Episode 28: Empowering Women in Aesthetics: Raquel Merlini's 30-Year Journey of Mastery & Meaning 💼 Episode Summary

In this episode of The Go-To Aesthetic Coach podcast, Kayla Petrasek interviews industry expert Raquel Merlini, a Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist (CANS) with over 30 years of experience and 40,000+ clinical hours in the medical aesthetics field.

Raquel shares her strategic insights into building a high-retention client base, scaling authority as a practitioner, and staying ahead in a competitive and rapidly evolving industry. She walks us through the business-critical skills every clinic needs to master—including personalized consultation techniques, realistic patient education, and the integration of regenerative medicine into aesthetic protocols.

This episode is packed with tangible takeaways for injectors, clinic owners, and industry professionals who want to operate at a higher level and stay ahead of emerging trends in client care, clinical outcomes, and aesthetic innovation.

💡 Strategic Takeaways

• Longevity in aesthetics is earned through results, trust, and consistency.

• Authority isn't claimed—it's built through years of client results and education.

• Natural-looking outcomes are the future: patients want enhancement, not exaggeration.

• Retention starts with personalized care and consultation structure.

• Regenerative medicine will be a pillar in modern aesthetic protocols.

• Wellness, skincare, and advanced devices must work together for holistic results.

• Aesthetic leaders must be proactive in patient education to manage expectations.

• Time in the industry isn't enough—you need a refined approach and innovation lens.

🔊 Top Sound Bites

"You have to do the time." "I treat everybody as an individual." "Injectable is the undetectable."

⏱ Episode Chapters

00:00 – Introducing Raquel Merlini: 30+ Years of Clinical Experience 05:19 – The Role of Women Leaders in Elevating Medical Aesthetics 10:38 – From Patience to Profitability: Building Long-Term Authority 16:03 – Structuring a Personalized Client Journey That Converts 21:24 – Consultation Frameworks That Manage Unrealistic Expectations 27:41 – Trust and Retention: The Backbone of a Scalable Practice 32:29 – Why 'Natural' Is the New Premium in Aesthetics 38:04 – Sculpting the Lower Face: Precision-Driven Techniques 47:06 – The Future of Regenerative Aesthetic Medicine & How to Prepare

📍 Connect with Raquel Merlini

For advanced consultations, injector mentorship, or to visit R Skin Aesthetics in Michigan:

🔗 Website: www.rskin.net 📸 Instagram: @rskinadmission

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