearing a few other hats. My husband and I co-own Highland Barn, a wedding and event venue that’s nestled in the countryside of Stafford, which is such a joyful and different creative outlet. We also care for our little herd of Highland cows including our newest calf, Raven! Having a farm can be challenging at times but also very rewarding. I also love spending time in my flower and vegetable garden, creating floral arrangements, visiting farmers markets, and just spending some quality time with my husband and daughter. Life is always so busy, but I wouldn’t want it any other way!
Debunking Misconceptions in the Industry
A huge misconception about aesthetic treatments is that you’ll end up looking “fake”, “frozen”, or “overdone.” And that’s simply not the case when you are a client of ours! The unfortunate thing about the internet is that only “bad” injections go viral. But what doesn’t get enough attention is the beautiful, natural work that goes unnoticed. We always preach that the best aesthetic changes are the ones that are subtle and hard to put a finger on. You’re still you but better! That’s why we believe that aesthetics should never be a “one-size-fits-all” approach as we each have features and skin concerns unique to us. Our goal is to aim for gradual improvements rather than dramatic changes, which helps maintain a natural appearance. We educate, we listen, and we aim for natural, yet impactful results.
Taking On Challenges Head On
The pandemic was one of the biggest hurdles for us as a small business. Since we’re an elective practice, we were considered a non-essential business, so we had to shut down for two months. I’d been saving like a squirrel leading up to it, which helped, but I knew we couldn’t just sit still. So the only option was to pivot. At that time, I only had one other employee, our Master Esthetician, Savannah. We launched an online store, did virtual skin care consults, sold gift cards and created at-home facial kits with step-by-step instructions. We still wanted to keep hope alive for our clients and reminding them that self-care still mattered. That period taught me resilience, creativity, and how important it is to pivot and continue to serve our community even when business isn’t booming.
One Thing You Should Know About Us
That we genuinely care. I know that may sound cheesy, but that level of intentionality is rare. Our team is collaborative and we support each other in everything that we do, share treatment pearls, and bring kindness into our every day operations. We’re not in this business just to sell products or hit numbers, we’re here to create real change in our client’s lives whether that’s helping them feel confident in their skin again after a huge shift in their life, help them prepare for one of the most important moments of their lives, or just giving them 30 minutes of peace in the treatment chair.
Connect With Us
We would love to connect with you! Our team is very active on Instagram/FaceBook, @thistlemedicalaesthetics. If you’re looking to start your aesthetic and skincare journey with us, the best place to begin is booking a consultation with an aesthetic provider here. We can’t wait to meet you!
XOXO,
Aubry Blais, Owner and MSN, FNP-C, CANS
