In this episode of Profiles in Aesthetics, host Lonny Green, MD (@ninjainjector) sits down with Matt Toronto, entrepreneur, med spa owner, and industry leader with over 30 years in aesthetics. Matt shares the highs, the mistakes, and the lessons that shaped Mint Aesthetics into one of the most respected med spas in Kansas City.

From surviving the 2008 crash to redefining leadership through generosity and joy, Matt’s story is packed with insights that every injector, med spa owner, and aspiring aesthetic professional needs to hear.

If you’re looking for real talk on Botox, fillers, injections, med spa leadership, and building a sustainable aesthetics business, this episode will light the way.

Timestamps with Open-Loop Fascinations

• [12:06] Who is Matt Toronto, really? The surprising mindset that shaped his career overnight
• [26:44] Matt’s biggest “oops” hiring mistake—and how it nearly cost him his best team members
• [48:34] The darkest time in his personal journey, and how it redefined the way he shows up as a leader
• [60:58] Why dabbling in injectables or med spa ownership is the fastest path to failure (and what to do instead)
• [1:07:26] If Matt could change one decision in his life, would he? His answer might surprise you

Topics Covered

• Building resilience in aesthetics and business
• Botox, fillers, injections, and what truly differentiates practices
• Med spa leadership and staff culture that lasts decades
• Surviving financial downturns in aesthetics (and thriving after)
• Mistakes every injector and owner must avoid
• Community involvement as a growth strategy

Guest: Matt Toronto / MINT Aesthetics

Matt Toronto is the driving force behind MINT Aesthetics and AesthetiCare, a leading training and consulting company in the medical aesthetics industry. With roots dating back to 1996 in aesthetics and a track record of double-digit growth, Matt brings decades of business strategy, clinical experience, and team-building insight to the table. MINT Aesthetics

Follow Matt & MINT Aesthetics:

• 📺 YouTube: MINT Aesthetics Channel
• 📸 Instagram: @mintaesthetics
• 📘 Facebook: Mint Aesthetics Group
• 🔗 LinkedIn: MINT Aesthetics
• 🌐 Website: mintaesthetics.com

Hosted by: Dr. Lonny Green (@ninjainjector)

Stanford-educated, Harvard-trained physician, injector, and mentor.

Founder of "Profiles in Aesthetics", Dr. Green is passionate about fostering authenticity, confidence, and real growth in the aesthetic industry.

📱 Instagram: @profilesinaesthetics

🎧 Subscribe & Follow
Don’t miss an episode, follow Profiles in Aesthetics on your favorite podcast platform and turn on notifications so you never miss the latest insights.

📱 Connect With Us on Instagram
Follow @ninjainjector and @profilesinaesthetics for behind-the-scenes content, guest previews, and aesthetic industry updates.

💬 Join the Conversation
We want to hear from you! Send your questions, topic requests, or guest suggestions via Instagram DMs or email [email protected].

Hosted by: Lonny Green, MD – injector, educator, and advocate for real, unfiltered conversations in aesthetics.

What happens when grit meets grace in the world of medical aesthetics?

In this episode of :Profiles in Aesthetics", host Lonny Green, MD (@ninjainjector) sits down with the inspiring Shakira Cabrera, MPAS, PA-C, a seasoned injector, educator, and founder of Jules Medspa in Texas.  With raw honesty and hard-won wisdom, Shakira opens up about the very real challenges behind the curated Instagram feed: burnout, comparison, doubt, and the daily pressure to be both “polished” and perfect in the aesthetic industry.

Whether you’re an injector just starting out or a seasoned provider looking for new motivation, Shakira’s story is a powerful reminder that you can rewrite your path, build your confidence, and lead with integrity—even when it feels like the industry expects you to be someone else.

From injector burnout and social media authenticity to motherhood, mentorship, and growing your med spa business without sacrificing your soul, this episode offers a refreshingly unfiltered perspective on what success in aesthetics *really* looks like.

Timestamps

- [05:40] The moment Shakira almost left aesthetics for good, and what pulled her back in when everything felt like it was falling apart.
- [13:25] Why burnout wasn’t the end of her career, it was the beginning of finding her true identity as a provider.
- [18:55] The truth behind the pressure to look perfect online, and why she tells injectors to “post the damn thing anyway.”
- [24:10] A patient transformation that deeply moved her, and revealed the emotional depth of what injections really offer.
- [29:35] Why mentorship matters more than ever, and how a single conversation helped her shift her entire career trajectory.
- [35:00] How becoming a mother made her a more grounded, empathetic injector, and the leadership lessons it taught her.
- [41:50] Her most powerful advice for injectors battling self-doubt, slow growth, and feeling like they’re not “enough.”

Topics Covered

- Botox, fillers, and facial balancing with purpose and safety
- How to recover from injector burnout and fall back in love with your craft
- Real talk on social media: showing up without the pressure to be perfect
- Motherhood and aesthetic medicine: navigating both with grace
- The role of mentorship in building a long-term, ethical career
- Injecting with empathy: how patient trust transforms your results
- Why growth in this industry is not linear—and that’s okay
- Empowering solo providers and new injectors through community and truth

Guest Shakira Cabrera, MPAS, PA-C

Shakira is a certified a seasoned injector, educator, and founder of Jules Medspa in Texas.  Known for her honesty, passion for education, and commitment to supporting new injectors, Shakira brings a fresh voice to an industry that often feels filtered.

Follow Shakira:

📸 Instagram: @lipsdontlieshakira
🎵 TikTok: @lipsdontlieshakira

Hosted by: Dr. Lonny Green (@ninjainjector)

Stanford-educated, Harvard-trained physician, injector, and mentor.
Founder of "Profiles in Aesthetics", Dr. Gr

🎧 Subscribe & Follow
Don’t miss an episode, follow Profiles in Aesthetics on your favorite podcast platform and turn on notifications so you never miss the latest insights.

📱 Connect With Us on Instagram
Follow @ninjainjector and @profilesinaesthetics for behind-the-scenes content, guest previews, and aesthetic industry updates.

💬 Join the Conversation
We want to hear from you! Send your questions, topic requests, or guest suggestions via Instagram DMs or email [email protected].

Hosted by: Lonny Green, MD – injector, educator, and advocate for real, unfiltered conversations in aesthetics.

What does it take to show up with confidence, before the results come in?

In this episode, host Dr. Lonny Green (@ninjainjector) welcomes Rana Kennelly, award-winning aesthetic nurse practitioner and founder of The Confidence Lab and The Confidence Bar. Known for her depth, integrity, and outcome-focused approach to Botox, filler, and injections, Rana opens up about the mindset, leadership, and artistry that transformed her career.

We went deep into...

• [13:40] The unexpected mindset shift that helped Rana stop shrinking and start leading—with or without external validation.
• [17:55] Why her lip filler technique puts intention before volume—and the surprising thing she listens for in every consult.
• [22:30] Her biggest "oops" moment as a leader—and how it taught her to protect her team culture like a patient’s face.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to approach injectables like Botox and dermal fillers with intention
• The psychology behind patient trust and injector confidence
• How to navigate imposter syndrome as a woman in aesthetic medicine
• Why leadership in your med spa starts with boundaries and clarity
• The power of authenticity in patient care and injector mentorship

About Rana Kennelly:

Rana is the founder of The Confidence Lab and The Confidence Bar, a global speaker, CANS-certified injector, and respected trainer for companies like Allergan, Galderma, and Revance. Her Māori roots and background in midwifery, women's health, and aesthetics fuel her unique patient-first approach.

IG: @naturally_rana

TikTok: @theconfidencebar

Facebook: The Confidence Bar

Hosted by: Dr. Lonny Green

Follow on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @ninjainjector

Podcast IG: @profilesinaesthetics

Email: [email protected]

Botox, fillers, lip filler, aesthetic injections, nurse injector, Rana Kennelly, The Confidence Lab, injector mentorship, imposter syndrome, injector mindset, medical aesthetics, aesthetic leadership, cosmetic injectables, injector training, medspa business, patient trust.

🎧 Subscribe & Follow
Don’t miss an episode, follow Profiles in Aesthetics on your favorite podcast platform and turn on notifications so you never miss the latest insights.

📱 Connect With Us on Instagram
Follow @ninjainjector and @profilesinaesthetics for behind-the-scenes content, guest previews, and aesthetic industry updates.

💬 Join the Conversation
We want to hear from you! Send your questions, topic requests, or guest suggestions via Instagram DMs or email [email protected].

Hosted by: Lonny Green, MD – injector, educator, and advocate for real, unfiltered conversations in aesthetics.

In this powerful debut episode of Profiles in Aesthetics, we sit down with the ever-inspiring Julie Bass Kaplan, a pioneer injector, aesthetic educator, and founder of Disappearing Act Medical Aesthetics. From mopping OR floors to injecting Botox before FDA approval, Julie opens up about what it means to lead with heart in the world of aesthetic medicine.

We cover injectable artistry, leadership lessons, team culture, and building patient trust, but also dive into rarely spoken truths, sexual assault, dyslexia, and burnout, and how they’ve shaped Julie’s life and purpose.

Whether you're a seasoned aesthetic pro or just getting started in the world of fillers, lasers, and injectables, this conversation is a masterclass in authenticity and resilience.

Guest Info - Julie Bass Kaplan

• Instagram: @jubilant.julie
• Email: [email protected]
  
  
• Websites:
  
  
  • www.disappearingactlaser.com
  • www.jubilantjulie.com
  • www.jubilantheadandbreakfast.com
    
    
    

Julie is the founder of Disappearing Act Medical Aesthetics and Jubilant Head & Breakfast, and she’s a nationally recognized aesthetic mentor, speaker, and injector.

👨‍⚕️ Host Info - Lonny Green, MD

• Instagram | Facebook | YouTube: @ninjainjector
  Dr. Lonny Green is a board-certified physician, injector, educator, and advocate for elevating artistry, ethics, and mentorship in aesthetic medicine.
  
  
  

Episode Highlights & Timestamps

[00:00] “The Quilt of Leadership”
Julie reflects on the threads of her career and the mentors who taught her strength and servant leadership, one of whom mopped blood from OR floors to quicken turnover times.

[06:40] Botox Before the FDA: A Behind-the-Scenes Origin Story
Did you know Botox was once injected into vocal cords? Julie shares how she began injecting Botox before it was FDA-approved and what she learned along the way.

[12:00] The Power of Aesthetic Purpose
Why a bunny disappearing a hair launched her brand, and how lasers, tattoo removal, collagen, and fillers became tools of empowerment, not vanity.

[14:05] Who is Julie Bass Kaplan, Really?
Shyness, empathy, and the messy journey from hardship to confidence. Julie opens up about her roots and the pivotal women who believed in her.

[20:30] The Real Magic Isn’t the Needle
You’ll never look at your practice the same way again. Julie shares how a patient’s reflection is the real transformation, not just the result of the injection.

[25:10] Dyslexia as a Superpower in Aesthetics
Thinking in 3D, visualizing faces, and why dyslexic brains are wired for injection precision and facial artistry

🎧 Subscribe & Follow
Don’t miss an episode, follow Profiles in Aesthetics on your favorite podcast platform and turn on notifications so you never miss the latest insights.

📱 Connect With Us on Instagram
Follow @ninjainjector and @profilesinaesthetics for behind-the-scenes content, guest previews, and aesthetic industry updates.

💬 Join the Conversation
We want to hear from you! Send your questions, topic requests, or guest suggestions via Instagram DMs or email [email protected].

Hosted by: Lonny Green, MD – injector, educator, and advocate for real, unfiltered conversations in aesthetics.

Aesthetics can be an incredibly rewarding career, but it can also feel isolating, overwhelming, and full of mixed messages. As an injector, med spa owner, or aesthetic professional, you’re working hard to grow your skills, confidence, and business… yet it’s easy to wonder if everyone else has it figured out but you.

That’s why Profiles in Aesthetics, hosted by Lonny Green, MD, was created. This isn’t another surface-level aesthetics podcast. Every episode delivers real, unfiltered conversations with top injectors, medical spa owners, cosmetic dermatologists, trainers, and industry innovators who share exactly what it takes to succeed in aesthetic medicine, without losing your sanity or your soul.

In the trailer, you’ll get a preview of what’s ahead:

• Honest stories from aesthetic professionals who’ve faced the same fears and challenges you have
• Business strategies that help you grow a profitable medical aesthetics practice without burning out
• Confidence-building injector tips for handling complications, avoiding common mistakes, and mastering advanced dermal filler and Botox techniques
• Marketing and patient retention strategies that attract loyal, high-value patients who want natural, beautiful results
• Industry insight that helps you cut through the noise and focus on what actually works in the fast-moving world of cosmetic injectables

This is for you if:

• You’re a nurse injector, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, cosmetic doctor, dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or medical aesthetician looking to grow
• You own or manage a med spa and want proven business, marketing, and leadership strategies
• You want mentorship that’s practical, real, and not tied to selling you a product or course
• You believe in integrity, artistry, and creating results that make patients feel confident

Whether you’re just starting your aesthetics career or you’ve been injecting for years, this podcast gives you the guidance, perspective, and encouragement to take your work, and your business, to the next level.

Follow now so you’ll be the first to know where to stream the debut episode on August 19th. Get early guest announcements, behind-the-scenes content, and aesthetic industry insights by following us on Instagram at @ninjainjector and @profilesinaesthetics.

Profiles in Aesthetics is more than a podcast, it’s a space where cosmetic injectors and aesthetic professionals can connect, learn, and grow together. If you’re ready for injector mentorship, aesthetic business growth strategies, and the confidence to succeed in today’s competitive industry, this is the conversation you’ve been waiting for.

🎧 Subscribe & Follow
Don’t miss an episode, follow Profiles in Aesthetics on your favorite podcast platform and turn on notifications so you never miss the latest insights.

📱 Connect With Us on Instagram
Follow @ninjainjector and @profilesinaesthetics for behind-the-scenes content, guest previews, and aesthetic industry updates.

💬 Join the Conversation
We want to hear from you! Send your questions, topic requests, or guest suggestions via Instagram DMs or email [email protected].

Hosted by: Lonny Green, MD – injector, educator, and advocate for real, unfiltered conversations in aesthetics.