The Text That Changed Everything

Sometimes the most transformative moments begin with a simple text message. For Adrian Nowitzke, CRNA, MSN, APRN, founder of Behold Aesthetics and Wellness Center, that moment came in August 2021 when a friend sent her a message about fellow CRNA, Kelly Hermans, starting Beautiphi Academy. What started as a casual "let's learn how to do Botox" conversation would ultimately lead Adrian to leave her full-time anesthesia career and build a thriving two-location med spa empire in rural Illinois.

The Leap of Faith

Adrian's journey from CRNA to CEO wasn't just a career change—it was a complete life transformation. In October 2021, she made the terrifying decision to step away from anesthesia to pursue her passion for empowering women through aesthetics. What made this leap even more daunting was her location: Effingham, Illinois, a town of just 12,500 people where she felt completely alone in this new venture.

But Adrian had a vision beyond just learning a new skill. As a mother of young children, she wanted to be more present during those crucial junior high and high school years. Her demanding anesthesia schedule simply didn't align with this goal, making the transition to aesthetics not just a career move, but a lifestyle choice.

Building Community Organically

One of the most remarkable aspects of Adrian's story is how she leveraged her existing relationships to grow her practice organically. In a small town where everyone knows everyone, she understood that trust was everything.

Rather than relying on traditional advertising, Adrian chose authentic connections. She joined local business groups, participated in community events, and built relationships with other business owners. Her approach was simple but powerful: be a genuine member of the community who gives back.

Strategic Growth and Delegation

From the beginning, Adrian understood she couldn't do everything herself. Just six months after starting, she partnered with Aesthetic Record, recognizing that she needed systems and expertise to build a sustainable business. This decision to "identify strengths and weaknesses" and find experts in each field became a cornerstone of her success.

Starting with just two days a week while maintaining part-time anesthesia work, she quickly built a client base of 500 people in less than 18 months. When patients were waiting six to eight weeks for appointments, she made another leap of faith: hiring staff and expanding to a three-treatment-room facility.

The Power of Events and Education

Adrian's approach to marketing through events is both innovative and deeply personal. Rather than traditional advertising, she creates educational experiences that serve her community while building her business. Her monthly micro-events combine education with relationship building, achieving close rates of 80-90% because attendees are genuinely interested in solutions to their specific concerns.

Her annual Beyond Beauty Celebration has grown from a small grand opening to a major community event hosting over 400 people, complete with tents, food trucks, and a VIP after-party for practice members. The key to success lies in planning 6-8 months in advance and creating systems that can be replicated year after year.

Looking Forward

As Adrian prepares to break ground on a custom-built facility in fall 2026, her story continues to evolve. What started as a simple text message has become a testament to the power of taking calculated risks, building genuine relationships, and never stopping the pursuit of growth and learning.

Her journey from injecting friends and family to planning a new facility with 15-16 employees represents more than business success—it's a masterclass in entrepreneurship, community building, and the courage to transform not just your own life, but the lives of everyone around you.

Learn more about Adrian & Behold:

https://beholdu.com/

https://www.instagram.com/beholdaesthetics_wellness/