Podcast Summary: Next On Scene: The Human Behind The Brand

Episode: From Bedside to Beauty: Nurse-Turned-Aesthetic Director Shares Her Breakthrough

Host: Jaclyn Zukerman Delory
Guest: Stephanie Kim
Date: December 3, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode features Stephanie Kim, a nurse turned aesthetic director and entrepreneur. Host Jaclyn Zukerman Delory delves into Stephanie's journey from bedside care to launching her own aesthetic business, discussing legacy, the realities of nursing, entrepreneurial mindset shifts, and the importance of authenticity in building a lasting brand. The conversation blends Stephanie's personal backstory with actionable insights for listeners seeking inspiration to pivot their own paths.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Stephanie’s Inspiration for Nursing

[01:19]

• Stephanie shared that her initial inspiration came from her close relationship with her grandparents, caring for them during illness alongside her brother.
• Quote: “My grandparents played a really big role in it… taking care of my grandfather and grandmother when they were sick… that kind of molded my pathway into nursing.” – Stephanie Kim [01:19]

Bridging Science and Beauty: Entering Aesthetics

[01:32-02:10]

• Stephanie always loved the beauty industry but felt most drawn to the technical and scientific side rather than artistry.
• She discovered medical aesthetics while researching ways to blend her skills and passions.
• Quote: “I'm very, like, sciency and technical. So I kind of wanted to figure out a way to like, bridge both worlds. And I found medical aesthetics…” – Stephanie Kim [01:35]

Taking the Entrepreneurial Leap

[02:21-02:54]

• The decision to launch her business was influenced by Jaclyn and catalyzed at a wellness expo.
• Stephanie emphasizes the importance of self-confidence—and a little bit of ‘delusion’—in making big jumps.
• Quote: “You need to be, like, overly confident in yourself and overly confident that it's gonna work out and slightly delusional at the same time.” – Stephanie Kim [02:40]

Hitting Rock Bottom and Re-Evaluating Career

[03:23-04:34]

• The stress and limitations of bedside nursing, exacerbated by insurance-driven constraints and burnout, especially during the pandemic, led Stephanie to seek a more authentic and flexible path.
• She highlights wanting to maintain compassion and avoid burnout, ultimately inspiring her transition from bedside care to aesthetics.
• Quote: “I want to be the type of nurse that… can be authentic to me and still kind of, like, create my own pathway in nursing as well as in the beauty realm and aesthetics.” – Stephanie Kim [04:15]

The Entrepreneurial Lifestyle: Rewards & Realities

[04:34-05:38]

• While entrepreneurship offers flexibility and the chance to set your own company culture, it also comes with nonstop demands.
• Stephanie underscores the value of creating an authentic environment aligned with her personal vision.
• Quote: “…you are literally working 24 hours a day and eight days a week. But it does give you ability to make your own decisions and kind of create a culture… authentic to your vision…” – Stephanie Kim [05:14]

Self-Presentation and Personal Brand

[05:38-07:24]

• Discussion on Stephanie’s choice to wear black—a color she views as classic, powerful, and versatile. Jaclyn points out the psychological impact of color in visibility and branding.
• Quote: “I think it is a statement piece. I think it's timeless, it's classic… you could really get away with just about any outfit in black.” – Stephanie Kim [06:17]

Legacy in a Sentence

[07:25-08:42]

• Stephanie reflects on the phrase “create your own opportunities,” symbolized by her tattoo and experiences.
• She advocates for “no gatekeeping” in the industry and empowering others through transparency and support.
• Quote: “Part of what I stand for is, like, the no gatekeeping, transparency. Like, I'm truly a girl's girl…” – Stephanie Kim [08:22]

Fun, Games, and Favorites

[09:01-10:26]

• Beauty Product Essential: Color Science tinted sunscreen, Flex Shield in tan.
• Go-to Coffee Order: Caramel mocha iced latte, any coffee shop.
• Dream Celebrity Client: Jennifer Lopez—Stephanie would love to inject her, poking fun at the “all natural” claim.
• Cat Cuddles vs. Runway Adrenaline: Stephanie is a self-confessed cat lover but also thrives in the excitement of runway production.

Stephanie’s Theme Songs

[10:33-11:58]

• Big Energy (Latto), Whole Lotta Money (Bia), and Hustlin’ (Rick Ross) reflect her entrepreneurial spirit and ambitions.
• She gravitates most toward “Big Energy” for its affirmation on the importance of authenticity and attracting the right people.
• Quote: “You have to own your personality and I think that's what attracts clients to you… the energy you put out… I'm a super firm believer in that.” – Stephanie Kim [11:36]
• Fun Fact: Stephanie once provided wellness IVs to Latto and her team in Boston.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You need to be…overly confident in yourself and…slightly delusional at the same time.” – Stephanie Kim [02:40]
• “I want to be the type of nurse…that can be authentic to me and still…create my own pathway…in aesthetics.” – Stephanie Kim [04:15]
• “I'm truly a girl's girl. Like, if you're in my circle, I'm in your circle.” – Stephanie Kim [08:22]
• On entrepreneurship: “You are literally working 24 hours a day and eight days a week.” – Stephanie Kim [05:14]
• On her dream client: “JLo… like, girl, if you get your injections, it's all good, you know, like, I want to inject you. Just own it.” – Stephanie Kim [10:11]

Important Timestamps

• [01:19] Stephanie’s journey into nursing
• [02:21] Launching her own business
• [03:23] Rock bottom and pivot point
• [04:34] Life as an entrepreneur
• [05:38] The symbolism of wearing black and personal presentation
• [07:25] Legacy in a sentence
• [09:01] Rapid-fire favorites: beauty, coffee, celebrity client
• [10:33] The playlist and authenticity

Takeaways for Listeners

• Follow your intuition, even if that means pivoting away from what’s expected.
• Self-belief and a willingness to “be slightly delusional” empower bold career moves.
• Authenticity and community over gatekeeping: helping others only adds to your own growth.
• Your story, self-presentation, and energy are central to your public-facing brand.
• The road to entrepreneurial success is rarely linear—but it’s built on resilience, transparency, and embracing your unique experiences.